The Pillars of Islaam
Presented to you by: ISAT The Islamic Society of Arlington, Texas
Islaam is the final religion from Allaah and is
the only acceptable religion to Him; He says (what means): “And whoever desires other than Islaam as religion - never will it be accepted from him, and he, in the Hereafter, will be among the losers.” [Aal ‘Imraan: 85] Allaah took upon Himself to preserve and protect it from alteration and fabrication, as He says (what means): “Indeed, it is We who sent down the Qur’aan and indeed, We will be its guardian.” [Al-Hijr: 9]
What is Islaam? Islaam, in its general sense, is to fully submit and subdue oneself to Allaah Almighty; to fully submit the mind and heart to the ultimate Wisdom of Allaah; to fully submit the limbs to the commands of Allaah and keep them away from what He prohibited; to direct one's worship and imploration to Allaah alone; and to disown associating partners with Allaah. This is what all Prophets and Messengers came to call the people towards and invite them to. Allaah says (what means): “Indeed, the religion in the sight of Allaah is Islaam.” [Aal ‘Imraan: 19]
In its specific sense, Islaam is the religion with which the Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam came and it is the religion which he sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam conveyed as a comprehensive and complete code of life and the legislations set therein. What are the Pillars of Islaam? Islaam has five pillars, without which it is not established. Likewise, a person's faith is not accepted unless all five pillars are fulfilled. These five pillars are performed as a way of expressing full servitude to Allaah, in adherence to His commands and in submission to His legislations. It is not a condition before performing these pillars that we know the wisdom or secrets behind their legislation as we may understand the wisdom behind a few, but not necessarily all of them. The following are the five pillars of Islaam: 1. Ash-Shahaadtaan (The Two Testimonies of Faith)
This is the basis of one's faith and the foundation of the religion, and its pronouncement is the first thing one does in order to enter the fold of Islaam. It is for this purpose that Allaah has created His creation, sent His Messengers and revealed His Books. It is the absolute best deed one can perform and the best means to expiate one's sins; it leads to one's admittance to Paradise and his salvation from Hell. Furthermore, the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: “Whosoever testifies that there is none worthy of being worshipped except Allaah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allaah, Allaah saves him from the Fire (of Hell).” [Muslim] The two Testimonies of Faith are fulfilled by one uttering them with the tongue while having full certainty in the heart that Allaah Alone is worthy of being worshipped and obeyed and that He Almighty is the Lord in Whose Hand is the dominion of the universe and the control of the heavens and the earth. These two testimonies negate true lordship and worthiness of worship from other than Allaah and confirm it for Allaah Alone. Uttering and believing in the two Testimonies of Faith is a means of announcing one's submission to Allaah alone with worship and glorification. At the same time, it is a renouncement of all that is worshipped besides Allaah Almighty, whether human, animal, angel, object, ideology, desire, principle, or methodology, and a proclamation that they are false gods. As for the part of the two Testimonies related to the Messenger Muhammad sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, then it is to submit and believe that Allaah has sent him to all humanity as a bringer of glad tidings for those who obey him and a warner for those who disobey him.
It also means believing that he sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam was sent to remove people from the darkness of misguidance to the light of Islaamic monotheism, and that Allaah revealed the Qur’aan to him as a final Divine Book that abrogates and overrules all previous Books; a Book that includes a complete and perfect code of life in all aspects, that leads to people’s salvation and happiness in this life and the Hereafter. Allaah made the Sunnah of the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam a source of legislation, which consists of his verbal statements, practical actions, and approvals. Allaah says (what means): “And whatever the Messenger has given you — take; and what he has forbidden you — refrain from.” [Al-Hashr: 7] Another implication of testifying that the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam is the Messenger of Allaah is to confirm and submit that he sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam is the last and final Messenger and that all humanity must follow him, as Allaah says (what means): “And We have not sent you except comprehensively to humanity as a bringer of good tidings and a warner. But most of the people do not know.” [Saba’: 28] Furthermore, the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: “I was sent to the people comprehensively.” [Al-Bukhaari]
In order for a Muslim to fulfill this first pillar of Islaam, he must fulfill both parts of the testimony. His faith and servitude to Allaah will not be accepted unless he also fulfills the second part of the testimony that is related to the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam and apply both parts in all aspects of his life, with the understanding that Allaah has commanded us to do so. Similarly, Allaah made obeying Him incomplete until one also obeys the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam. Allaah says (what means): “But no, by your Lord, they will not [truly] believe until they make you, [O Muhammad], judge concerning that over which they dispute among themselves and then find within themselves no discomfort from what you have judged and submit in [full, willing] submission.” [An-Nisaa’: 65] 2. Salaah (Prayer)
Salaah is one of the most important acts of worship in Islaam and the most apparent indicator of one's faith. Due to this, Islaam has attached great importance to it and highlighted its virtue and rank from among the other acts of worship. It is the direct means through which the slave communicates with his Lord, reflecting his full submissiveness and humbleness to Him and acknowledging His Lordship and Oneness, as well as seeking guidance from Him and expressing full servitude to Him. Salaah is the means that enables one to shun evil and immorality; it eradicates one's sins and is a means of strengthening faith in the heart and establishing tranquility and happiness in the soul.
The Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa salaam would resort to it whenever anything grieved him and would say to Bilaal, may Allaah be pleased with him: “O Bilaal! Comfort our hearts with it (i.e. call the Iqaamah for Salaah).” He sallallaahu 'alayhi wa salaam also said regarding it: “The comfort and delight of my heart was made in (performing) Salaah.” [At-Tabaraani, Ahmad & An-Nasaa’i] The comfort and delight of the heart is a reference for ultimate tranquility, happiness and security. Furthermore he sallallaahu 'alayhi wa salaam said: “Say, if there were a river at the door of one of you in which he took a bath five times a day, would any soiling remain upon him?” The people replied: ‘No soiling would be left on him.’ He sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: “That is (the example of) the five (obligatory) prayers. Allaah obliterates all sins as a result of performing them.” [Al-Bukhaari & Muslim] Salaah is performed five times in every twenty-four hour period and at set times. It is performed in a certain manner and has specific preconditions, pillars and compulsory acts that should be fulfilled. What is the ruling regarding Salaah? Salaah is an obligation upon each Muslim (male and female) and must be performed at its prescribed time. What is the number of obligatory prayers? There are five obligatory prayers during every twenty-four hour period, and they consist of the following number of Rak’ahs (units):
1. Fajr (dawn): Two Rak’ahs. 2. Thuhr (post meridian): Four Rak’ahs. 3. 'Asr (mid-afternoon): Four Rak’ahs. 4. Maghrib (sunset): Three Rak’ahs. 5. ‘Ishaa’ (night): Four Rak’ahs.
Anyone who intentionally increases or decreases the legislated number of Rak’ahs during any of the prayers, his prayer will be void, unless he is traveling (in which case he shortens the four Rak’ah prayers to two Rak’ahs only) or he does so forgetfully (in which case he can compensate for it by an extra prostration). What are the prescribed times for prayers?
1. Fajr: From dawn until just before sunrise. 2. Thuhr: From meridian until the shade of an object is equal to its length.
3. 'Asr: From the end time of
Thuhr until the shade of an object is equal to twice its length.
4. Maghrib: From sunset until the redness in the sky disappears in the horizon.
5. ‘Ishaa’: From the end time of Maghrib until midnight.
A Muslim is obliged to perform his five daily prayers at their prescribed times unless he has a legitimate excuse, such as oversleeping, forgetting, or traveling, because in such cases he is excused. However, in the first two cases, he should hasten to perform his prayers immediately upon remembering or waking up. What are the preconditions for Salaah? There are nine preconditions for Salaah:
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Islaam; it will not be accepted from a disbeliever. Sanity; it is not obligatory upon a mentally ill person. Discretion; it is not obligatory upon a child until he reaches the age of discretion, or puberty.
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Major and minor purity; minor impurity obligates Wudhoo’ (ablution) and major impurity obligates ritual bathing. Purity of clothing. Covering the ‘Awrah (parts of the body that must be covered in Islaam). Performing it at the prescribed time; it is not accepted before its time. Facing the direction of the Qiblah (the Ka’bah). Intention, which is in the heart, and is the determination (resolution) to perform Salaah.
What is the ruling of omitting any precondition? Leaving out any of these nine preconditions, whether intentionally or forgetfully, nullifies the Salaah and it is thus not accepted. What are the pillars of Salaah? There are fourteen pillars of Salaah:
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Standing when capable (during obligatory Salaah only). Uttering the initiating Takbeer (Allaahu Akbar). Reciting Rak’ah.
Chapter
Al-Faatihah
Rukoo’ (bowing). Rising up from Rukoo’. Standing up straight after Rukoo’. Sujood (prostrating). Rising from Sujood. Sitting between the two Sujoods.
in
every
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Being tranquil during all pillars of Salaah. The final Tashahhud. Tasleem (concluding Salaah by saying Assalaamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullaah). Sitting during Tashahhud and Tasleem. Performing the pillars of Salaah in the correct sequence.
