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{{Short description|Five basic acts in Islam}}
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{{Aqidah}}{{Main|Islam}}
{{Islam |practices}}

The '''Five Pillars of Islam''' (''{{Transliteration|ar|DIN|arkān al-Islām}}'' {{lang|ar|أركان الإسلام}}; also ''{{Transliteration|ar|DIN|arkān ad-dīn}}'' {{lang|ar|أركان الدين}} "pillars of the [[ad-Din|religion]]") are fundamental practices in [[Islam]], particularly [[Sunni Islam]], considered to be [[fard|obligatory]] acts of worship for all Muslims. They are summarized in the [[hadith of Gabriel]].<ref name="Britannica">{{cite encyclopedia |url=https://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/295625/Pillars-of-Islam |title=Pillars of Islam |encyclopedia=[[Encyclopædia Britannica]] Online |access-date=2007-05-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150429070407/https://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/295625/Pillars-of-Islam |archive-date=2015-04-29 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Oxford">{{cite web |url=http://www.oxfordislamicstudies.com/article/opr/t125/e1859 |title=Pillars of Islam |work=[[Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies]] |publisher=[[Oxford University]] |location=United Kingdom |access-date=2010-11-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170418100154/http://www.oxfordislamicstudies.com/article/opr/t125/e1859 |archive-date=2017-04-18 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="PBS">{{cite web |url=https://www.pbs.org/empires/islam/faithpillars.html |title=Five Pillars |publisher=[[Public Broadcasting Service]] (PBS) |location=United Kingdom |access-date=2010-11-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628223009/http://www.pbs.org/empires/islam/faithpillars.html |archive-date=2011-06-28 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="U-Calgary">{{cite web |url=http://people.ucalgary.ca/~elsegal/I_Transp/IO5_FivePillars.html |title=The Five Pillars of Islam |publisher=[[University of Calgary]] |location=Canada |access-date=2010-11-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170607031741/http://people.ucalgary.ca/~elsegal/I_Transp/IO5_FivePillars.html |archive-date=2017-06-07 |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[Sunni Islam|Sunni]] and [[Shia Islam|Shia]] agree on the basic details of the performance and practice of these acts,<ref name="Oxford" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://edition-m.cnn.com/2013/11/12/world/islam-fast-facts/index.html?r=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F&rm=1|title = Islam Fast Facts| date=12 November 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/islam/practices/fivepillars.shtml |title=The Five Pillars of Islam |publisher=BBC |location=United Kingdom |access-date=2010-11-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101110070759/http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/islam/practices/fivepillars.shtml |archive-date=2010-11-10 |url-status=live }}</ref> but Shia denominations may have their own lists of pillars that differ from the Sunni five, such as the [[Twelver]] [[Ancillaries of the Faith]] (consisting of four pillars and six obligatory acts) and the [[Ismaili]] [[Seven pillars of Ismailism|Seven Pillars]]. The five pillars are: profession of faith ([[Shahada]]), prayer ([[Salah]]), almsgiving ([[Zakat]]), fasting in the month of [[Ramadan]] ([[Sawm]]), and pilgrimage to Mecca ([[Hajj]]).<ref name="WSU">{{cite web|url=http://www.wsu.edu/~dee/GLOSSARY/5PILLARS.HTM |title=arkan ad-din the five pillars of religion |publisher=[[Washington State University]] |location=United States |first=Richard |last=Hooker |date=July 14, 1999 |access-date=2010-11-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101203124633/http://www.wsu.edu/~dee/GLOSSARY/5PILLARS.HTM |archive-date=2010-12-03 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="CIA">{{cite web |url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/2122.html |title=Religions |access-date=2010-08-25 |work=[[The World Factbook]] |publisher=[[Central Intelligence Agency]] |location=United States |year=2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160907070041/https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/2122.html |archive-date=2016-09-07 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Naik |first=Dr Zakir |author-link=Zakir Naik |title=What Are the Pillars of Islam? |url=https://islampidia.org/en/what-are-the-pillars-of-islam/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251115054332/https://islampidia.org/en/what-are-the-pillars-of-islam/ |archive-date=2025-11-15 |access-date=2025-11-15 |website=[[Islampidia]] |language=en-AU}}</ref>

