The 5 Pillars Of Islam

A very extensive examination into the five pillars we believe in as Muslims. The declaration of faith (Shahada), prayer (Salah), Alms Tax (Zakat), Fasting During Ramadan (Sawm), and Pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj)

 

Pillar One: The Shahadah

The Meaning of the Shahadah: La Ilaha Illa Allah

The testimony La ilaha illa Allah means to affirm it with knowledge, belief, and action both inwardly and outwardly. Mere verbal declaration without understanding its meaning or acting upon it is of no benefit and instead becomes a proof against the person. The meaning of La ilaha illa Allah is that no one is worthy of worship except Allah alone.

The Two Pillars of La Ilaha Illa Allah

This testimony consists of two fundamental pillars:

Negation (Nafi) – Denying divinity and worship for anything besides Allah.

Affirmation (Ithbat) – Confirming that only Allah is deserving of worship, with no partners.

It also necessitates disbelief in taghut (false deities), which includes anything worshipped besides Allah, whether a person, object, desire, or ideology. A person who affirms La ilaha illa Allah without rejecting all forms of shirk (associating partners with Allah) has not truly fulfilled its meaning.

Allah says: (And your God is One God; there is no god but He, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate) (Al-Baqarah 2:163).

Allah also says: (There is no compulsion in religion; the right path has become distinct from error. So whoever disbelieves in taghut and believes in Allah has grasped the firmest handhold that will never break. And Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing) (Al-Baqarah 2:256).

Love and Allegiance in La Ilaha Illa Allah

True belief in this testimony requires love for what it entails and love for those who uphold it. It also necessitates hatred and disavowal of anything that contradicts it. This is demonstrated by prioritizing what Allah loves over personal desires, and forming alliances based on loyalty to Allah and His Messenger.

Allah says: (Indeed, there has been an excellent example for you in Ibrahim and those with him when they said to their people: “We disassociate from you and from whatever you worship besides Allah. We have rejected you, and enmity and hatred have appeared between us and you forever—until you believe in Allah alone”) (Al-Mumtahanah 60:4).

And He says: (And among the people are those who take others as equals to Allah, loving them as they should love Allah. But those who believe have a stronger love for Allah) (Al-Baqarah 2:165).

The Reward of Sincere Tawhid

Whoever sincerely declares La ilaha illa Allah, free from major and minor shirk, innovations, and sins, will be guided in this world and granted safety from punishment in the Hereafter.

Fulfilling the conditions of La ilaha illa Allah requires applying them, not merely memorizing them. This testimony represents Tawhid al-Uluhiyyah (Oneness of Worship), which has been the key point of conflict between prophets and their people. All messengers were sent to establish it.

Allah says: (And We certainly sent into every nation a messenger, saying: “Worship Allah and avoid taghut”) (An-Nahl 16:36).

And He says: (And We did not send any messenger before you except that We revealed to him: “There is no god but Me, so worship Me”) (Al-Anbiya 21:25).

Understanding Tawhid al-Uluhiyyah

Tawhid al-Uluhiyyah means acknowledging that Allah alone deserves worship and dedicating all acts of worship to Him alone.

This understanding of Tawhid has different names, including:

• Tawhid al-Ibadah (Oneness of Worship) – Since it is based on sincerity in worship.
• Tawhid al-Iradah (Oneness of Will) – Since it requires seeking Allah’s pleasure in all actions.
• Tawhid al-Qasd (Oneness of Purpose) – Since it demands exclusive devotion to Allah.
• Tawhid al-Talab (Oneness of Seeking) – Since all supplications and requests should be directed to Allah.

The Obligation of Tawhid al-Uluhiyyah

Tawhid al-Uluhiyyah is an obligation upon all people. One cannot enter Islam without it, nor can they be saved from Hellfire unless they believe in it and act accordingly. It is the first obligation upon every accountable person and the first priority in Islamic teachings.

