Importance of Five Key Practices of Islam

Ibn ‘Umar narrated that Prophet Muhammad PBUH said that:

” بُنِيَ الْإِسْلَامُ عَلَى خَمْسٍ شَهَادَةِ أَنْ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَأَنَّ ‏مُحَمَّدًا ‏رَسُولُ اللَّهِ وَإِقَامِ الصَّلَاةِ وَإِیتَاءِ الزَّكَاةِ وَالْحَجِّ وَصَوْمِ رَمَضَانَِ. – صحیح بخاری-

Islam is based on (the following) five (principles): 1. To testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and Muhammad is Allah’s Apostle. 2. To offer the (compulsory congregational) prayers dutifully and perfectly. 3. To pay Zakat (i.e. obligatory charity) . 4. To perform Hajj. (i.e. Pilgrimage to Mecca) 5. To observe fast during the month of Ramadan.

Sahih Bukhari Hadith No 8

Islam is not only a religion but a complete way of life. Islam emphasizes establishing a society free from all social evils. Five Islamic practices that are manifested in the above Hadith extend from individual life to society. Five pillars of Islam play an important role in shaping the lives of individuals in a society.

Impacts of Five Pillars of Islam on Indivudual and the Society

The impacts of the five pillars of Islam on individuals and society are discussed below:

Shahadah

When a person testifies that there is no other god but Allah then it creates self-confidence and the man escapes from superstitious beliefs. A person feels more liberated by submitting to the will of Allah Almighty.

Prayers

Praying five times a day develops and improves discipline in life which is a key to success in this life and hereafter. Prayers also give peace and tranquility. In addition to that, through prayer, a person can communicate with his creator.

Zakah: Charity

Zakah is one of the important pillars of Islam. Equal distribution of wealth in the society is ensured by paying Zakat which maintains a balance in the society.

Fasting

Fasting is the fourth pillar of Islam. During fasting, a person abstains from food and drink and breaks their fast at a certain time. Fasting helps man to learn patience and compassion.

Check Ramadan Sehar o Iftar Timings

Prophet Muhammad peace and blessings be upon him, said:

مَنْ لَمْ يَدَعْ قَوْلَ الزُّورِ وَالْعَمَلَ بِهِ فَلَيْسَ لِلَّهِ حَاجَةٌ فِي أَنْ يَدَعَ طَعَامَهُ وَشَرَابَهُ

Whoever does not give up false speech and evil deeds while fasting, then Allah is not in need of his leaving food and drink.

Sahih Bukhari

It is manifested from the above Hadith that Fasting is not just about abstaining from drinking and food. Fasting is a practice of abstaining from all social evils. When a person fasts for a month and practices avoiding all social evils, he later learns to stay away from these evils.

Hajj : Piligrimage

The Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam. The Hajj creates equality and harmony among different ethnic groups and tribes. It is pertinent to mention that before the arrival of Islam the Arabs used to go to Kaba annually. The Arab tribes used to fight for months but during the annual pilgrimage to Kaba, violence was forbidden. According to Islamic tradition, Prophet Abraham and Ishamel PBUH built the Kaba and started the Hajj. Later on, the Quraish filled Kaba with idols but they still practiced the annual pilgrimage to Kaba. Today millions of Muslims go to Hajj from around the world. The Hajj creates a sense of brotherhood and equality among all Muslims across the world.