The 5 Pillars of Islam and the Articles of Faith

The Five Pillars of Islam (Acts of Worship):

These are the core practices that every Muslim is expected to follow:

1. Shahada:

• The declaration of faith:

   أَشْهَدُ أَلَّا إِلَه إِلَّا اللَّه، وَأَشْهَدُ أَنْ مُحَمَّدًا رَسُولُ اللَّه

“There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His messenger.”

• This affirms the monotheistic belief in Allah and the acceptance of Muhammad as the final prophet.

2. Salat:

• Performing the five daily prayers at their prescribed times:

  • Fajr

  • Dhuhr

  • Asr

  • Maghrib

  • Isha

• These prayers strengthen the connection between the yourself and Allah.

3. Zakat (Charity):

• Giving 2.5% of one’s accumulated wealth to those in need.

• This promotes social justice and helps reduce inequality.

4. Sawm (Fasting):

• Fasting during the month of Ramadan from dawn to sunset.

• This fosters self-discipline, empathy, and spiritual reflection.

5. Hajj:

• A pilgrimage to Mecca, required once in a lifetime for those who are physically and financially able.

• It symbolizes unity, equality, and devotion to God.

The Six Articles of Faith (Core Beliefs):

These are the fundamental beliefs that shape a Muslim’s worldview:

1. Belief in Allah (God):

   • The oneness, supremacy, and absolute sovereignty of Allah.

   • He has no partners, children, or equals.

2. Belief in Angels (Mala'ika):

   • Angels are created from light and carry out God’s commands.

   • Examples: Jibreel, the angel of revelation, and Mikail, who brings rain.

3. Belief in Divine Books:

   • Muslims believe in the divine scriptures revealed by God:

     • The Qur’an (final revelation).

     • Previous scriptures: Torah (Moses), Psalms (David), and Gospel (Jesus).

     • The Qur’an is considered the only scripture that remains unchanged.

4. Belief in Prophets (Nabi and Rasul):

   • Belief in all of God’s messengers, from Adam to Muhammad (peace be upon them).

   • Muhammad is the last and final prophet.

5. Belief in the Day of Judgment:

   • The belief that all humans will be resurrected and judged for their deeds.

   • Based on their actions, they will either enter Paradise (Jannah) or Hell (Jahannam).

6. Belief in Divine Decree (Qadr):

   • The belief in God’s predestination and absolute knowledge of all things.

   • However, muslims still have free will and are accountable for their choices.