The Shahada is the first and most important pillar of Islam. It is the declaration of faith that every Muslim must make to enter the fold of Islam.

Translation: "I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah."

Importance

• It is the foundation of Islamic belief
• It distinguishes a Muslim from a non-Muslim
• It must be said with sincerity and understanding
• It should be recited in Arabic

Conditions of Shahada

• Knowledge (Ilm): Understanding its meaning
• Certainty (Yaqeen): Being certain of its truth
• Sincerity (Ikhlas): Saying it purely for Allah
• Truthfulness (Sidq): Being truthful in saying it
• Love (Mahabbah): Loving Allah and His Messenger
• Acceptance (Qubool): Accepting its requirements
• Submission (Inqiyad): Submitting to its commands

Salah is the second pillar of Islam and is the daily prayer that Muslims perform five times a day.

Timing of Prayers

Importance

• Direct connection with Allah
• Purification of the soul
• Discipline and time management
• Unity among Muslims

Requirements for Prayer

Steps of Prayer

1. Takbir (Opening)
2. Qiyam (Standing)
3. Ruku (Bowing)
4. Sujood (Prostration)
5. Tashahhud (Sitting)
6. Tasleem (Ending)

Zakat is the third pillar of Islam and is the obligatory charity that Muslims must give to those in need.

Conditions for Zakat

Nisab (Minimum Amount)

• Gold: 85 grams
• Silver: 595 grams
• Cash: Equivalent to above
• Rate: 2.5% of total wealth

Recipients of Zakat

• The poor
• The needy
• Those employed to collect Zakat
• Those whose hearts are to be reconciled
• To free slaves
• Those in debt
• In the cause of Allah
• Wayfarers

Sawm is the fourth pillar of Islam and refers to fasting during the month of Ramadan.

Types of Fasting

• Obligatory (Ramadan)
• Recommended (Mondays and Thursdays)
• Prohibited (Eid days)

Requirements for Fasting

Who is Exempt?

• Children (before puberty)
• The elderly
• The sick
• Travelers
• Pregnant women
• Nursing mothers

Benefits of Fasting

• Spiritual purification
• Self-discipline
• Empathy for the poor
• Health benefits
• Increased taqwa (God-consciousness)

Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam and is the pilgrimage to Makkah that every able Muslim must perform at least once in their lifetime.

Conditions for Hajj

Main Rituals

1. Ihram (Entering the state of pilgrimage)
2. Tawaf (Circling the Kaaba)
3. Sa'i (Walking between Safa and Marwa)
4. Standing at Arafat
5. Stoning the Jamarat
6. Sacrifice
7. Shaving/Cutting hair

Benefits of Hajj

• Complete forgiveness of sins
• Spiritual renewal
• Unity of Muslims
• Following the footsteps of Prophet Ibrahim
• Increased taqwa