== Translation of Rukn ==
The word ''rukn'' in Arabic refers to the corner of a building and the pillars are called ''umud''. It is also used to refer to the basic elements or first principles of something. The ''arkan'' in military terms refers to the [[Staff (military)|general staff]]. Thus, the translation "five principles of Islam" is more accurate than "five pillars of Islam."<ref name="wehr1">{{cite book |last1=Wehr |first1=Hans |last2=Cowan |first2=J. M. |last3=Wehr |first3=Hans |title=A dictionary of modern written Arabic: Arabic - English |date=1994 |publisher=Spoken Language Services |location=Ithaca, NY |isbn=0-87950-003-4 |edition=4., considerably enl. and amended by the author}}</ref>

== Overview of the Five Pillars of Islam ==
The ritual obligations of Muslims are called the Five Pillars.<ref name="Kamal-ud Din 2010">Kamal-ud Din, Khwaja. Five Pillars of Islam. Nabu Press, 2010.</ref> They are acknowledged and practiced by Muslims throughout the world, notwithstanding their disparities. They are viewed as compulsory for individuals who genuinely wish to pursue a life like that which [[Prophets and messengers in Islam|Islamic prophet]] [[Muhammad]] led. Like other religions, Islam holds certain practices to be standard; however, that does not imply that all individuals who regard themselves as Muslims necessarily observe them.<ref>Schumm, Walter R., and Alison L. Kohler. "Social cohesion and the five pillars of Islam: comparative perspective." ''American Journal of Islamic Social Sciences'' 23.2 (2006): 126.</ref> Individual participation can vary depending on the individual's faith; for example, not every individual prays every day, keeps the fast, performs the [[Hajj]], or donates extensively to charity. There are also Muslim communities such as [[Alevi]]s who reject the Five Pillars but follows [[Four Doors]] system.

Shortly after the Muslim Arabs conquered new terrains, they started raising mosques and castles and commissioning different commemorations and artifacts as articulations of their faith and culture. The religious practice of Islam, which signifies "submission to God", depends on fundamentals that are known as the Five Pillars.<ref>Syeed, A. & Ritchie 2006. Children and the Five Pillars of Islam: Practicing Spirituality in Daily Life.</ref> Each of the five pillars is alluded to in the Quran, though in various chapters (''[[suwar]]''). Further insights concerning these commitments are given in the [[Hadith]].<ref>Hussain, Musharraf. The Five Pillars of Islam: Laying the Foundations of Divine Love and Service to Humanity: a Practical Manual for Learning Essential Islamic Beliefs and Practices and Understanding the True Spirit of Worship. Kube Publishing, 2012.</ref>

Though comparable practices were performed in pre-Islamic Arabia and by Jews and Christians at the time of Muhammad, they were changed in the Quran and Hadith, given a carefully monotheistic center, and identified with the life of Muhammad.{{citation needed|date=June 2020}} In the Quran, in spite of the fact that the Shahada does not show up in full, Quran {{qref|8|20|pl=y}} urges the individuals who accept to obey God and his Messenger. Prayer is alluded to multiple times, with prayer times referenced in Quran {{qref|20|130|pl=y}}, and the demonstrations of bowing and prostrating in 48.29. In a few chapters, Muslims are urged both to pray and give alms (for example Q.{{qref|5|12|pl=y}}), however what, when and to whom gifts ought to be made is clarified in more detail in the hadith.{{citation needed|date=June 2020}} There is a critical entry on fasting in the Quran ({{qref|2|183-187|pl=y}}), which alludes to the period of Ramadan and sets out the detail on who ought, and ought not fast, to a certain extent under specific conditions. Regarding the matter of the Hajj, the longest Quranic section ({{qref|2|196-203|pl=y}}) recommends the destination location of the pilgrimage, the lead and exercises of the individuals who participate, urging them to have God as a top priority consistently.<ref name=":0" />

