The Five Pillars of Islam and Hajjs Role
Islam is built upon five fundamental pillars that serve as the foundation of a Muslim’s faith and practice. These pillars are acts of worship that strengthen a believer’s relationship with Allah and foster unity among the Muslim Ummah. The Five Pillars of Islam are:
- Shahadah (Faith – Declaration of Oneness of Allah and Prophethood of Muhammad ﷺ)
- Salah (Prayer – Performing Five Daily Prayers)
- Zakah (Charity – Giving to the Needy)
- Sawm (Fasting – Observing Fast in the Month of Ramadan)
- Hajj (Pilgrimage – Visiting Makkah for Pilgrimage, Obligatory Once in a Lifetime for Those Able)
Among these pillars, Hajj is unique because it is obligatory only for those who meet specific conditions of financial and physical ability. It is a profound act of worship that symbolizes submission to Allah and commemorates the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim (عليه السلام), Hagar, and Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).
This article will explore each pillar of Islam in detail and highlight Hajj’s role in strengthening faith, fostering unity, and fulfilling one of the most significant obligations in Islam, with references from the Quran and Hadith in Arabic and English.
Shahadah – The Declaration of Faith (الشهادة)
The Shahadah is the fundamental belief in Islam, testifying that there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad (ﷺ) is His final Messenger.
The Quran states:
“There is no deity except Me, so worship Me and establish prayer for My remembrance.”
(Surah Taha 20:14)
Arabic:
إِنَّنِي أَنَا اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا أَنَا فَاعْبُدْنِي وَأَقِمِ الصَّلَاةَ لِذِكْرِي
This testimony of faith is the foundation of Islam. Anyone who sincerely declares and believes in Shahadah becomes a Muslim.
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
“Islam is based on five: testifying that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is His Messenger…”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 8, Sahih Muslim 16)
Arabic:
بُنِيَ الإِسْلاَمُ عَلَى خَمْسٍ: شَهَادَةِ أَنْ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَأَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا رَسُولُ اللَّهِ
Shahadah is recited in daily prayers, at the time of entering Islam, and is the first and last testimony a Muslim should utter in their lifetime.
Salah – The Five Daily Prayers (الصلاة)
Salah (prayer) is a direct act of worship that connects a believer to Allah. It is performed five times a day at specific times:
- Fajr (Dawn)
- Dhuhr (Noon)
- Asr (Afternoon)
- Maghrib (Evening)
- Isha (Night)
Allah (SWT) commands in the Quran:
“And establish prayer and give Zakah and bow with those who bow [in worship].”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:43)
Arabic:
وَأَقِيمُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَآتُوا الزَّكَاةَ وَارْكَعُوا مَعَ الرَّاكِعِينَ
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) emphasized the importance of Salah:
“The first deed for which a person will be called to account on the Day of Judgment will be his Salah.”
(Sunan Abu Dawood 864)
Arabic:
إِنَّ أَوَّلَ مَا يُحَاسَبُ بِهِ الْعَبْدُ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ الصَّلَاةُ
Salah is a way to seek forgiveness, express gratitude, and strengthen one’s relationship with Allah.
Zakah – Charity (الزكاة)
Zakah is a mandatory act of charity, where Muslims give 2.5% of their surplus wealth annually to the needy. It purifies wealth and ensures the economic well-being of the Ummah.
Allah (SWT) commands in the Quran:
“And establish prayer and give Zakah, and whatever good you put forward for yourselves—you will find it with Allah.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:110)
Arabic:
وَأَقِيمُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَآتُوا الزَّكَاةَ وَمَا تُقَدِّمُوا لِأَنْفُسِكُمْ مِنْ خَيْرٍ تَجِدُوهُ عِنْدَ اللَّهِ
The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“The best charity is that given when one has surplus wealth, and the upper hand is better than the lower hand.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 1429, Sahih Muslim 1034)
Arabic:
خَيْرُ الصَّدَقَةِ مَا كَانَ عَنْ ظَهْرِ غِنًى
Zakah is a means of social welfare, ensuring that wealth circulates fairly and benefits the less fortunate.