Allah says: (Say: “I have been commanded to worship Allah, and not associate anything with Him. To Him I call, and to Him is my return”) (Ar-Ra’d 13:36).

And He says: (And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me) (Adh-Dhariyat 51:56).

The Meaning of the Testimony: Muhammad Rasul Allah

The testimony Muhammad Rasul Allah means:

1. Obeying him in what he commands.
2. Believing in what he informs.
3. Avoiding what he forbids.
4. Worshipping Allah only as he prescribed.

The Requirements of Affirming Muhammad ﷺ Is The Messenger Of Allah 

Believing in the Messenger of Allah requires:

1. Affirming his prophethood inwardly and outwardly.
2. Declaring it openly and testifying with sincerity.
3. Following his teachings, adhering to his Sunnah, and avoiding innovations.
4. Believing in everything he conveyed from Allah.
5. Loving him above all else, as part of loving Allah.

True love for the Prophet is shown through obedience to his teachings and upholding his Sunnah.

Allah says: (Say: “If you truly love Allah, then follow me, and Allah will love you and forgive your sins”) (Aal Imran 3:31).

The Prophet ﷺ said: “None of you truly believes until I am more beloved to him than his father, his child, and all of mankind” (Agreed upon, from Anas).

Following the Sunnah and Accepting His Judgement

True belief in the Messenger requires following his teachings, prioritizing his commands over personal opinions, and accepting his rulings without hesitation.

Allah says: (But no, by your Lord, they do not truly believe until they make you the judge in all disputes between them and find within themselves no resistance to your decisions and submit fully) (An-Nisa 4:65).

The Virtue of the Shahadatayn

The testimony of faith (Shahadah) has immense virtues, as demonstrated in the Quran and Sunnah.

1. It is the first pillar of Islam and the foundation of the religion.
2. It is the reason for creation and the purpose of life.
3. It protects life and wealth, as accepting Islam grants safety.
4. It grants forgiveness of sins and is the key to Paradise.
5. It is the greatest statement, outweighing all else in the scales.

The Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever testifies that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger, Allah will forbid Hell for him” (Muslim).

This testimony is the ultimate declaration of faith, the foundation of all good deeds, and the means to eternal success.

Pillar Two: Salah

The Second Pillar: Salah (Prayer)

Salah is the greatest act of worship and the clearest sign of faith. Islam has placed immense emphasis on it, highlighting its virtue and significance as a connection between the servant and his Lord. Through it, a believer demonstrates obedience to Allah’s commands.#

Definition of Salah

Linguistic Meaning: Salah means supplication, as seen in the verse: (And pray for them; indeed, your prayer is a source of comfort for them) (At-Tawbah 9:103).

Technical Meaning: Salah is a prescribed act of worship consisting of specific statements and actions that begin with takbir (saying “Allahu Akbar”) and end with taslim (saying “Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah”).

The statements include takbir, recitation, glorification, and supplication, while the actions include standing, bowing, prostration, and sitting.

Prayer in the Teachings of Prophets

Salah has been an essential act of worship in all divine religions. Prophet Ibrahim prayed for himself and his descendants to uphold it: (My Lord, make me one who establishes prayer, and [also] from my descendants) (Ibrahim 14:40).

Prophet Ismail commanded his family to perform prayer: (And he used to enjoin his people with prayer and zakah) (Maryam 19:55).

Allah commanded Musa: (Indeed, I am Allah. There is no deity except Me, so worship Me and establish prayer for My remembrance) (Taha 20:14).

Similarly, Allah instructed Prophet Isa: (And He has made me blessed wherever I am and has enjoined upon me prayer and zakah as long as I remain alive) (Maryam 19:31).

For the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, Prayer was made obligatory during the miraculous Night Journey and Ascension (Isra Wal Mi’raaj) . Initially, fifty prayers were ordained, but Allah reduced them to five daily prayers, which remain five in obligation but fifty in reward.

