The five pillars of Islam: Where does fasting fit in?

The Five Pillars of Islam: Where Does Fasting Fit In?

Islam is built upon five fundamental principles, known as the Five Pillars of Islam, which serve as the foundation of a Muslim’s faith and practice. These pillars define the core beliefs and obligations that every Muslim must uphold to attain spiritual success in this life and the Hereafter. The Five Pillars are:

• Shahadah (Faith) – The declaration of faith
• Salah (Prayer) – The five daily prayers
• Zakah (Charity) – The obligatory almsgiving
• Sawm (Fasting) – Fasting in the month of Ramadan
• Hajj (Pilgrimage) – The pilgrimage to Makkah

Each of these pillars plays a crucial role in shaping the spiritual and social life of a Muslim. Among them, fasting (Sawm) holds a unique position as it is an act of self-discipline, devotion, and purification.

In this article, we will explore the Five Pillars of Islam, highlighting their significance and examining where fasting fits within them. We will also discuss the Quranic and Hadith references related to each pillar, with a special focus on fasting and its role in a Muslim’s life.

The First Pillar: Shahadah (The Declaration of Faith)

The Shahadah is the first and most fundamental pillar of Islam. It is the declaration of faith that affirms one’s belief in the oneness of Allah and the prophethood of Muhammad (ﷺ).

أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا رَسُولُ اللَّهِ

“I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.”

This declaration is the foundation of Islam, as it establishes the monotheistic belief that distinguishes Islam from all other religions. It is mentioned in the Quran:

شَهِدَ اللَّهُ أَنَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ وَالْمَلَائِكَةُ وَأُولُو الْعِلْمِ قَائِمًا بِالْقِسْطِ ۚ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْعَزِيزُ الْحَكِيمُ

“Allah witnesses that there is no deity except Him, and (so do) the angels and those of knowledge – (He is) maintaining justice. There is no deity except Him, the Exalted in Might, the Wise.”
(Surah Aal-e-Imran, 3:18)

The Shahadah is what differentiates a Muslim from a non-Muslim. Without believing in Tawheed (Oneness of Allah) and the prophethood of Muhammad (ﷺ), no act of worship, including fasting, would be valid.

The Second Pillar: Salah (The Five Daily Prayers)

Salah (prayer) is the second pillar of Islam and the most important daily act of worship. It is performed five times a day at prescribed times:

• Fajr – Before dawn
• Dhuhr – Midday
• Asr – Afternoon
• Maghrib – Sunset
• Isha – Night

Allah commands Muslims to establish prayer in the Quran:

إِنَّنِي أَنَا اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا أَنَا فَاعْبُدْنِي وَأَقِمِ الصَّلَاةَ لِذِكْرِي

“Indeed, I am Allah. There is no deity except Me, so worship Me and establish prayer for My remembrance.”
(Surah Taha, 20:14)

Prayer strengthens a Muslim’s connection with Allah and serves as a reminder of His greatness. It is an essential pillar that regulates a Muslim’s daily routine, keeping them mindful of their Creator.

Fasting and Salah

Fasting is closely linked to Salah, as both acts of worship require discipline and devotion. During Ramadan, Muslims are encouraged to increase their prayers, including the Taraweeh prayer, a special night prayer performed during this holy month.

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:

مَن قَامَ رَمَضَانَ إِيمَانًا وَاحْتِسَابًا، غُفِرَ لَهُ مَا تَقَدَّمَ مِنْ ذَنْبِهِ

“Whoever prays during the nights of Ramadan out of sincere faith and hoping for reward, his past sins will be forgiven.”
(Sahih Al-Bukhari, Hadith 37; Sahih Muslim, Hadith 759)

The Third Pillar: Zakah (Obligatory Charity)

Zakah is the obligatory charity that every financially able Muslim must give to those in need. It purifies one’s wealth and ensures that the poor and underprivileged members of society are taken care of.

Allah says in the Quran:

وَأَقِيمُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَآتُوا الزَّكَاةَ وَارْكَعُوا مَعَ الرَّاكِعِينَ

“And establish prayer and give Zakah and bow with those who bow (in worship and obedience).”
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:43)

Fasting and Zakah

Both fasting and Zakah promote selflessness and compassion. During Ramadan, Muslims are encouraged to be more charitable, as good deeds are multiplied during this blessed month.

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was the most generous during Ramadan:

كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ أَجْوَدَ النَّاسِ، وَكَانَ أَجْوَدَ مَا يَكُونُ فِي رَمَضَانَ

“The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was the most generous of people, and he was even more generous during Ramadan.”
(Sahih Al-Bukhari, Hadith 6)

This highlights the connection between fasting and charity, as Ramadan encourages generosity and care for the needy.

The Fourth Pillar: Sawm (Fasting in Ramadan)

Fasting is the fourth pillar of Islam and holds a unique place among acts of worship. Allah commands it in the Quran:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِنْ قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ

“O you who have believed, fasting has been prescribed upon you as it was prescribed upon those before you, that you may attain taqwa (piety).”
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:183)

Fasting purifies the heart, strengthens faith, and fosters self-discipline, gratitude, and taqwa. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:

الصِّيَامُ جُنَّةٌ

“Fasting is a shield (against sin and Hellfire).”
(Sahih Al-Bukhari, Hadith 1894; Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1151)

Fasting is not just about abstaining from food and drink, but also about refraining from sin, increasing worship, and improving one’s character.

The Fifth Pillar: Hajj (The Pilgrimage to Makkah)

Hajj is the final pillar of Islam, an obligation upon all Muslims who are physically and financially able.

Allah says:

وَأَذِّنْ فِي النَّاسِ بِالْحَجِّ يَأْتُوكَ رِجَالًا وَعَلَىٰ كُلِّ ضَامِرٍ يَأْتِينَ مِنْ كُلِّ فَجٍّ عَمِيقٍ

“And proclaim the Hajj to the people; they will come to you on foot and on every lean camel; they will come from every distant pass.”
(Surah Al-Hajj, 22:27)

Conclusion

Fasting (Sawm) holds a vital position among the Five Pillars of Islam, serving as a powerful means of spiritual purification, self-discipline, and devotion to Allah. It is deeply connected to the other pillars—reinforcing faith (Shahadah), complementing prayer (Salah), encouraging charity (Zakah), and preparing the soul for greater acts of worship, including Hajj. Through fasting, a believer learns to control their desires, develop patience, and attain taqwa (God-consciousness), as commanded in the Quran.

Each of the Five Pillars plays a unique role in shaping a Muslim’s life, but fasting stands out as a direct and personal act of worship between the servant and Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) emphasized its immense reward, stating that Allah Himself will reward those who fast sincerely for His sake.

By upholding these Five Pillars with sincerity, a Muslim strengthens their connection with Allah and secures their place in Jannah (Paradise). May Allah grant us the ability to fulfill our religious obligations with devotion and bless us with the countless rewards of fasting and other acts of worship. Ameen!