THE FIVE PILLARS OF ISLAM , ( WHAT IS ISLAM)

                       FIVE PILLARS OF ISLAM

      Islam, is the world's second largest religion, is built upon five fundamental principles, known as the five pillars of Islam. these principles are the foundation of the Muslim faith, and they represent the basic obligations and practice that every Muslim is expected to follow. These five pillars are considered the cornerstone of Islamic practice, and they provide a framework for Muslim life. in this article, we will explore each of these pillar in detail. The five pillar of Islam represent the essential aspects of Muslim worship, morality, and social responsibility. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said:

 ''Islam based on five fundamentals: to proclaim but there is no God but Allah(SWT) and Muhammad (SAW) is the messenger of Allah, and to establish the Salah, and pay Zakat, to offer pilgrimage of the Kaaba (Hajj), and to fast during Ramadan.''   (Sahih Bukhari no 7)

1.The testimony of faith {Shahada}

 The first and most important pillar of Islam is the shahada, which is the testimony of faith. this declaration is considered the most important thing a person can say in their lifetime. it is a simple statement that affirm that ''there is no God but Allah (SWT), and that prophet Muhammad (SAW) is his prophet.'' By saying this, a person is affirming their belief in the one God, and their acceptance of Muhammad (SAW) as the final prophet of God.  The shahada is often recited in Arabic, and it is an essential part of the Muslim declaration of faith. it is recite during the conversion to Islam, and it is also reciting during salah, as a way reaffirming one's faith. The shahada is the foundation of the Muslim faith, and it serves as a constant reminder of the importance of God every expect of life. The shahada is considered the most important of pillar of Islam because it represents the Muslim commitment to their faith and their acceptance  of it fundamental beliefs. 

2.Prayer {Salah}

women performing salah

     The second pillar of Islam is salah, salah is a obligatory form of worship for every Muslim. Muslims are required pray salah five times a day on their prescribed time. these prayer are performed facing towards the Kaaba in mecca, and the salah involves a specific set of physical movement standing, bowing, and prostrating while reciting verses from the Quran. performing salah is the way to connect with Allah (SWT) and to seek forgiveness for sins and seek his guidance and blessings.                                                         Muslims are required to perform the salah in a clean place, facing the direction of the Kaaba in Makkah, which is considered the holiest place in Islam. the salah helps Muslims to maintain their spiritual connection with Allah (SWT) and to remain mindful of their duties and responsibilities towards him.

Allah says in the Quran: ''And I (Allah) created not the jinn and humans except they should worship me alone,''{Quran 51:56}

3.Charity {Zakat}

The third pillar of Islam is the zakat (charity). Muslims are required to give a portion of their wealth to those in need , typically 2.5% of their annual income. these charity known as zakat, and it is one of the most important form of worship in Islam. zakat serves  as a way to purify wealth and remind Muslims of their duty to help those in need. it is given to the poor, orphans, widows, needy, and those who are in debt. Zakat is also used to support Islamic institutions such as mosques and schools. Zakat is the obligatory charity that Muslim are required to give. The concept of zakat is based on the belief that everything in this world belongs to Allah (SWT). Zakat is a way to give back to society and full fill towards Allah (SWT).The act of Zakat  is not only an obligation but also an act of compassion and solidarity with the less fortunate.

Allah says in the holy Quran: ''Zakat expenditures are only for poor and for the needy and for those employed to collect ( zakat) and for bringing hearts together (for Islam) and for freeing captives (or slaves) and for those in debt and for the cause of Allah and for the (stranded) traveler-an obligation (imposed) by Allah(SWT). And Allah (SWT) is full of knowledge and wisdom.''{Quran 9:60}

4.Swam {fasting}

Muslim lady having Iftar

The fourth pillar of Islam is fasting, which is observed during the holy month of Ramadan . Muslims are required to abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn until sunset. Fasting serves as a way to purify the soul and develop self-discipline and empathy for those who are less fortunate who may not have access to basic needs.                                                                                Fasting is not just about abstaining from food and drink; it also involves refraining from negative thoughts and actions. Muslims are encouraged to be more charitable, patient, read the Quran, perform other good deeds and kind during Ramadan                                                                              Allah says in the Quran: ''O you, who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al Muttaqun (the pious).''{Quran 2:183}                                                                             

5. Pilgrimage to mecca {Hajj}

     The fifth and final pillar of Islam is the Hajj, The pilgrimage to mecca that Muslim are required to make at least once in their lifetime if they are physically and financially able. The hajj takes place during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah (the last month of the Islamic year) and involves a series of rituals, including the circumambulation of the Kaaba, the running between the hill of Safa and Marwah, and the standing at mount Arafat. The hajj serves as a way for Muslims  to connect with Allah (SWT) and seek his forgiveness and blessings. The Hajj is the way of the teach importance of unity and equality in Islam, as pilgrims from all over the world. it also serves as a reminder of the day of judgement and the need to prepare for it. Hajj is a journey of spiritual significance, and it serves as a means of strengthening one's faith, seeking forgiveness, and unity with fellow Muslim from around the world. 

Allah (SWT) says in the Quran-

     ''And we made the house (the Kaaba) a place of return for the people and (a place of ) security. and take, ( O believers), from the standing place of Ibrahim (Abraham) a place of prayer. and we charged Ibrahim and Ismail, (saying), ''purify my house for those who perform tawaf and those who are staying (there) for worship and those who bow and prostrate.''{Quran 2:125}

 Complete Hajj and Umrah for Allah(SWT) (Quran 2:196)

     in another place, the Holy Quran states the following about the importance of Hajj,    Allah (SWT) says: ''Verily, the first house of worship appoint for mankind was that Makkah, full of blessings, and guidance for Al-Alamin (the mankind and jinns). in it are manifest signs (for example), the maqam (place) of Ibrahim (Abraham); whosoever enters it, he attains security. And Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah) to the house (Kaaba) is a duty that mankind owes to Allah(SWT), those who can afford the expenses ( for one's conveyance, provision, and residence); and whoever disbelieves [i.e. denies pilgrimage to Makkah (the Hajj), then he is a disbeliever of Allah ], then Allah (SWT) stands not in need of any of the Alamin (mankind and jinns).'' {Quran 3:96,97} 

    The Hajj wipes all the past sins of a person, Abu Hurairah (RA) reported that the prophet Muhammad (SAW) said -'' AnyTone that perform Hajj for Allah (SWT) pleasure and avoid all forms of sin will return free from all sins, similar to as he was on his birthday.'' 

conclusion

   In conclusion, the five pillar of Islam is obligatory for every Muslim. the five pillar of Islam are the essential practices and beliefs that from the foundation of Muslim faith and practice. These pillar include the declaration of faith{shahada},Namaz {salah}, Charity {Zakat], Fasting {Swam}, and Hajj. By following these pillars, Muslims seek to deepen their connection with Allah (SWT), to improve themselves, and to contribute to the betterment of society. The five pillar of Islam serves as a reminder of the importance of spiritual devotion, generosity, self-discipline, and the pursuit of unity among all Muslims. They are a testament to the core values of Islam and provide a roadmap for living a meaningful and fulfilling life according to the teaching of the prophet Muhammad (SAW). These pillar are providing a framework of  faith, worship, morality, and social responsibility. The five pillar of Islam guide Muslims in their daily lives, helping them to fulfill their obligation to Allah (SWT) and their fellow human beings.