The Five Daily Prayers

The five obligatory prayers are:

• Fajr (Dawn) – 2 rak’ahs
• Dhuhr (Noon) – 4 rak’ahs
• Asr (Afternoon) – 4 rak’ahs
• Maghrib (Sunset) – 3 rak’ahs
• Isha (Night) – 4 rak’ahs

The obligation of these prayers is unanimously agreed upon by Muslims.

Evidence for the Obligation of Salah

The Quran

• (And establish prayer and give zakah) (Al-Baqarah 2:43).
• (Indeed, prayer has been decreed upon the believers at fixed times) (An-Nisa 4:103).
• (And they were not commanded except to worship Allah, being sincere to Him in religion, inclining to truth, and to establish prayer and to give zakah) (Al-Bayyinah 98:5).

The Sunnah

• The Prophet ﷺ said: “Islam is built upon five: testifying that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is His Messenger, establishing prayer, giving zakah, performing Hajj, and fasting Ramadan.” (Agreed upon)
• He also said: “Islam is that you testify that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is His Messenger, establish prayer, give zakah, fast Ramadan, and perform Hajj if able.” (Muslim)
• When sending Muadh to Yemen, the Prophet ﷺ said: “Call them to testify that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is His Messenger. If they obey, inform them that Allah has made five daily prayers obligatory.” (Agreed upon)

Muslim scholars unanimously agree on the obligation of the five daily prayers as a fundamental pillar of Islam.

Wisdom Behind the Obligation of Salah

• Establishing servitude to Allah – Prayer reminds the believer of their submission to their Creator.
• Strengthening the connection with Allah – It ensures continuous remembrance of Him.
• Preventing evil and immorality – Salah purifies the heart and protects from sinful actions.
• Forgiveness of sins – The Prophet ﷺ said: “The five daily prayers are like a flowing river at your doorstep in which you bathe five times a day.” (Muslim)
• Bringing peace and comfort – The Prophet ﷺ said: “O Bilal, bring us relief through prayer.” (Ahmad)

Who Is Obligated to Pray?

Salah is obligatory upon every:

• Muslim – A non-Muslim is not required to pray while in disbelief, but will be accountable for rejecting it in the Hereafter.
• Adult – It is not required of children, though they should be trained from age seven and disciplined for neglecting it at ten.
• Sane person – The insane are exempt from prayer.
• Menstruating or postnatal women – They are exempt from prayer during these conditions.

The Ruling on Abandoning Salah

Whoever abandons prayer out of denial is a disbeliever by consensus. If abandoned out of negligence, the correct opinion is that they have committed major disbelief. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Between a person and disbelief is abandoning prayer.” (Muslim)

A person who refuses to pray is given a chance to repent. If they persist, they are to be treated as an apostate.

Conditions For A Valid Salah

1. Islam – It is not valid from a disbeliever.
2. Sanity – The insane are not held accountable.
3. Maturity – A child is not obliged to pray.
4. Prayer time – Each prayer must be performed within its designated time.
5. Intention – The intention must be present before starting prayer.
6. Facing the Qiblah – Except in cases of necessity.
7. Covering the Awrah – For men, the area from the navel to the knees; for women, the entire body except the face and hands.
8. Purity – Ensuring the body, clothes, and prayer place are free of impurities.
9. Ritual purity – Performing wudu (ablution) or ghusl if required.

Prayer Times

• Dhuhr: From after midday until an object’s shadow equals its height.
• Asr: From the end of Dhuhr until an object’s shadow is twice its height.
• Maghrib: From sunset until the red twilight disappears.
• Isha: From the end of Maghrib until midnight.
• Fajr: From dawn until sunrise.

Obligatory Acts of Salah

Salah consists of 17 rak’ahs daily:

• Dhuhr – 4 rak’ahs
• Asr – 4 rak’ahs
• Maghrib – 3 rak’ahs
• Isha – 4 rak’ahs
• Fajr – 2 rak’ahs

If a person intentionally omits or adds to these, their prayer is invalid. However, mistakes due to forgetfulness can be rectified by sujud as-sahw (prostration of forgetfulness).