Sawm – Fasting in Ramadan (الصيام)
Sawm is the fasting in the month of Ramadan, where Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, and sinful behavior from dawn to sunset.
Allah (SWT) commands:
“O you who have believed, fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may attain Taqwa (piety).”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:183)
Arabic:
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِنْ قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ
The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“Whoever fasts Ramadan with faith and seeking reward, his past sins will be forgiven.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 38, Sahih Muslim 760)
Arabic:
مَنْ صَامَ رَمَضَانَ إِيمَانًا وَاحْتِسَابًا غُفِرَ لَهُ مَا تَقَدَّمَ مِنْ ذَنْبِهِ
Fasting teaches self-discipline, empathy for the poor, and spiritual purification.
Hajj – The Pilgrimage to Makkah (الحج)
Hajj is the fifth and final pillar of Islam, and it holds immense significance for Muslims around the world. It is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for those who meet specific conditions, such as financial and physical ability. Hajj is performed in the holy city of Makkah during the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah, and it is an expression of the Muslim’s ultimate submission to Allah (SWT). The pilgrimage is a unique spiritual journey that every Muslim, who is able, should undertake.
The Quran mentions the importance of Hajj:
“And complete the Hajj and Umrah for Allah.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:196)
Arabic:
وَأَتِمُّوا الْحَجَّ وَالْعُمْرَةَ لِلَّهِ
This verse underlines that Hajj and Umrah are prescribed acts of worship that must be performed sincerely for Allah’s sake. The obligation of Hajj is one of the key pillars of Islamic worship, which highlights its critical role in strengthening a Muslim’s relationship with Allah and the broader Muslim Ummah.
The Rituals of Hajj
The Hajj pilgrimage consists of a series of rituals that are performed over several days in the sacred sites of Makkah, Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah. Each ritual holds deep spiritual meaning and serves as a reminder of the devotion and sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (عليه السلام), his wife Hagar, and their son Isma’il (عليه السلام). Below are the major rituals of Hajj:
-
Ihram – The pilgrimage begins with the state of Ihram, which involves wearing specific garments and refraining from certain actions such as cutting hair, clipping nails, and engaging in marital relations. This symbolizes purity and devotion.
-
Tawaf – Upon arriving in Makkah, pilgrims perform Tawaf, the act of circumambulating the Kaaba seven times in a counterclockwise direction. This symbolizes the unity of the believers in worshipping Allah. The Kaaba is the first house of worship dedicated to Allah, built by Prophet Ibrahim (عليه السلام) and his son Isma’il (عليه السلام).
-
Sa’i – Pilgrims perform Sa’i, which is the walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah. This ritual commemorates Hagar’s search for water when she ran between these two hills in search of sustenance for her son, Isma’il. Allah (SWT) answered her prayers by providing the Zamzam water, which still flows today.
-
Standing at Arafat (Wuquf) – One of the most significant rituals of Hajj is standing in Arafat on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah. This act of Wuquf symbolizes the Day of Judgment, where all humans will stand before Allah to account for their deeds. Pilgrims seek Allah’s mercy and forgiveness during this time.
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Muzdalifah and Stoning of the Devil – After leaving Arafat, pilgrims spend the night in Muzdalifah and then proceed to Mina. In Mina, they participate in the ritual of Ramy al-Jamarat, where pilgrims throw stones at three pillars, symbolizing the rejection of Satan (Shaytan). This commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s (عليه السلام) rejection of Satan’s temptation when he was commanded to sacrifice his son.
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Sacrifice (Qurbani) – After the stoning, pilgrims perform the act of sacrifice, which involves slaughtering an animal, usually a sheep, goat, cow, or camel. This act is a tribute to the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (عليه السلام) to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah. The meat is then distributed to the needy.
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Tawaf al-Ifadah – Pilgrims return to Makkah to perform another Tawaf known as Tawaf al-Ifadah. This signifies the completion of the main rituals of Hajj.
