Pillars of Islam – JSS1 Islamic Studies Lesson Note (First Term)

Islam is one of the world’s major religions. The word “Islam” means “submission to the will of Allah (God)” and “peace.” A person who follows Islam is called a Muslim. Muslims believe that Islam is built on five important practices. These five practices are called the Five Pillars of Islam. They form the foundation of Muslim life and represent the basic duties that every Muslim must fulfill. This lesson will explain each of these pillars in a simple way.

Overview of the Five Pillars

The Five Pillars of Islam are:

1. Shahadah: Declaration of Faith
2. Salah: Prayer
3. Zakat: Giving to Charity
4. Sawm: Fasting during Ramadan
5. Hajj: Pilgrimage to Makkah

These pillars were taught by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and are mentioned in the Quran and Hadith (sayings and actions of the Prophet). Each pillar represents an act of worship and a way to show devotion to Allah.

First Pillar: Shahadah (Declaration of Faith)

What is Shahadah?

Shahadah is the declaration of faith in Islam. It is a simple statement that Muslims believe in and say to show they are Muslim.

The Words of Shahadah

The Shahadah in Arabic is: “Ash-hadu an la ilaha illa Allah, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan Rasul Allah“

This means: “I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah“

Importance of Shahadah

• It is the first step to becoming a Muslim
• Muslims repeat it during their daily prayers
• It is whispered into the ears of newborn babies
• Muslims try to make it the last words they say before death
• It expresses the two basic beliefs of Islam: belief in One God and belief in Prophet Muhammad as His messenger

How Shahadah Affects Muslim Life

When a person declares the Shahadah with sincere belief:

• They accept Allah as the only God worthy of worship
• They accept Muhammad as Allah’s final prophet and messenger
• They agree to follow the teachings of Islam
• They become part of the global Muslim community (Ummah)

Second Pillar: Salah (Prayer)

What is Salah?

Salah is the ritual prayer that Muslims perform five times each day. It is a direct link between the worshipper and Allah.

The Five Daily Prayers

Muslims pray five times a day:

1. Fajr: Dawn prayer, before sunrise
2. Dhuhr: Noon prayer, just after midday
3. Asr: Afternoon prayer, in the late afternoon
4. Maghrib: Sunset prayer, just after sunset
5. Isha: Night prayer, after darkness has fallen

How Muslims Perform Salah

Before praying, Muslims must:

• Perform Wudu (ritual washing) to be clean
• Face toward the Kaaba in Makkah (this direction is called the Qibla)
• Have clean clothes and pray on a clean surface

The prayer includes:

• Standing
• Bowing
• Prostrating (touching the forehead to the ground)
• Sitting
• Reciting verses from the Quran, especially Surah Al-Fatihah
• Saying specific prayers and phrases at each position

Importance of Salah

• Reminds Muslims of Allah throughout the day
• Helps Muslims develop discipline and focus
• Brings Muslims together when they pray in congregation
• Was described by Prophet Muhammad as “the pillar of religion”
• Connects Muslims to Allah five times daily

Special Prayers

Besides the five daily prayers, there are other important prayers:

• Jumu’ah: Friday congregational prayer that replaces Dhuhr
• Eid Prayers: Special prayers for the two major Islamic festivals
• Taraweeh: Extra night prayers during Ramadan
• Janazah: Funeral prayer

Third Pillar: Zakat (Charity)

What is Zakat?

Zakat is the giving of a portion of one’s wealth to those in need. It is not just charity but a required duty for Muslims who have enough wealth.

How Zakat Works

• Muslims who have wealth above a certain amount (called nisab) must give 2.5% of their qualifying wealth each year
• This wealth includes money, gold, silver, stocks, merchandise, and livestock
• The Islamic lunar year is used to calculate when Zakat is due

Who Receives Zakat

The Quran specifies eight categories of people who can receive Zakat:

1. The poor
2. The needy
3. Zakat collectors
4. Those whose hearts are to be reconciled
5. Those in bondage (slaves and captives)
6. Those in debt
7. In the cause of Allah
8. Travelers in need

Importance of Zakat

• Purifies wealth and the heart from greed
• Helps reduce poverty in the community
• Creates a sense of brotherhood and care
• Reminds Muslims that wealth belongs to Allah
• Teaches gratitude for blessings received

Zakat Al-Fitr

There is a special type of Zakat called Zakat Al-Fitr that is given at the end of Ramadan before Eid prayer. It is a small amount of food or money given by every Muslim, even children.

Fourth Pillar: Sawm (Fasting)

What is Sawm?

Sawm is fasting during the month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn until sunset.

Rules of Fasting

During the fast, Muslims must avoid:

• Eating and drinking (even water)
• Marital relations during daylight hours
• Smoking
• Bad behavior like lying, fighting, or backbiting

Who Must Fast

• All adult Muslims who are healthy and able
• Children are not required to fast but may practice to learn
• Some people are exempt, including:
  1. Travelers
  2. Sick people
  3. Elderly who cannot fast
  4. Pregnant or nursing women
  5. Women during menstruation

Those who are temporarily unable to fast should make up the days later. Those permanently unable to fast should feed a poor person for each day missed.