Pillars of Salah

1. Standing (for those able).
2. Saying Allahu Akbar at the beginning.
3. Reciting Al-Fatihah.
4. Bowing (Ruku’).
5. Rising from bowing.
6. Prostrating on seven body parts.
7. Sitting between prostrations.
8. The final Tashahhud.
9. Sitting for the final Tashahhud.
10. Serenity in actions.
11. Performing actions in order.
12. Saying As-salamu Alaikum to conclude.

Obligatory Acts of Salah

1. Saying Allahu Akbar during movements.
2. Saying Sami’ Allahu liman hamidah when rising from bowing (for the imam and individual).
3. Saying Rabbana wa laka al-hamd after rising.
4. Saying Subhana Rabbi al-Azim in bowing.
5. Saying Subhana Rabbi al-A’la in prostration.
6. Saying Rabbighfir li (O Lord, forgive me) between the two prostrations.
7. The first Tashahhud, which includes:
   “Greetings belong to Allah, and prayers and good words. Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and Allah’s mercy and blessings. Peace be upon us and upon the righteous servants of Allah. I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and messenger.”
8. Sitting for the first Tashahhud.

Whoever deliberately omits a wajib (obligatory act) invalidates their prayer. If omitted out of forgetfulness or ignorance, Sujud as-Sahw (prostration for forgetfulness) is performed.

Congregational Prayer

A Muslim man must perform the five daily prayers in congregation at the masjid to earn Allah’s pleasure and reward. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Prayer in congregation is better than prayer alone by twenty-seven degrees.” (Agreed upon)

For a Muslim woman, praying at home is more virtuous than praying in congregation.

Actions That Invalidate Salah

Salah is invalidated by any of the following:

1. Eating or drinking intentionally – Scholars unanimously agree that one who eats or drinks deliberately during Salah must repeat it.
2. Speaking intentionally without necessity – Zaid ibn Arqam reported: “We used to talk in prayer, one of us speaking to the person next to him, until the verse was revealed: (And stand before Allah in devout obedience) (Al-Baqarah 2:238). Then, we were commanded to remain silent.” (Agreed upon)
3. Excessive movement – Any action that makes an observer think the person is not in Salah invalidates it.
4. Deliberately abandoning a pillar or condition without excuse – For example, praying without purification or facing the Qiblah. The Prophet ﷺ said to a man who prayed incorrectly: “Go back and pray, for you have not prayed.” (Agreed upon)
5. Laughing in prayer – Scholars unanimously agree that laughter invalidates Salah.

Times When Salah Is Prohibited

There are specific times when voluntary prayers should not be performed:

1. After Fajr prayer until the sun rises.
2. When the sun is at its zenith (midday).
3. After Asr prayer until the sun sets.

The Prophet ﷺ said: “There are three times when the Messenger of Allah forbade us from praying or burying our dead: when the sun rises until it is fully up, when it is directly overhead until it inclines, and when it is about to set until it fully sets.” (Muslim)

He also said: “There is no prayer after Asr until the sun sets, and no prayer after Fajr until the sun rises.” (Agreed upon)

Pillar Three: Zakah

Linguistic Meaning: The word zakah means purification, growth, and blessing. The wealth given in zakah is called so because it purifies wealth, increases blessings, and cleanses the giver from sin.

Technical Meaning: It is a specific, obligatory right in certain types of wealth, given to designated recipients at a set time.

The Status of Zakah in Islam

Zakah is one of the five pillars of Islam and is frequently mentioned alongside prayer in the Quran. Allah says:

(And establish prayer and give zakah) (Al-Baqarah 2:43).

The Prophet ﷺ said: “Islam is built upon five…” and he mentioned giving zakah (Agreed upon).

Allah ordained zakah to purify people from greed, support the needy, bless wealth, and establish social welfare. Allah says: Take from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them to grow… (At-Tawbah 9:103).

