(The superstructure of) al-Islam is raised on five (pillars), i. e. the oneness of Allah, the establishment of prayer, payment of Zakat, the, fast of Ramadan, Pilgrimage (to Mecca). A person said (to 'Abdullah b. Umar the narrator): Which of the two precedes the other-Pilgrimage or the fasts of Rarnadan? Upon this he (the narrator) replied: No (it is not the Pilgrimage first) but the fasts of Ramadan precede the Pilgrimage.
The Five Pillars of Islam
This hadith from Sahih Muslim establishes the foundational pillars upon which the entire structure of Islam is built. These five pillars represent the essential acts of worship that define a Muslim's relationship with Allah and constitute the practical manifestation of faith.
The First Pillar: Declaration of Faith
The testimony that "There is no god but Allah and Muhammad is His Messenger" forms the bedrock of Islamic belief. This declaration (Shahada) establishes Tawhid (divine unity) and acknowledges Prophet Muhammad's role as the final messenger.
The Second Pillar: Ritual Prayer
The five daily prayers (Salah) maintain the believer's constant connection with Allah. They serve as regular reminders of one's purpose in life and provide spiritual discipline throughout the day.
The Third Pillar: Obligatory Charity
Zakat purifies wealth and establishes social justice by requiring Muslims to give a portion of their savings to the needy. This act fosters community solidarity and prevents wealth concentration.
The Fourth Pillar: Fasting Ramadan
The annual fast during Ramadan develops self-restraint, spiritual awareness, and empathy for the less fortunate. Ibn Umar's clarification emphasizes that fasting precedes Hajj in the pillars' enumeration.
The Fifth Pillar: Pilgrimage to Mecca
Hajj represents the ultimate act of worship for those physically and financially capable. It symbolizes the unity of the Muslim ummah and commemorates the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim.
Scholarly Commentary
The sequential listing does not indicate superiority but rather logical progression from belief to practice. The clarification about fasting preceding Hajj addresses potential confusion in understanding the pillars' order.
These pillars collectively encompass the essential dimensions of Islamic worship: belief, physical devotion, social responsibility, self-purification, and communal unity.