What is the ruling on omitting any of these pillars? Leaving out any of these fourteen preconditions, whether intentionally or forgetfully, nullifies the Salaah and it is thus not accepted. What are the compulsory acts of Salaah? There are eight compulsory acts of Salaah:
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Uttering all Takbeers other than the initiating one. Uttering Subhaana Rabbiyal-‘atheem at least once whilst in Rukoo’. Uttering Subhana Rabbiyal-a‘la at least once whilst in Sujood. Uttering Sami’allaahu liman hamidah after rising from Rukoo’. Uttering Rabbana wa lakal-hamd after rising from Rukoo’. Supplicating between the two Sujood by saying ‘Rabbighfir lee’ (O my Lord! Forgive me). The first Tashahhud. Sitting during the first Tashahhud.
What is the ruling of leaving out one of these compulsory acts?
If any one of these eight compulsory acts is forgetfully left out, one should prostrate twice for forgetfulness to compensate. Which acts nullify the Salaah? Performing any of the following nullifies the Salaah: • Eating or drinking intentionally. • Talking intentionally. • Leaving out one of the pillars while being able to perform it. • Laughing audibly.
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Any action which invalidates the Wudhoo’. Excessive movement. Preceding the Imaam (one leading the Salaah) when praying in a congregation. 3. Zakaah (Alms Giving)
Zakaah is the act of worship which Allaah mentions alongside Salaah in many places in the Qur’aan. It was legislated in order to purify the heart and soul from stinginess, condole the poor and needy, serve as a means to bless one's wealth and protect it from ruin, and achieve benefit for the Muslim community in general. Allaah says (what means): “Take, [O Muhammad], from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them increase.” [At-Tawbah: 103] Allaah has warned those who withhold from paying the due Zakaah, saying (what means): “And those who hoard gold and silver and spend it not in the way of Allaah — give them tidings of a painful punishment. The Day when it (wealth whose due Zakaah was not paid) will be heated in the fire of Hell and seared therewith will be their foreheads, their flanks, and their backs, [it will be said], “This is what you hoarded for yourselves, so taste what you used to hoard.”” [At-Tawbah: 34-35]
Furthermore, the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: “Any person who possesses gold or silver and does not pay what is due on it (i.e., Zakaah); on the Day of Resurrection, sheets of silver and gold would be heated for him in the fire of Hell and with them his flank, forehead and back will be branded. When they cool down, they will be heated again and the same process will be repeated during the Day the measure of which will be fifty thousand years. (This would go on) until Judgment is pronounced among (Allaah's) slaves, and he will be shown to his final abode, either to Paradise or to Hell.” [AlBukhaari & Muslim] What is the ruling regarding Zakaah? Zakaah is an obligation upon each Muslim (male and female) who possesses the Nisaab (the minimum amount of wealth upon which it is due which is approximately equivalent to 83 grams of gold), and has possessed it for a full lunar year while having full control over it and freedom in its usage What is the type of wealth on which Zakaah is required? Zakaah is required on four things: First: Produce of the earth: grain, fruits and minerals. Second: Gold, silver and money. Third: Goods of any type which are owned in order to be sold, like real estate, trading goods, or shops. Fourth: Livestock, like camels, cattle, sheep or goats (which graze freely). What is the Zakaah amount on wealth once it reaches the Nisaab? The Zakaah amount is 2.5%. 4. Siyaam (Fasting) What is Siyaam?
It is abstaining from food, drink, sexual intercourse and everything that nullifies the fast from dawn until sunset, with the intention of drawing closer to Allaah. What is the ruling regarding Siyaam? Siyaam is an obligation upon each Muslim (male and female) who is not traveling or sick, has reached the age of puberty, is sane, and is capable of observing the fast. What are the benefits of Siyaam, and what is the wisdom behind legislating it?
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Siyaam is one of the greatest ways of pleasing Allaah and gaining reward. It weakens sexual desire and trains individuals to be patient and determined. It organizes and trains a person to sacrifice for the sake of others and be compassionate towards the poor. It purifies the heart and enables it to ponder upon the greatness of Allaah. It has many medical benefits, such as cleansing the intestines, improving the condition of the stomach, and clearing the body of accumulated waste.
What nullifies Siyaam? There are eight things that nullify Siyaam: • Sexual intercourse during the day. • Ejaculation caused by kissing, hugging or any other method short of intercourse. • Intentional eating or drinking.