The Obligation of Zakah

Zakah is an obligatory duty upon every Muslim who owns wealth that meets the minimum threshold (nisab) under the required conditions. It is even given on behalf of minors and the insane by their guardians.

• Denial of its obligation – Whoever denies zakah while knowing its obligation has committed kufr.
• Refusal out of greed – Whoever withholds zakah out of stinginess is committing a major sin and is under Allah’s will; He may punish or forgive him.
• Severe warning for withholding zakah – Allah says: And those who hoard gold and silver and do not spend it in the way of Allah, give them tidings of a painful punishment. On the Day it will be heated in the Fire of Hell and their foreheads, sides, and backs will be branded with it… (At-Tawbah 9:34-35).

The Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever owns wealth and does not give its zakah, it will be turned into heated plates in Hellfire and used to brand his body until Allah judges among His servants on a Day equal to fifty thousand years…” (Agreed upon).

Conditions for the Obligation of Zakah

1. Islam – A non-Muslim is not required to pay zakah.
2. Freedom – Slaves are not required to give zakah.
3. Owning the nisab – If wealth is below the nisab, no zakah is due.
4. Full ownership – Wealth must be in the owner’s possession and usable.
5. Lapse of one lunar year – Except for agricultural produce, which is given upon harvest.

Allah says: And give its due on the day of its harvest (Al-An’am 6:141).

Types of Wealth Subject to Zakah

Gold, Silver, and Cash

• Zakah is due if these meet the nisab(meeting the nisab means you now make the minimum needed for zakah to be obligatory upon you), and a lunar year passes.
• Nisab for gold: 85 grams ($8,307.05 USD, £6,332.50 GBP, 31,152.50 SAR).
• Nisab for silver: 595 grams ($731.85 USD, £559.30 GBP, 2,737.00 SAR).
• Paper currency is evaluated based on the value of gold or silver.
• Rate: 2.5% (1/40th) of the total amount.

Livestock (Cattle, Sheep, and Camels)

• Zakah is due on livestock that grazes freely for most of the year.
• The Prophet ﷺ said: “For every 40 sheep, one sheep is due.” (Bukhari).
• Specific rates apply based on the number of animals.
• One sheep ($200 USD, £155 GBP, 750 SAR).
• One cow ($1,000 USD, £775 GBP, 3,750 SAR).
• One camel ($5,000 USD, £3,875 GBP, 18,750 SAR).

Agricultural Produce

• Zakah is due at harvest, without waiting a year.
• Nisab: 5 wasqs (approx. 653 kg of grain).

Rate:

• 10% if irrigated naturally (rain or rivers).
• 5% if irrigated with labor (wells or machinery).

Trade Goods

• Includes items intended for sale (e.g., merchandise, property).
• Assessed at the market value at the end of the lunar year.
• Rate: 2.5% of the total value.

Minerals and Buried Treasure (Rikaz)

• Zakah is due immediately when extracted.
• Rate: 20% of the value.

Who Receives Zakah?

The Quran specifies eight categories of eligible recipients:

The poor – Those who have little or no income.

The needy – Those who have some income but not enough.

Zakah administrators – Those appointed to collect and distribute zakah.

Those whose hearts need reconciliation – New Muslims or those being drawn to Islam.

Slaves – To help free Muslim slaves.

Debtors – Those unable to repay debts.

For the cause of Allah – Primarily for jihad and Islamic causes.

Travelers in need – Stranded individuals without funds.

Allah says: Zakah expenditures are only for the poor, the needy, those employed to collect it, those whose hearts are to be reconciled, to free slaves, for those in debt, for the cause of Allah, and for the traveler—an obligation from Allah. And Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise (At-Tawbah 9:60).

Zakat al-Fitr

Zakat al-Fitr is an obligatory charity given at the end of Ramadan. It purifies the fasting person from shortcomings and provides for the poor.