==Pillars of Sunni Islam==
[[File:Five pillars of Islam.svg|thumb|250px|The Five Pillars of Islam]]
[[File:5 Pillars of Islam artwork in the Garden of Religions.jpg|thumb|250px|An artwork depicting the 5 pillars]]

=== First pillar: Shahada (Declaration of Faith) ===
{{main|Shahada}}

The first pillar of Islam is the ''[[Shahada]]'', the assertion of faith. There are two shahadas: "There is no god but God" and "Muhammad is the messenger of God". This set statement is normally recited in Arabic: ''lā ʾilāha ʾillā-llāhu muḥammadun rasūlu-llāh'' ({{lang|ar|لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا الله مُحَمَّدٌ رَسُولُ الله}}) "There is no god but God (and) Muhammad is the messenger of God."  It is essential to utter it to become a Muslim and to convert to Islam.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vHG_VulBdd4C&q=convert+islam+shahada&pg=PA87|title=Matthew S. Gordon and Martin Palmer, ''Islam'', Info base Publishing, 2009|year=2009|isbn=9781438117782|page=87|access-date=2012-08-26|last1=Gordon|first1=Matthew|publisher=Infobase }}</ref>

The first shahada promotes the essential unity of the faith, proclaiming that there is no god but God. The Tawhid, which is the prayer that states "no god but God" is a major component of the Islamic faith, for it asserts the monotheistic aspect of Islam, promoting unity of God as the source of existence. The second shahada demonstrates God's essential mercy. This prayer proclaims Muhammad as the last prophet, and it uses Muhammad as the prime example of guidance for all Muslims. Muhammad received revelation that was distorted by earlier communities, such as Jewish and Christian societies; Muhammad was the recipient of  the Quran's guidance himself and now is bearer of this guidance for the rest of the Muslim community throughout history.<ref name="Samsel, Peter 2007">Samsel, Peter. "The First Pillar of Islam." Parabola, 2007.</ref>

The Shahada, or profession of faith is said five times a day during prayer.<ref name="Crotty, Robert 2016">Crotty, Robert. ''The Five Pillars of Islam:'' ''Islam: Its Beginnings and History, Its Theology, and Its Importance Today''.  Adelaide: ATF Technology, 2016.</ref> It is the first thing said to a newborn, and the last thing to a person on their death-bed, showing how the Muslim prayer and the pillars are instrumental from the day a person is born until the day they die.<ref name="Samsel, Peter 2007"/>

