Islam: Five Pillars

Question 1

what are the 5 pillars

Answer 1

Shahada (declaration of faith)
Salat (prayer)
Sawm (fasting)
Zakat (almsgiving)
Hajj (pilgrimage)

Question 2

why are five pillars important?

Answer 2

overall: allow for increased devotion to Allah and the strengthening of their faith

Shahada: declares belief in one god and muhammad is his messenger, joins umma
Salat: devotion to allah, communion with god, grows community
Sawm: develops dedication, purification, increases submission, brings closer to those in need, reliance on Allah
Zakat: acknowledges that allah provides all, increase equality - bridging rich and poor
Hajj: devotion to allah, acknowledges the prophets, brings together he umma - equality before Allah

Question 3

quotes for each pillar

Answer 3

Shahadah: “There is no God but God, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.”

Salat: “Who believe in the Unseen, and perform As-salat and spend out of what We have provided for them.” (Qur’an, 2:3)
“To God belongs the East and the West. Whichever way you turn, there is the Face of God” (2:115)
“Maintain with care the (obligatory) prayers and (in particular) the middle prayer and stand before Allah, devoutly obedient.” (Qur’an 2:238)

Sawm: “O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you that you are expected to be truly obedient.” (Qur’an, 2:183)

Zakat: ‘And be steadfast in prayer and regular in charity. And whatever good you send forth for your souls before you, you shall find it with Allah, for Allah sees well all that you do.’ (Qur’an 2:110)

Hajj: [Quran 22:27] “And proclaim that the people shall observe Hajj pilgrimage.”