Pillars of islam (arkan al islam) mean the five basic actions that are essential for an Islamic believer to stay in islam and achieve success in akhirah. Just like a building cannot stand tall without its poles or columns, the same way, Islam stands on its five key elements. A muslim can achieve complete Islamic faith by observing and following these five key components of islam ( The Five Pillars of Islam India ).
Shahadah
It is the first pillar of islam and gateway to the path of truth. It is the witness or expression of belief that one accepts islam. It is the concept that, “There is no God but God and Muhammad is his prophet.” This is the core faith of islam that there is one lord, the great and merciful Allah and holy prophet Muhammad SAW is His messenger. One does not only have to express but also accept it from his heart in order to be in the circle of islam. All good deeds are meaningless if this basic faith is not rooted deep in the person.
Salah (prayer)
Salah means expression of humbleness towards allah through certain verses and actions on five specific times,a day.it is the second and important pillar of islam. It is the first thing to be askked about in the grave and akhirah. It is very important for physical mental and spiritual wellbeing of a believer. Quran 6:162 Say, “Indeed, my prayer, my rites of sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allah, Lord of the worlds.
Saum (Fasting)
The third pillar of islam is saum or siyam. It means to abstain from food, sins and sexual acts from dawn to dusk for thirty days in ninth month of islam (Ramadan).It detoxifies soul and body of all the negativities. It provides strength and self-control.“O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, even as it was prescribed for those before you that ye may ward off (evil);
Zakat (alms giving)
It is the fourth pillar of islam. It the Islamic way of wealth flow in society. It means to devote 2.5 percent of total wealth of an able person for needy and less privileged people of society. It inculcates unity by connecting rich people to the poor. It gives financial prosperity to the society. Islam emphasizes on helping poor people otherwise, this extra sum will lead to the hellfire. “Of their goods, take zakat, so that you might purify and sanctify them.” (9:103, Qur’an)
Hajj (pilgrimage to mecca)
It is the fourth and socially most important pillar of islam. It means to visit mecca in last Islamic month, zilhaj to perform specific rituals. It can only be performedby financially sound and healthy people .It is obligatory for able people once a lifetime. It connects muslims from all over the world and biggest expression of unity.
Indeed, as-Safa and al-Marwah are among the symbols of Allah. Therefore, whoever makes Hajj to the House or performs ‘umrah – there is no blame upon him for walking between them.
And whoever volunteers good – then indeed, Allah is appreciative and Knowing. (2:158)