=== Second Pillar: Salah (Prayer) ===
{{main|Salah}}

The Second Pillar of [[Islam|Sunni Islam]] is [[Salah]], or prayer.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Islam|title=Islam - Prayer|website=Encyclopedia Britannica|language=en|access-date=2020-01-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200210092158/https://www.britannica.com/topic/Islam|archive-date=2020-02-10|url-status=live}}</ref> Before a prayer is observed, ablutions are performed including washing one's hands, face and feet.<ref name=":1"/> A caller ([[Muezzin]] in [[Arabic]]) chants aloud from a raised place in the mosque.<ref name=":1"/> Verses from the [[Quran]] are recited either loudly or silently.<ref name=":1" /> These prayers are a very specific type of prayer and a very physical type of prayer called [[Sujud|prostrations]]. These prayers are done five times a day, at set strict times, with the individual facing [[Mecca]]. The prayers are performed at dawn, noon, afternoon, evening, and night: the names are according to the prayer times: ''[[Fajr]]'' (dawn), ''[[Dhuhr]]'' (noon), ''[[Asr|ʿAṣr]]'' (afternoon), ''[[Maghrib prayer|Maghrib]]'' (evening), and ''[[Isha'|ʿIshāʾ]]'' (night). The Fajr prayer is performed before sunrise, Dhuhr is performed in the midday after the sun has surpassed its highest point, Asr is the evening prayer before sunset, Maghrib is the evening prayer after sunset and Isha is the night prayer. All of these prayers are recited while facing in the direction of the [[Kaaba]] in Mecca and form an important aspect of the [[Muslim Ummah]]. Muslims must wash before prayer; this washing is called ''[[wudu]]'' ("purification"). The prayer is accompanied by a series of set positions including; bowing with hands on knees, standing, prostrating and sitting in a special position (not on the heels, nor on the buttocks). At every change in position, "[[Takbir|God is great]]" is said and it is a fixed tradition that has to be recited in each posture. A [[Muslim]] may perform their prayer anywhere, such as in offices, universities, and fields.  However, the [[mosque]] is the preferable place for prayers because the mosque allows for fellowship.<ref name="Crotty, Robert 2016"/> These prayers may also be observed individually if one is not able to go. The prayers are not required for women during their periods, prepubescent children and those with intellectual and physical disabilities inhibiting prayer. Those who are sick and unable to assume the positions of prayer are still required to pray, although they may pray in bed and even lying down.<ref name=":1"/> When traveling, one may observe the afternoon prayers following one another: also the sunset and late evening prayers can be combined too.<ref name=":1"/>

=== Third Pillar: Zakat (Almsgiving) ===
{{main|Zakat}}

The Third Pillar of Islam is Zakāt, or alms giving or charity.<ref name=":1"/> Zakat means [[Ritual purification|purification]] which indicates that a payment makes the rest of one's wealth legally and religiously pure.<ref name=":1" /> By following this pillar, Muslims have to deduct certain amount of their wealth to support the Islamic community — usually about 2.5% of their wealth. This practice is not found in the Quran but rather in the hadith. The tax is used to take good care of the holy places and mosques in the individual's specific Muslim community or to give assistance to those in need or who are impoverished. The word zakāt can be defined as purification and growth because it allows an individual to achieve balance and encourages new growth. The principle of knowing that all things belong to God is essential to purification and growth. Zakāt is obligatory for all Muslims who are able to do so. It is the personal responsibility of each Muslim to ease the economic hardship of others and to strive towards eliminating inequality.<ref>Ridgeon (2003), p. 258</ref> Zakāt consists of spending a portion of one's wealth for the benefit of the poor or needy, such as debtors or travelers. A Muslim may also donate more as an act of voluntary charity (''[[sadaqah]]''), rather than to achieve additional divine reward.<ref>Zakat, ''Encyclopaedia of Islam Online''</ref> Also, Muslims are required to give back to the poor, specifically through financial support, on the streets in addition to the Zakāt. Zakāt shows how the Islam faith impacts the financial situation of a believer, drawing into all aspects of life.<ref name="Crotty, Robert 2016"/>

There are five principles that should be followed when giving the zakāt:

# The giver must declare to God his intention to give the zakāt.
# The zakāt must be paid on the day that it is due.
# After the offering, the payer must not exaggerate on spending his money more than usual means.
# Payment must be in kind. This means if one is wealthy then he or she needs to pay a portion of their income. If a person does not have much money, then they should compensate for it in different ways, such as good deeds and good behavior toward others.
# The zakāt must be distributed in the community from which it was taken.<ref>[http://public.wsu.edu/~dee/GLOSSARY/ZAKAT.HTM Zakat Alms-giving]{{Dead link|date=August 2012}}</ref>