Ibn Abbas reported: “The Messenger of Allah ﷺ made Zakat al-Fitr obligatory as purification for the fasting person from idle talk and obscenities, and as food for the poor.” (Abu Dawud).

Amount and Payment

• One sa’ (approx. 2.176 kg) of staple food such as wheat, barley, dates, raisins, or rice ($4.35 USD, £3.35 GBP, 16.35 SAR).
• Monetary payment is not accepted according to the majority of scholars.
• Best time: Before the Eid prayer.
• Permissible time: One or two days before Eid.
• Late payment: If given after the Eid prayer, it is considered a general charity, not Zakat al-Fitr.

Fourth Pillar: Sawm

• Linguistic Meaning: Fasting means abstaining or holding back.
• Islamic Meaning: Fasting is the act of abstaining from food, drink, and other invalidators from the time of Fajr until Maghrib with the intention of worshiping Allah.

The Obligation of Fasting

Fasting in Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. Allah says: O you who believe, fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may attain piety. (Al-Baqarah 2:183)

The Prophet ﷺ also said: “Islam is built upon five: testifying that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is His Messenger, establishing prayer, giving zakah, fasting in Ramadan, and performing Hajj.” (Agreed upon)

Fasting was made obligatory upon the Muslim Ummah in the second year of Hijrah.

Virtues and Wisdom Behind Fasting

Ramadan is a special season of worship where Muslims earn great rewards and develop a closer connection to Allah. Some of the virtues of fasting include:

• The Month of the Quran: Allah says: The month of Ramadan in which the Quran was revealed as guidance for people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever witnesses the month, let him fast it… (Al-Baqarah 2:185)

• Forgiveness of Sins: The Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever fasts Ramadan with faith and seeking reward, his past sins will be forgiven.” (Agreed upon)

• A Special Reward from Allah: Allah says in a Hadith Qudsi: “Fasting is for Me, and I will reward it. The fasting person leaves his desires and food for My sake. He has two joys: one at the time of breaking his fast and the other when he meets his Lord. And the smell of his mouth is more fragrant to Allah than musk.” (Agreed upon)

• The Accepted Du’a of the Fasting Person: The Prophet ﷺ said: “The fasting person has a supplication that will not be rejected when he breaks his fast.” (Ibn Majah)

• A Special Gate in Paradise: The Prophet ﷺ said: “In Paradise, there is a gate called Ar-Rayyan, through which only those who fast will enter. Once they enter, it will be closed, and no one else will enter.” (Agreed upon)

• Fasting Intercedes on the Day of Judgment: The Prophet ﷺ said: “Fasting and the Quran will intercede for a person on the Day of Judgment. Fasting will say: ‘O Lord, I prevented him from food and desires during the day, so let me intercede for him.’ And the Quran will say: ‘I prevented him from sleep at night, so let me intercede for him.’ And they will be allowed to intercede.” (Ahmad)

• Training for Patience and Self-Control: Fasting teaches self-discipline, patience, and spiritual strength by controlling one’s desires and enduring hardship for the sake of Allah.

Conditions for the Obligation of Fasting

Fasting in Ramadan is obligatory on:

• Every Muslim – Non-Muslims are not required to fast.
• Adults – Children are encouraged but not obligated.
• Sane Individuals – The insane are not required to fast.
• Healthy Individuals – The sick may be excused.
• Residents – Travelers have a concession.
• Women who are free from menstruation and postnatal bleeding – They must make up missed fasts later.

