A man said to him: "Why don't you go out and fight?" He said: "I heard the Messenger of Allah [SAW] say: 'Islam is built on five (pillars): Testimony that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, establishing Salah, giving Zakah, Hajj, and fasting Ramadan.'"
The Book Of Faith and its Signs - Sunan an-Nasa'i 5001
A man said to him: "Why don't you go out and fight?" He said: "I heard the Messenger of Allah [SAW] say: 'Islam is built on five (pillars): Testimony that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, establishing Salah, giving Zakah, Hajj, and fasting Ramadan.'"
Scholarly Commentary
This narration establishes the fundamental pillars upon which the entire structure of Islam rests. The five pillars represent the essential acts of worship that define a Muslim's relationship with Allah.
The Shahadah (testimony of faith) is the foundation, affirming Allah's exclusive right to worship. Salah (prayer) maintains the spiritual connection, Zakah purifies wealth and supports society, Sawm (fasting) cultivates piety, and Hajj demonstrates unity and submission.
The companion's response demonstrates proper prioritization of religious obligations. While jihad has its place in Islam, it does not supersede these foundational pillars that sustain individual and communal faith.
Legal and Spiritual Implications
This hadith serves as a primary textual evidence for the classification of Islam's essential obligations. Scholars unanimously agree these five constitute the minimum requirements for one to be considered a Muslim in practice.
The response illustrates that not all Muslims are obligated to perform every form of jihad simultaneously. The pillars provide the spiritual foundation that must be maintained even during times of military struggle.