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Consuming anything which replaces food and drinks and has nutritional value, like an I.V. injection. Cupping (blood-letting).
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Intentional vomiting.
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Menstruation and post-partum bleeding. Apostasy.
What conditions allow a person to break his fast during Ramadhaan? It is allowed for a sick person or a traveler to do so, but they must make up for these days later. Also, a pregnant or breastfeeding woman may break her fast if she fears for herself or her baby, and should feed a poor for every day she breaks her fast. What are the etiquettes and acts of Sunnah during Siyaam? There are many etiquettes and acts of Sunnah during Siyaam, such as:
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Hastening to break the fast immediately after sunset. Eating Suhoor (the pre-dawn meal). Shunning seductive speech with one's spouse. Breaking the fast with dates, or water. Supplicating at the time of breaking the fast, as this is a supplication that Allaah will not reject. Not being excessive in eating (following the fast), drinking and sleeping. Spending generously in charity and feeding and comforting the poor. Reciting and learning about the Qur’aan plentifully. Performing the Taraaweeh (night prayer) with the congregation. Increasing one's acts of worship during the last ten nights of Ramadhaan. 5. Hajj (Pilgrimage)
What is Hajj? It is visiting the Sacred House of Allaah in Makkah (the Ka’bah) to perform pilgrimage in the specific manner elucidated in the Qur’aan and the Sunnah. What is the ruling of Hajj? Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islaam and an obligation upon each capable Muslim (male and female), once in their lifetime. What are the preconditions of Hajj? There are five preconditions of Hajj, • Islaam; it will not be accepted from a disbeliever.
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Sanity; it is not obligatory upon a mentally ill person. Puberty; it is not obligatory upon a child until the age of puberty. Freedom; it is not compulsory upon a slave. Physical and financial capability. Also, for women, to have a Mahram (i.e. a male who is Islamically permitted to accompany her during travel, like her husband, father, grandfather, son, grandson, brother, uncle, nephew, son-in-law or fatherin-law).
What are the Pillars of Hajj? Hajj has four pillars, the omission of any one of which will nullify it:
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Articulating the type of Hajj, then assuming Ihraam (the state in which one is prohibited to practice certain deeds that are lawful at other times while performing the ceremonies of 'Umrah or Hajj). Standing within the boundaries of ‘Arafaat on the designated day.
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Tawaaf Al-Ifaadhah (circumambulating the Ka’bah after staying in Muzdalifah) Sa’y (Going seven times between mountains of As-Safaa and Al-Marwah).
the
What are the Compulsory acts of Hajj? Hajj has seven associated compulsory acts, the omission of any one of which will not nullify one's Hajj, but will necessitate expiation by sacrificing an animal and distributing it among the poor and needy in Makkah:
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Assuming Ihraam from the Meeqaat (places where Ihraam is assumed during specific times). Standing in the area of ‘Arafaat until sunset. Spending the entire night of ‘Eed in Muzdalifah. Spending the night in Mina during the days of Tashreeq (11th & 12th of Thul-Hijjah) for those who hasten, and the night of the 13th for those who delay their departure. Stoning the Jamaraat (pebbles) on the day of ‘Eed and on the days of Tashreeq. Shaving or cutting one's hair for men, and simply shortening the hair for women. Tawaaf Al-Wadaa’ (the farewell Tawaaf).
What are the prohibitions of Ihraam?
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To cut any hair from any part of one's body. To clip one's nails, unless done unintentionally or if part of a nail breaks off by itself. To cover the head with something that touches it, such as a hat or turban.
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To wear form-fitting clothes over any part of the body, like shirts, vests, trousers, underpants, socks or anything else. For women to wear gloves or to cover the face with a veil that is tied to the face. To use perfume or anything else that is scented, regardless of whether it is used on the body or on the clothes. To have sexual relations with one's spouse, or anything leading to it. To get married or conduct a marriage ceremony. To hunt game, with the exception of fishing, or to eat game meat that was exclusively hunted for the one in Ihraam.
What are the etiquettes during Hajj? A person intending to perform Hajj should bear in mind the following etiquettes among many others:
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One should learn how to perform Hajj and discover the description of the rituals and its etiquettes. One should not perform Hajj using ill-gotten or doubtful money. One should maintain sincerity and avoid boasting and take extra provisions so as to share with the poor or needy he meets during Hajj. One should adhere to all obligations and refrain from all prohibitions. One should pray all the prayers on time. One should maintain noble manners and shun harshness and iniquitous morals.