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Shaving or Trimming the Hair – Men who perform Hajj shave their heads or trim their hair, while women cut a small portion of their hair. This symbolizes the purification of the soul and the beginning of a new chapter in their spiritual journey.
The Spiritual Significance of Hajj
Hajj is not just a physical journey; it is a profound spiritual experience that purifies the soul, strengthens one’s faith, and deepens the connection with Allah. The rituals of Hajj symbolize key themes such as sacrifice, obedience, humility, and unity among the Muslim Ummah.
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
“Whoever performs Hajj and does not commit sin or argue, he will return like the day his mother gave birth to him.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 1521, Sahih Muslim 1350)
Arabic:
مَنْ حَجَّ لِلَّهِ فَلَمْ يَرْفُثْ وَلَمْ يَفْسُقْ رَجَعَ كَيَوْمِ وَلَدَتْهُ أُمُّهُ
This Hadith emphasizes that performing Hajj with sincerity and devotion results in complete forgiveness and the opportunity to start anew. The sins of the individual are erased, and they are spiritually purified. Hajj is a chance for spiritual renewal and to strengthen one’s commitment to worship Allah with sincerity.
The Unity of the Muslim Ummah
One of the most powerful aspects of Hajj is its ability to unite Muslims from all corners of the world. Pilgrims from diverse cultural, racial, and economic backgrounds come together with a shared purpose—to worship Allah and seek His mercy. During Hajj, all pilgrims wear the same simple white garments (Ihram), symbolizing that all Muslims, regardless of their worldly status, are equal in the eyes of Allah. This fosters a sense of unity and brotherhood among the Muslim Ummah.
The Quran describes the unity of Hajj as follows:
“Indeed, this Ummah of yours is one Ummah, and I am your Lord, so worship Me.”
(Surah Al-Anbiya 21:92)
Arabic:
إِنَّ هَٰذِهِ أُمَّتُكُمْ أُمَّةً وَاحِدَةً وَأَنَا رَبُّكُمْ فَاعْبُدُونِ
The pilgrimage reminds Muslims that they are part of a global community bound by faith. This sense of unity and solidarity is carried back home, encouraging Muslims to work together for the welfare of the Ummah and the wider world.
The Rewards of Hajj
Hajj is a journey that not only provides spiritual rewards but also brings immense benefits in this world and the Hereafter. The Quran and Hadith highlight the great rewards of performing Hajj sincerely and in accordance with the teachings of Islam.
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
“Whoever performs Hajj and does not engage in indecency or sinful behavior will return home as pure and sinless as the day he was born.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 1521)
Arabic:
مَنْ حَجَّ فَلَمْ يَرْفُثْ وَلَمْ يَفْسُقْ رَجَعَ كَيَوْمِ وَلَدَتْهُ أُمُّهُ
Performing Hajj grants forgiveness of past sins, bringing the pilgrim closer to Allah and purifying the soul. It also serves as a means of earning immense rewards, with every step taken in the holy land being rewarded.
Conclusion
The Five Pillars of Islam are the foundation of a Muslim’s faith and practice, guiding believers toward a life of righteousness, devotion, and submission to Allah. Each pillar serves a unique purpose: Shahadah affirms faith, Salah strengthens the connection with Allah, Zakah purifies wealth and supports the needy, Sawm instills self-discipline, and Hajj unites Muslims in a profound act of worship.
Among these, Hajj holds a special place as the ultimate demonstration of faith, sacrifice, and submission. It commemorates the struggles of Prophet Ibrahim (عليه السلام), Hagar, and Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), reminding Muslims of their duty to Allah and the unity of the Ummah. The pilgrimage purifies the soul, erases past sins, and brings believers closer to their Creator.
Allah (SWT) says in the Quran:
“And complete the Hajj and Umrah for Allah.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:196)
Arabic:
وَأَتِمُّوا الْحَجَّ وَالْعُمْرَةَ لِلَّهِ
By upholding the Five Pillars, a Muslim attains Taqwa (piety), spiritual success, and closeness to Allah. May Allah grant all Muslims the ability to fulfill their religious obligations and perform Hajj with sincerity and devotion. Ameen.
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