Etiquettes of Fasting

Fasting is not just about abstaining from food and drink but also about refining character. Among the best practices for a fasting person:

• Avoiding Sinful Speech and Actions: The Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever does not abandon false speech and acting upon it, Allah has no need for him to leave his food and drink.” (Bukhari)

• Eating Suhoor (Pre-Dawn Meal): The Prophet ﷺ said: “Have Suhoor, for there is blessing in it.” (Agreed upon)

• Breaking the Fast on Time: The Prophet ﷺ said: “People will continue to be upon goodness as long as they hasten to break their fast.” (Agreed upon)

• Breaking the Fast with Dates or Water: Anas رضي الله عنه said: “The Prophet ﷺ used to break his fast with fresh dates before praying, and if there were no fresh dates, then with dry dates, and if there were none, then with a few sips of water.” (Abu Dawud)

• Reciting Quran and Engaging in Worship: Ibn Abbas رضي الله عنهما said: “The Prophet ﷺ was the most generous of people, and he was even more generous in Ramadan when Jibreel would meet him every night and review the Quran with him.” (Agreed upon)

Things That Break the Fast

The following actions invalidate fasting and require making up the missed day:

1. Eating or Drinking Deliberately – Consuming anything intentionally breaks the fast.
2. Intentional Vomiting – If someone vomits intentionally, they must make up the fast.
3. Intercourse – Engaging in marital relations breaks the fast, and one must make up the day and give a heavy expiation (kaffarah).
4. Ejaculation Due to Desire – If one reaches ejaculation through intentional acts, the fast is broken.
5. Menstruation or Postnatal Bleeding – Women must make up the missed fasts later.
6. Receiving Nutrition Through Injections – IV drips that provide nourishment break the fast.

Special Rulings

• Fasting Begins With the Sight of the Crescent Moon: The Prophet ﷺ said:
  “Fast when you see it (the moon) and break your fast when you see it. If it is cloudy, complete 30 days of Sha’ban.” (Agreed upon)
• One Intention is Enough for the Whole Month: If a person intends to fast from the first night, it is sufficient for the entire month.

Excuses for Not Fasting:

• Sickness – If fasting harms a person’s health, they may break their fast and make it up later.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding – If a mother fears harm for herself or her baby, she can break her fast and make it up later.
• Elderly and Chronically Ill – They can pay a fidya (feeding a poor person per missed day) instead.
• Travelers – They can choose to fast or break their fast and make it up later.

The Importance of Unity in Fasting

The moon sighting is a collective responsibility of the Muslim community. If the moon is seen in a region, the entire region should follow. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Fast when you see it and break your fast when you see it.” (Agreed upon)

We should rely on actual moon sighting rather than astronomical calculations.

The Fifth Pillar: Hajj

• Linguistic Meaning: Hajj means “intention” or “journey towards” a destination.
• Islamic Meaning: Hajj is the journey to Makkah to perform specific acts of worship at a designated time and in a prescribed manner.

The Obligation of Hajj

Hajj is obligatory once in a lifetime for every Muslim who is physically and financially able. The entire Muslim Ummah has unanimously agreed on its obligation. Allah says:

(And Hajj to the House is a duty owed to Allah by all people who are able to undertake it. And whoever disbelieves, then surely Allah is free from need of the worlds.) (Aal-Imran 3:97)

The Prophet ﷺ said: “Islam is built upon five: testifying that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is His Messenger, establishing prayer, giving zakah, fasting in Ramadan, and performing Hajj to the House of Allah.“ (Agreed upon)

In his farewell pilgrimage, the Prophet ﷺ also said: “O people, Allah has made Hajj obligatory upon you, so perform Hajj.” (Muslim)

Virtues and Wisdom of Hajj

Hajj carries immense spiritual and worldly benefits. It is an act of worship that involves different forms of devotion such as Tawaf (circumambulation), Sa’i (walking between Safa and Marwah), standing in Arafah, and offering sacrifices. Some virtues of Hajj include:

• Forgiveness of Sins: The Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever performs Hajj and does not commit any obscenity or sin, he returns like the day his mother gave birth to him.” (Agreed upon)
• Paradise is the Reward for an Accepted Hajj: The Prophet ﷺ said: “The reward for an accepted Hajj is nothing but Paradise.” (Agreed upon)
• Hajj and Umrah Remove Sins and Poverty: The Prophet ﷺ said: “Perform Hajj and Umrah continuously, for they remove poverty and sins just as a furnace removes impurities from iron.” (Tirmidhi)
• Strengthening Muslim Brotherhood: Muslims from around the world gather in one place, wearing the same simple garments, performing the same rites, and worshipping the same Lord, reinforcing unity and equality.

