The 5 Pillars

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Assalamu alaykum,

Today's discourse will focus on the third narration in the 40 Hadith series from the honorable Imam Nawawi.

This particular Hadith, as narrated by Abdullah Ibn Omar amongst others, tells us that Islam is founded on five pillars.

It is a striking metaphor that likens our faith to a structure, the strength and resilience of which depend significantly on its foundations.

Islam - our beloved religion - draws its might and beauty from such pillars:

1. The testament that there is no deity but Allah

2. Performing Salah (prayer)

3. giving Zakat (charity)

4. Fasting during the month of Ramadan

5. If capable, perform the Hajj pilgrimage.

These five pillars are not just religious rites but a comprehensive system for life.

They reinforce our faith, purify our souls, foster a sense of community, and guard us against the malice of selfishness and greed.

They remind us of the transient nature of this life while preparing us for the eternal life.

One thing to emphasize is that these pillars do not stand in isolation, instead, they are systematically related, each one enhancing the effectiveness of the others.

For example, Salah, or prayer, helps us remember Allah throughout our daily activities, instilling a sense of piety and fear of Allah in our hearts.

This connection with Allah makes us conscious of the needs of others around us which leads us to the practice of Zakah, the giving of alms.

Zakah purifies our wealth, reduces socio-economic disparity and fosters a spirit of cooperation and mutual support within the community.

Similarly, fasting instills discipline, self-control and empathy towards the less fortunate, while Hajj represents the unity of the Muslim Ummah and equality before Allah.

These pillars of Islam are deeply profound.

They are more than rituals or simple acts of worship – these are acts that connect us to Allah, as well as to our own spirits and to the community around us.

These pillars are the means by which we cultivate our faith, grow our religious and spiritual capacities, and ultimately live as Muslims – submitting ourselves to the will of Allah.

Seeing the companions of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) like Abdullah bin Umar, who carried forward the deen, its teachings, principles, and conveyed them to future generations, we realize the immense responsibility that lies on our shoulders.

As Abdullah bin Umar delivered the message of the Prophet (pbuh) and the knowledge of Islam to others, so should we strive to fulfill our duty as Muslims, by embodying and sharing the teachings of Islam.

True knowledge is not measured in relationship to how much you memorize and then narrate, but rather, true knowledge is an expression of piety.

With this in mind, let’s not confine our understanding of Islam to mere memorization of the Quran and Hadith, but let’s strive to act upon these teachings and inspire others to do the same.

Let the authenticity of our actions reflect the true spirit of Islam.

May Allah guide us and strengthen us in our journey, and may He reward us with the highest ranks in Jannah for our efforts.

PS: This Ramadan, we are partnering with Islamic Ummah Relief to construct an orphanage in Ghana. Insha’allah, make an intention, take action, and contribute to support an entire community for generations to come. See below for more details.