===Fourth Pillar: Sawm (Fasting)===
{{main|Fasting in Islam}}


The Fourth Pillar of Islam is [[Sawm]], or fasting. Fasting takes place during the daylight hours in Ramadan, which is the holy month in the [[Islamic calendar]]. Using a lunar calendar means the month of Ramadan shifts 11 days earlier each year. Sawm is directly mentioned in the Quran: "eat and drink until the whiteness of the day becomes distinct from the blackness of the night at dawn, then complete the fast till night…". The fast occurs from dawn to sunset each day, during which time believers are expected to prohibit themselves from any food, drink, sexual intercourse, or smoking. However, after sunset and before dawn, individuals can participate in any of the actions previously stated as they desire.<ref name="Crotty, Robert 2016"/> The reason for fasting during Ramadan is to remind Muslims that all individuals are similarly needy upon the assistance of God and that there are less lucky individuals who need their assistance. Ramadan is a period of reflection when Muslims are called upon to recharge their faith, increment their charity, and make apology. In the Quran, the month of Ramadan was first revealed to Muhammad.<ref name="Kamal-ud Din 2010"/> Ramadan fasting ends with the "[[Eid al-Fitr|Id-ul-Fitr]]" (Festival of the Breaking of the Fast), which lasts for three days; of the first day of this festival, there is a meeting at the mosque for prayer celebration and each family head gives money for alms.<ref name="Crotty, Robert 2016"/>[[File:Date-seller.jpg|thumb|[[Muslim]]s traditionally break their fasts in the [[Ramadan (calendar month)|month of Ramadan]] with [[Date palm#Fruit|dates]] (like those offered by this date seller in [[Kuwait City]]), as was the recorded practice ([[Sunnah]]) of [[Muhammad]].]] Three types of [[fasting]] (''[[Siyam]]'') are recognized by the Quran: ritual fasting,<ref>{{qref|2|183-187|b=yl}}</ref> fasting as compensation for repentance (both from [[Quran 2]]),<ref>{{qref|2|196|b=y}}</ref> and ascetic fasting (from {{qref|33|35|pl=y}})<ref>Fasting, ''Encyclopedia of the Qur'an'' (2005)</ref>

Ritual fasting is an obligatory act during the month of [[Ramadan]].<ref name="Caesar_1">Farah (1994), pp. 144-145</ref> Muslims must abstain from food and drink from dawn to dusk during this month, and are to be especially mindful of other sins.<ref name="Caesar_1"/> Fasting is necessary for every Muslim that has reached puberty (unless they suffer from a medical condition which prevents them from doing so).<ref>talhaanjum_9</ref>

The fast is meant to allow Muslims to seek nearness and to look for forgiveness from God, to express their gratitude to and dependence on him, atone for their past sins, and to remind them of the needy.<ref>Esposito (1998), p.90, 91</ref> During Ramadan, Muslims are also expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam by refraining from violence, anger, envy, greed, lust, profane language, gossip and to try to get along with fellow Muslims better. In addition, all obscene and irreligious sights and sounds are to be avoided.<ref>Tabatabaei (2002), p. 211, 213</ref>

[[Fasting during Ramadan]] is obligatory, but exceptions are made for several groups for whom it would be very dangerous and excessively problematic. These include pre-pubescent children, those with a medical condition such as [[Diabetes mellitus|diabetes]], [[Old age|elderly people]], and [[pregnancy|pregnant]] or [[breastfeeding]] women. Observing fasts is not permitted for menstruating women. Other individuals for whom it is considered acceptable not to fast are those who are ill or traveling. Missed fasts usually must be made up for soon afterward, although the exact requirements vary according to circumstance.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/fundamentals/pillars/fasting/tajuddin/fast_21.html#HEADING20 |title=For whom fasting is mandatory |publisher=USC-MSA Compendium of Muslim Texts |access-date=2007-04-18 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070308025221/http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/fundamentals/pillars/fasting/tajuddin/fast_21.html |archive-date=8 March 2007 }}</ref><ref>{{qref|2|184|b=y}}</ref><ref>Khan (2006), p. 54</ref><ref>Islam, ''The New Encyclopædia Britannica'' (2005)</ref>

