The Five Pillars

The Five Pillars are the core acts that guide a Muslim’s faith and practice. They are: Shahada (faith declaration, affirming belief in one God and Muhammad’s prophethood); Salah (prayer performed five times daily facing Mecca); Zakat (charitable giving to help those in need); Sawm (fasting from dawn to sunset during Ramadan to develop self-discipline and empathy); and Hajj (a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in a lifetime for those able). These pillars shape a Muslim’s spiritual life and community involvement, fostering devotion, charity, discipline, and unity.