Northern Virginia Community College

What are the Five Pillars of Islam

  1. The belief (Imaan) that there is no God to be worshiped except Allaah (the one God) and that Muhammad (peace and blessings of God be upon him) is his messenger.
  2. Performing the prescribed prayers ( Salaat ), five times a day.
  3. Fasting (Siyaam) once a year, from sunrise to sunset throughout the entire month of Ramadaan.
  4. Charity (Zakaat) which is paid to the poor and needy once every year.
  5. Hajj, which is the pilgrimage to Mecca once in a lifetime if one is physically able and can afford it financially.

Pillars are a part of a building. Usually a pillar holds the building in its standing position as the Five Pillars of Islam are to hold a human being from falling apart and losing faith. If you would like a more detailed description of the Five Pillars and their meanings, you can click here.

Provided by www.islam-qa.com