=== Fifth Pillar: Hajj (Pilgrimage) ===
{{main|Hajj}}

The final Pillar of Islam is the Hajj, or pilgrimage. During one's life, a Muslim is required to make the pilgrimage to Mecca during the 12th month of the [[lunar calendar]]. This ritual consists of making journey to Mecca wearing only 2 white sheets so all of the pilgrims are identical and there is no class distinction among them.<ref name="Crotty, Robert 2016"/> Amid the hajj, every single Muslim man dresses alike in a straightforward fabric, again to emphasize their uniformity. Ladies wear a less complex type of their ordinary dress.<ref name="Kamal-ud Din 2010"/> Pilgrims put the white sheets on when they enter the sanctuary area of Mecca and enter a state of "[[ihram]]" or purity. After a Muslim makes the trip to Mecca, they are known as a [[Hajji|hajj/hajja]] (one who made the pilgrimage to Mecca).<ref name="Britannica_India">Hoiberg (2000), p.237–238</ref> The main rituals of the Hajj include walking seven times around the Kaaba termed ''[[Tawaf]]'', touching the [[Black Stone]] termed Istilam, traveling seven times between [[Al-Safa and Al-Marwah|Mount Safa and Mount Marwah]] termed ''[[Sa'yee]]'', and symbolically [[Stoning of the Devil|stoning the Devil]] in [[Mina, Saudi Arabia|Mina]] termed Ramee.<ref name="Britannica_India"/> When at Mecca, the pilgrims go to the Ka’aba in the mosque and walk around it in a circle. They then pray together in official ceremonies, and then they go out to perform the "standing ceremony" to remember the [[Farewell Sermon]] of Muhammad on the Arafat. On the return trip, pilgrims stop in Mina, where they throw 7 stones at stone pillars that represent Satan as to express their hatred for Shaitan (Satan). They then return to Mecca for final ceremonies by circumambulating the Ka’aba seven times and then leave Mecca to journey back home. Inability to make the Hajj, whether because of physical strength, economic conditions, or other reasons, excuses the duty of Hajj. The Quran specifically says that only those capable of making the pilgrimage are required to do so. The reason for this journey is to follow in the footsteps of Muhammad, hoping to gain enlightenment as Muhammad did when he was in the presence of God. The pilgrimage of the Hajj is in the Quran.<ref name="Crotty, Robert 2016"/>

The [[pilgrim]], or the ''haji'', is honoured in the Muslim community. Islamic teachers say that the Hajj should be an expression of devotion to God, not a means to gain social standing. The believer should be self-aware and examine their intentions in performing the pilgrimage. This should lead to constant striving for self-improvement.<ref>Goldschmidt (2005), p.48</ref> A pilgrimage made at any time other than the Hajj season is called an ''[[Umrah]]'', and while not mandatory is strongly recommended.

==Pillars of Shia Islam==
=== Twelvers ===
Twelver Shia Islam has five Usul al-Din and ten Furu al-Din, i.e., the [[Shia Islamic beliefs and practices]]. The Twelver Shia Islam Usul al-Din, equivalent to a Shia Five Pillars, are all beliefs considered foundational to Islam, and thus classified a bit differently from those listed above.<ref>See chapter on "Islamic Beliefs (the Pillars of Islam)" in Invitation to Islam by [[Sayed Moustafa Al-Qazwini]]. http://www.al-islam.org/invitation/ {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120513115652/http://www.al-islam.org/invitation/ |date=2012-05-13 }}</ref> They are:

# ''[[Tawhid]]'' (monotheism: belief in the oneness of God)
# ''[[Adl]]'' (divine justice: belief in God's justice)
# ''[[Nubuwwah]]'' (prophethood)
# ''[[Imamah (Shia)|Imamah]]'' (succession to Muhammad)
# ''[[Mi'ad]]'' (the day of judgment and the resurrection)

In addition to these five pillars, there are ten practices that Shia Muslims must perform, called the ''[[Ancillaries of the Faith]]''<ref>Walsh, John Evangelist. ''Walking shadows: Orson Welles, William Randolph Hearst, and Citizen Kane''. Madison, Wisconsin: University of Wisconsin Press/Popular Press, 2004.</ref> (Arabic: '''furūʿ al-dīn''').