A Typical Day in Ramadan

• Suhoor: Pre-dawn meal before fasting begins
• Fasting all day while continuing normal activities
• Iftar: Breaking the fast at sunset, often with dates and water
• Taraweeh: Special night prayers after Isha prayer

Importance of Sawm

• Teaches self-discipline and control
• Creates empathy for those who are hungry
• Encourages generosity and charity
• Brings the community together for Iftar meals
• Is a time for increased prayer and Quran reading
• Helps Muslims focus on their spiritual life

Eid Al-Fitr

At the end of Ramadan, Muslims celebrate Eid Al-Fitr, a festival of breaking the fast. This is a joyous day of prayer, visiting family, giving gifts, and celebrating.

Fifth Pillar: Hajj (Pilgrimage)

What is Hajj?

Hajj is the pilgrimage to Makkah in Saudi Arabia that Muslims must perform once in their lifetime if they are physically and financially able. It takes place during the 12th month of the Islamic calendar, called Dhul-Hijjah.

Rituals of Hajj

Hajj involves several rituals over five to six days:

1. Ihram: Entering a special state of purity and wearing simple white garments
2. Tawaf: Walking around the Kaaba seven times
3. Sa’i: Walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah seven times
4. Standing at Arafat: Praying on the plain of Arafat on the 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah
5. Muzdalifah: Collecting pebbles for the next ritual
6. Rami al-Jamarat: Symbolically stoning the devil
7. Animal Sacrifice: Commemorating Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son
8. Final Tawaf: Walking around the Kaaba one last time

Importance of Hajj

• Represents unity as Muslims from all over the world gather in one place
• Reminds Muslims of the equality of all people before Allah
• Connects Muslims to Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his family
• Teaches patience, perseverance, and submission to Allah
• Is a chance for spiritual renewal and forgiveness of sins

Eid Al-Adha

During Hajj, Muslims worldwide celebrate Eid Al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice). Even those not performing Hajj celebrate by:

• Performing special prayers
• Sacrificing an animal and sharing the meat with family, friends, and the poor
• Visiting family and friends
• Giving gifts

How the Five Pillars Work Together

The Five Pillars of Islam work together to shape the life of a Muslim:

• Shahadah establishes belief and identity as a Muslim
• Salah puts that belief into practice through daily worship
• Zakat extends that practice to care for the community
• Sawm deepens self-discipline and God-consciousness
• Hajj brings together all these elements in a life-changing journey

Together, these pillars help Muslims to:

• Remember Allah throughout their day
• Develop good character
• Build strong communities
• Balance spiritual and worldly life
• Live according to Islam in a practical way

Stories About the Pillars

Prophet Muhammad and Prayer

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Prayer is the pillar of religion.” He was very strict about never missing prayers and would pray even when he was ill or traveling.

The Generosity of Companions

The companions of the Prophet were known for their generosity in giving Zakat. Some would give half their wealth or more. Uthman ibn Affan once provided a whole caravan of supplies when the Muslim community was in need.

Prophet Muhammad’s Last Hajj

In the 10th year after moving to Madinah, Prophet Muhammad performed his only Hajj. This is called the “Farewell Pilgrimage.” During this Hajj, he taught Muslims how to perform the rituals correctly and gave his final sermon to thousands of followers.

Modern Application of the Five Pillars

In Muslim-Majority Countries

• Stores and restaurants close during prayer times
• Work hours change during Ramadan
• Zakat may be collected by the government
• Special facilities and arrangements for Hajj pilgrims

For Muslims in Non-Muslim Countries

• Prayer rooms in schools and workplaces
• Flexible work schedules during Ramadan
• Community Zakat funds and organizations
• Travel agencies specializing in Hajj and Umrah packages

Common Questions About the Five Pillars

Are the Five Pillars All That Matter in Islam?

No, Islam also includes:

• Beliefs (like belief in angels, holy books, and the Day of Judgment)
• Moral teachings and ethics
• Rules for family life and business
• Guidelines for social relations

The pillars are the foundation, but a complete Islamic life includes much more.

Why Are They Called “Pillars”?

They are called pillars because:

• Like pillars that support a building, they support the faith of a Muslim
• Without them, the structure of Islamic practice would be incomplete
• They are the visible, practical demonstrations of faith

Conclusion

The Five Pillars of Islam provide the foundation for Muslim life and worship. They connect Muslims to Allah, to each other, and to their own spiritual growth. Through the Five Pillars, Muslims express their faith, develop discipline, show compassion, and build community. While Islam includes many other beliefs and practices, these five pillars remain at the center of Islamic life around the world.

Evaluation

1. List the Five Pillars of Islam in order.
2. What is the meaning of the Shahadah, and why is it important?
3. Explain the five daily prayers and when they are performed.
4. How much of their wealth do Muslims give as Zakat, and who can receive it?
5. What month do Muslims fast in, and what are the rules of fasting?
6. Describe two important rituals that are part of Hajj.

Classwork

Answer the following questions:

1. List the Five Pillars of Islam in order.
2. What is the meaning of the Shahadah, and why is it important?
3. Explain the five daily prayers and when they are performed.
4. How much of their wealth do Muslims give as Zakat, and who can receive it?
5. What month do Muslims fast in, and what are the rules of fasting?
6. Descr