The 5 Pillars of Islam
The five acts of worship that form the framework of a Muslim's life, with evidence from the Qur'an and Sunnah.
The five pillars of Islam are the foundation of Muslim practice. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Islam is built upon five: the testimony that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is His Messenger, the prayer, the Zakat, the Hajj, and fasting Ramadan." — Sahih al-Bukhari 8; Sahih Muslim 16.
On this page
1. Shahada — the declaration of faith
The Shahada is the testimony: "There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah." It is the entry into Islam and the summary of its belief in the oneness of Allah and the finality of the Prophet's message.
لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ مُحَمَّدٌ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ
La ilaha illa Allah, Muhammadun rasul Allah
"There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah."
2. Salah — the five daily prayers
Salah is performed five times a day: Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib and Isha. The Qur'an says: "Indeed, prayer has been decreed upon the believers at specified times." — Surah An-Nisa 4:103.
Check accurate times for your city on our prayer times page.
3. Zakat — the annual charity
Zakat is a fixed 2.5% of qualifying wealth held for one lunar year, given to those entitled to it. The Qur'an says: "Take from their wealth a charity by which you purify them." — Surah At-Tawbah 9:103.
Work out yours with the Zakat calculator, and read how to calculate Zakat on gold and silver.
4. Sawm — fasting in Ramadan
Fasting from dawn to sunset during Ramadan. The Qur'an says: "O you who have believed, fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become righteous." — Surah Al-Baqarah 2:183.
5. Hajj — the pilgrimage
Hajj to Makkah is obligatory once in a lifetime for those who are physically and financially able. The Qur'an says: "And pilgrimage to the House is a duty owed to Allah by those who are able to undertake it." — Surah Al-Imran 3:97.
Learn the rites: How to perform Hajj and How to perform Umrah.