Conditions for the Obligation of Hajj

Hajj is obligatory upon every Muslim who meets five conditions:

1. Islam – A non-Muslim is not required to perform Hajj.
2. Sanity – The insane are not required to perform Hajj.
3. Puberty – A child’s Hajj is valid but does not count as the obligatory Hajj.
4. Freedom – A slave is not required to perform Hajj.
5. Financial and Physical Ability – One must have enough wealth to afford the journey and be physically capable.

For women, an additional condition applies: she must have a Mahram (male guardian) to accompany her. The Prophet ﷺ said: “A woman must not travel for a day and a night except with a Mahram.” (Agreed upon)

Rulings on Performing Hajj on Behalf of Others

• If a person dies before performing Hajj while having the means, his heirs must perform Hajj on his behalf from his wealth.
• A person who has not performed Hajj for himself cannot perform Hajj on behalf of others. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Perform Hajj for yourself first, then perform Hajj for your relative.” (Ahmad)
• If a person is permanently unable to perform Hajj due to illness or old age, someone else can perform Hajj on his behalf with his permission.

Is Hajj Required Immediately or Can It Be Delayed?

Scholars agree that once a person meets the conditions, Hajj should be performed as soon as possible (meaning when you can afford it). The Prophet ﷺ said: “Hasten to perform Hajj, for none of you knows what may happen to him.” (Abu Dawud)

Pillars of Hajj 

There are four pillars of Hajj:

1. Ihram – The intention to enter the state of Hajj.
2. Standing in Arafah (Wuquf Arafah) – The most important part of Hajj.
3. Tawaf al-Ifadah – Circumambulating the Ka’bah after returning from Arafah.
4. Sa’i – Walking between Safa and Marwah.

Ihram (The State of Pilgrimage)

Ihram is the state of sacredness that begins at designated Miqat (entry points). The Prophet ﷺ specified five locations for entering Ihram, depending on where the pilgrim is coming from.

Prohibited Acts in Ihram: Once a person enters Ihram, the following are forbidden:

1. Cutting hair or nails.
2. Wearing stitched clothing (for men).
3. Covering the head (for men) or face (for women).
4. Using perfume.
5. Hunting or killing animals.
6. Engaging in marital relations.
7. Proposing or conducting a marriage.

Major Rituals of Hajj

• Tawaf (Circumambulation): Walking around the Ka’bah seven times.
• Sa’i: Walking between Safa and Marwah seven times.
• Wuquf at Arafah: Standing in Arafah on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah, the most critical pillar of Hajj.
• Muzdalifah Stay: Spending the night in Muzdalifah and collecting stones for the next day’s ritual.
• Rami al-Jamarat (Stoning of the Devil): Throwing seven pebbles at Jamarat in Mina.
• Sacrificial Offering (Hady): Offering an animal sacrifice (required for certain types of Hajj).
• Tawaf al-Ifadah: A required Tawaf after returning from Arafah.
• Shaving or Shortening Hair: Men shave or trim their hair, while women cut a small portion.
• Tawaf al-Wada (Farewell Tawaf): Before leaving Makkah, the pilgrim performs one last Tawaf.

There are three types of Hajj

Tamattu’ – Performing Umrah first, exiting Ihram, then re-entering Ihram for Hajj.

Qiran – Performing Hajj and Umrah together in one Ihram.

Ifrad – Performing only Hajj without Umrah.

The best form of Hajj is Tamattu’, as the Prophet ﷺ instructed his companions to perform it.

Rulings on Delaying Hajj Due to Illness or Financial Hardship

• Sick and Elderly People: If a person cannot physically perform Hajj, they may send someone to perform Hajj on their behalf.
• Financial Constraints: If a person does not have enough money to cover the costs, Hajj is not obligatory upon them.