# [[Salah]]: 5 daily prayers
# [[Sawm]]: Fasting Ramadan
# [[Zakat]]: Almsgiving, similar to Sunni Islam, it applies to money, cattle, silver, gold, dates, raisins, wheat, and barley.
# [[Khums]]: An annual taxation of one-fifth (20%) of the gains that a year has been passed on without using. Khums is paid to the [[Imamate in Shia doctrine|Imams]]; indirectly to poor and needy people.
# [[Hajj]]: Pilgrimage to [[Mecca]]
# [[Jihad]]: Striving for the cause of God
# [[Enjoining good and forbidding wrong|Enjoining good]]
# [[Enjoining good and forbidding wrong|Forbidding wrong]]
# [[Tawalla]]: Expressing love towards good.
# [[Tabarra]]: Expressing disassociation and hatred towards evil.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://rahyafte.com/en/2023/fundamental-beliefs-muslims/ |title=The Fundamental Beliefs of Muslims |publisher=Comprehensive Database Mstbsryn, missionaries and Rhyaftgan |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170422032951/http://rahyafte.com/en/2023/fundamental-beliefs-muslims/ |archive-date=2017-04-22 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

=== Ismailis ===
{{main|Seven pillars of Ismailism}}

[[Isma'ilism|Isma'ilis]] have their own pillars, which are as follows:

* [[Walayah]] "Guardianship" denotes love and devotion to God, the prophets, and the [[Imamah (Ismaili doctrine)|Ismaili Imams]] and their representatives
* [[Tawhid]], "Oneness of God".
* Salah: Unlike Sunni and Twelver Muslims, [[Nizari]] Ismailis reason that it is up to the current imām to designate the style and form of prayer.
* Zakat: with the exception of the [[Druze]], all Ismaili [[madhhab]]s have practices resembling that of Sunni and Twelvers, with the addition of the characteristic Shia khums.
* Sawm: Nizaris and [[Musta'li]]s believe in both a metaphorical and literal meaning of fasting.
* Hajj: For Ismailis, this means visiting the imām or his representative and that this is the greatest and most spiritual of all pilgrimages. The Mustaali maintain also the practice of going to Mecca. The Druze interpret this completely metaphorically as "fleeing from devils and oppressors" and rarely go to Mecca.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://lexicorient.com/e.o/ismailis.htm | title=Isma'ilism | access-date=2007-04-24 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170102062302/http://lexicorient.com/e.o/ismailis.htm | archive-date=2017-01-02 | url-status=live }}</ref>
* Jihad "Struggle": "the Greater Struggle" and "the Lesser Struggle".

== History of the Pillars ==
One of the greatest assumptions about Islamic history is that the Five Pillars were already set and in place at the time of Muhammad's death in 632 CE. However, most changes to these Islamic rituals came from small differences among minority Muslim groups. The major beliefs of the Pillars were already in place, taking the shape of the life and beliefs of Muhammad. The Five Pillars are alluded to in the Quran, and some are even specifically stated in the Quran, like the Hajj to Mecca. However, the difference in practice of these traditions are accepted in Islam of the Five Pillars, but this does not mean they have all existed since the life of Muhammad. The evidence of differences shows pillars have not always been consistent to what they are today, so it has taken many years for the Pillars to get to their current and classic form.<ref>Hawting, Gerald. ''The Development of Islamic Ritual''. Routledge, 2017. review."</ref>{{Page needed|date=March 2025}}

