The 5 pillars (Shahadah)

Question 1

What are the 5 pillars

Answer 1

The 5 pillars are 5 basic acts which are mandatory and foundational. They make up Muslim life: Prayer (Salah), Concern for the needy (Zakah), Self-purification and pilgrimage (Hajj), Decleration of faith (Shahadah), Fasting (Sawm). The 5 pillars are necessary for a prudent (careful) and mindful life. They are recorded in the Qur’an and further insights are in the Hadith. They urge Muslims to make Allah the top priority.

Question 2

What is Shahadah?

Answer 2

Shahadah is declaration of faith- to believe in one God and Muhammad as the last prophet of Allah. The shahadah is whispered into ears of babies. Shahadah is a section of the Adhan (call to prayer) which is heard 5 times a day; repeated each night before sleep and Muhammad said they should be the last words before death. The shahadah should come from the heart and without Shahadah, the other pillars would not happen but they are all equally important.

Question 3

Quote for Shahadah (Sunnis)

Answer 3

“There is no God but Allah and Muhammad is his prophet”

Question 4

Quote for Shahadah (Shia)

Answer 4

“I bear witness that Ali is the beloved of Allah and the right-trustee of the prophet and his immediate successor”