Duties of a Muslim: The Pillars of Islam
Islam establishes a comprehensive framework for spiritual, moral, and social guidance. Central to this faith are the five pillars, which serve as the foundation of a Muslim’s life. These pillars are rooted in the Quran and authentic Hadith, providing a roadmap for fulfilling one’s duties to Allah and the community. Let’s explore each pillar with its associated Quranic verses and authentic sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
1. Testimony - Bearing Witness
Lā ilāha illallāh, Muḥammadur Rasūlullāh.
Translation: "There is no god except Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah."
This declaration of faith affirms a Muslim’s belief in the oneness of Allah and the prophethood of Muhammad (peace be upon him). It is the foundation of Islam and the first step in becoming a Muslim.
Quranic Reference: "Allah witnesses that there is no deity except Him, and [so do] the angels and those of knowledge - [that He is] maintaining [creation] in justice. There is no deity except Him, the Exalted in Might, the Wise.." (Surah Aal-E-Imran 3:18)
Reflection: By sincerely affirming this belief, Muslims commit to a life of worship and obedience to Allah, avoiding any form of idolatry or associating partners with Him.
2. Prayer (Salah) - 5 Times a Day
Prayer is the second pillar of Islam and a daily act of worship that connects Muslims to Allah. It is performed five times a day:
Fajr: Morning prayer before sunrise (2 rak‘at).
Dhuhr: Noon prayer (4 rak‘at).
Asr: Afternoon prayer (4 rak‘at).
Maghrib: Evening prayer after sunset (3 rak‘at).
Isha: Night prayer (4 rak‘at).
Quranic Reference: "Indeed, prayer has been decreed upon the believers a decree of specified times." (Surah An-Nisa 4:103)
Authentic Hadith: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "The first deed for which a person will be brought to account on the Day of Resurrection will be his Salah." (Sunan Abu Dawood, 864)
Muslims are encouraged to adhere strictly to the prescribed timings, which vary by location. Accurate timings can be found through platforms like Islamic Finder.
3. Fasting (Sawm) - The Month of Ramadan
Fasting during Ramadan is an act of worship that involves refraining from food, drink, and sinful behavior from dawn (Fajr) to sunset (Maghrib).
Quranic Reference: "O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous." (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:183)
Authentic Hadith: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever fasts during Ramadan out of sincere faith and hoping for a reward, his past sins will be forgiven." (Sahih Bukhari, 38)
The beginning and end of Ramadan are determined by the sighting of the moon. It is a month of heightened spiritual devotion, culminating in the celebration of Eid al-Fitr.
4. Zakat - Charity
Zakat, the obligatory almsgiving, requires Muslims to donate 2.5% of their savings to those in need. It purifies wealth and fosters social equity.
Quranic Reference: "Take, [O Muhammad], from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them increase, and invoke [Allah's blessings] upon them. Indeed, your invocations are reassurance for them. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing." (Surah At-Tawbah 9:103)
Authentic Hadith: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Charity does not decrease wealth. No one forgives another except that Allah increases his honor. And no one humbles himself for the sake of Allah except that Allah raises him in status." (Sahih Muslim, 2588)
5. Hajj - Pilgrimage
Hajj is the pilgrimage to Mecca, performed once in a lifetime by those who are physically and financially able. It occurs during the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah.
Quranic Reference: "And [due] to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House—for whoever is able to find thereto a way. But whoever disbelieves—then indeed, Allah is free from need of the worlds." (Surah Aal-E-Imran 3:97)
Authentic Hadith: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever performs Hajj and does not commit any obscenity or wrongdoing will come out as the day he was born—pure and free from sins." (Sahih Bukhari, 1521)
Hajj rituals include standing at Arafat, Tawaf (circling the Kaaba), and symbolic acts like the stoning of the devil. It symbolizes submission to Allah and unity among Muslims.
Conclusion
The five pillars of Islam provide a structured path to spiritual fulfillment and community harmony. By adhering to these principles, Muslims strengthen their relationship with Allah and contribute to a just and compassionate society. Each pillar underscores the importance of faith, discipline, and service—hallmarks of a devoted Muslim life.
Duties of a muslim
the 4 pillars of islam:
1. KALIMA- bearing witness
2. PRAYER- 5 times a day
3. FASTING - month of ramadan
4. ZAKKAT - charity
5. HAJJ - pilgrimage
1 . KALIMA - Bearing witness
لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا ٱللَّٰهُ مُحَمَّدٌ رَسُولُ ٱللَّٰهِ
la ilaha illallaah muhammadhan rasoolullaah.
There is no god except Allah.
and muhammad is the prophet of god.
"There is no god except Allah." say this from the heart and stand firm on this. and never associate partners to him.
we have to accept muhammad is the prophet of Allah and follow him how much we can.
2. PRAYER - 5 times a day
we have to pray 5 times a day.
1. fajr morning before sunrise. (2 rakat)
2. duhr - noon (4 rak'at)
3. 'asr - afternoon (4 rak'at)
4. maghreb - twilight (3 rak'at)
5. 'isha - after the sunset (4 rak'at)
The above timings are approximate but the timings has to follow between the correct local timeframes.
please click the link and search your country for exact timings of prayer.
https://www.islamicfinder.org/world/
Those are compulsory prayers and also have extra prayers but not compulsory.
3. FASTING
The fasting is the act of worship to make fasting almost 30 days in month of ramadan.
those days we can't eat anything until that time of break the fast.
The month decided by seeing the local moon.
(starting time approximately before fajr prayer until maghrib prayer)
4. ZAKKAT - charity
Every muslim has to pay charity 2.5% from their earning.
(£25 from £1000)
5. HAJJ - pilgrimage
A muslim has to perform pilgrimage to mecca at least once in his lifetime, if it's within their ability.