==See also==
* [[Schools of Islamic theology]]
* [[Jewish principles of faith]]
* [[Sixth Pillar of Islam]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Bibliography==
===Books and journals===
* {{cite book | last=Brockopp | first=Jonathan |author2=Tamara Sonn |author3=Jacob Neusner  | title=Judaism and Islam in Practice: A Sourcebook | publisher=Routledge | year=2000 | isbn=0-415-21673-7}}
* {{cite book | last=Farah | first=Caesar | author-link=Caesar E. Farah | title=Islam: Beliefs and Observances | publisher=Barron's Educational Series | year=1994 | edition=5th | isbn=978-0-8120-1853-0}}
* {{cite book | last=Hedayetullah |first=Muhammad |author-link=Muhammad Hedayetullah | title=Dynamics of Islam: An Exposition | publisher=Trafford Publishing | year=2006 | isbn=978-1-55369-842-5}}
* {{cite book | last=Khan | first=Arshad | title=Islam 101: Principles and Practice | publisher=Khan Consulting and Publishing, LLC | year=2006 | isbn=0-9772838-3-6}}
* {{cite book | last=Kobeisy | first=Ahmed Nezar | title=Counseling American Muslims: Understanding the Faith and Helping the People | publisher=Praeger Publishers | year=2004 | isbn=978-0-313-32472-7}}
* {{cite book | last=Momen | first=Moojan | title=An Introduction to Shi'i Islam: The History and Doctrines of Twelver Shi'ism | publisher=Yale University Press | year=1987 | isbn=978-0-300-03531-5}}
* {{cite book | last=Levy | first=Reuben | title=The Social Structure of Islam | location=UK | publisher=Cambridge University Press | year=1957 | oclc=1039980285 | url=https://archive.org/details/socialstructureo0000levy }}
* {{cite book | others=R. Campbell (translator) | author=Muhammad Husayn Tabatabaei | title= Islamic teachings: An Overview and a Glance at the Life of the Holy Prophet of Islam | publisher=Green Gold | year=2002 | isbn=0-922817-00-6}}
* {{cite book | author1=Arthur Goldschmidt Jr. | author2=Lawrence Davidson | name-list-style=amp | title=A Concise History of the Middle East | publisher=Westview Press | year=2005 | edition=8th | isbn=978-0-8133-4275-7 | url-access=registration | url=https://archive.org/details/concisehistoryof0008gold }}
* {{cite book | last=Hoiberg | first=Dale | author-link=Dale Hoiberg |author2=Indu Ramchandani | title=Students' Britannica India | url=https://archive.org/details/studentsbritanni02hoib | url-access=registration | publisher=Encyclopædia Britannica (UK) Ltd | year=2000 | isbn=978-0-85229-760-5}}
* {{cite book | last=Ridgeon | first=Lloyd | title=Major World Religions | publisher=RoutledgeCurzon | year=2003 | edition=1st | isbn=978-0-415-29796-7}}

===Encyclopedias===
* {{cite encyclopedia |editor1=P.J. Bearman |editor2=Th. Bianquis |editor3=C.E. Bosworth |editor4=E. van Donzel |editor5=W.P. Heinrichs | title=[[Encyclopaedia of Islam]] Online | publisher=Brill Academic Publishers | issn=1573-3912}}
* {{Cite encyclopedia |year=2004 |title=Encyclopedia of Religious Rites, Rituals, and Festivals |publisher=Routledge |url=https://archive.org/details/encyclopediaofre00sala |last=Salamone |first=Frank A |editor-last=Salamone Frank |edition=1st |isbn=978-0-415-94180-8 |oclc=63791866}}

==External links==
{{sister project links|d=Q176770|c=Category:Five Pillars of Islam|n=no|b=no|v=no|voy=no|m=no|mw=no|s=no|wikt=five pillars|species=no}}
* [http://www.haqislam.org/tenets-of-islam/ Tenets of Islam]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20121119134252/http://www.oxfordislamicstudies.com/article/opr/t125/e1859?_hi=17&_pos=3 Pillars of Islam in Oxford Islamic Studies Online]
* [https://islamicpath.org/pillars-of-islam/ Pillars of Islam]. A brief description of the Five Pillars of Islam.

{{Islam topics|state=collapsed}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Five Pillars of Islam| ]]
[[Category:Commandments]]
[[Category:Islam-related lists|5 Five Pillars of Islam]]
[[Category:Islamic terminology]]