#IslamicStudies #Hadith #ProphetSunnah

Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh. I am Zayd Haji, currently pursuing a Postgraduate Program in Islamic Science at Zad Academy. Today, I’m excited to share key insights from our latest Hadith lecture, which explores the core principles of Islamic faith and their significance in our lives.

Hadith Overview

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: "Islam is built on five pillars: the testimony that there is no god worthy of worship but Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, establishing the prayers, giving Zakat, fasting during Ramadan, and performing Hajj to the House [the Kaaba in Mecca]."

(2) Chapter: Your invocation means your faith

Narrated Ibn 'Umar:

Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said: Islam is based on (the following) five (principles):

1. To testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and Muhammad is Allah's Messenger (ﷺ).

2. To offer the (compulsory congregational) prayers dutifully and perfectly.

3. To pay Zakat (i.e. obligatory charity).

4. To perform Hajj. (i.e. Pilgrimage to Mecca)

5. To observe fast during the month of Ramadan.

Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 8

In-book reference: Book 2, Hadith 1

(5) Chapter: Clarifying the pillars of Islam and its grand supports

It is narrated on the authority of 'Abdullah son of 'Umar that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:

(The superstructure of) al-Islam is raised on five (pillars), testifying (the fact) that there is no god but Allah, that Muhammad is His bondsman and messenger, and the establishment of prayer, payment of Zakat, Pilgrimage to the House (Ka'ba) and the fast of Ramadan.

Reference: Sahih Muslim 16c

In-book reference: Book 1, Hadith 21

The Five Pillars Explained

Shahada (Testimony of Faith): Declaring that there is no deity but Allah, and Muhammad (ﷺ) is His Messenger. This declaration is the foundation of Islamic belief and practice.

Allah ˹Himself˺ is a Witness that there is no god ˹worthy of worship˺ except Him—and so are the angels and people of knowledge. He is the Maintainer of justice. There is no god ˹worthy of worship˺ except Him—the Almighty, All-Wise. (Qur'an 3:18)

Salah (Prayer): Performing the five daily prayers is a core practice for Muslims, connecting them with Allah regularly. It requires correct purification and proper performance.

Observe the ˹five obligatory˺ prayers—especially the middle prayer—and stand in true devotion to Allah.

(Qur'an 2:238)

Zakat (Charity): Giving Zakat helps purify wealth and supports those in need. Allah specifies eight categories of recipients in Surah At-Tawbah.

Alms-tax is only for the poor and the needy, for those employed to administer it, for those whose hearts are attracted ˹to the faith˺, for ˹freeing˺ slaves, for those in debt, for Allah’s cause, and for ˹needy˺ travellers. ˹This is˺ an obligation from Allah. And Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. (Qur'an 9:60)

Sawm (Fasting): Observing the fast during Ramadan is a means of spiritual reflection and self-discipline.

Ramaḍan is the month in which the Quran was revealed as a guide for humanity with clear proofs of guidance and the decisive authority. So whoever is present this month, let them fast. But whoever is ill or on a journey, then let them fast an equal number of days after Ramaḍan. Allah intends ease for you, not hardship, so that you may complete the prescribed period and proclaim the greatness of Allah for guiding you, and perhaps you will be grateful. (Qur'an 2:185)

Hajj (Pilgrimage): Undertaking the pilgrimage to Mecca, if able, is a profound act of worship and a demonstration of unity among Muslims.

Call all people to the pilgrimage. They will come to you on foot and on every lean camel from every distant path, (Qur'an 22:27)

Conclusion

The Five Pillars are central to Islam, forming the foundation of a Muslim's faith and practice. They are vital for spiritual and communal life. May Allah grant us the strength to uphold them faithfully.

Wa Alaikum Assalam wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.