Pillars of Islam
What are the five pillars of Islam?
The five pillars of Islam are the five basic acts of worship every Muslim is asked to practise: Shahada (faith), Salah (prayer), Zakat (charity), Sawm (fasting) and Hajj (pilgrimage).
The five pillars of Islam are Shahada (declaration of faith), Salah (five daily prayers), Zakat (giving to those in need), Sawm (fasting in Ramadan) and Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah). They are the foundation of a Muslim’s worship and shape daily life, family life and community care.
What are the five pillars of Islam?
The five pillars are the main duties of a Muslim. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught that Islam is built on them, like a house built on strong posts. A Muslim believes in many other things too, but these five acts shape a life of worship.
| No. | Arabic name | In English | What it means in practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shahada | Declaration of faith | Saying and believing that there is no god but Allah and Muhammad (peace be upon him) is His messenger |
| 2 | Salah | Prayer | Praying five times a day |
| 3 | Zakat | Obligatory charity | Giving 2.5% of savings above the nisab each year to those in need |
| 4 | Sawm | Fasting | Fasting from dawn to sunset in the month of Ramadan |
| 5 | Hajj | Pilgrimage | Visiting the Kaaba in Makkah once in a lifetime, for those who are able |
Each pillar has its own page on this site. Use the links below to read more.
What is the first pillar, Shahada?
Shahada is the declaration of faith. A person says that there is no god but Allah, and that Muhammad is His messenger. It is the entry point to Islam and the idea behind every other pillar.
Read more in our guide to the Shahada and its meaning.
What is the second pillar, Salah?
Salah is the ritual prayer that Muslims perform five times a day: at dawn, midday, afternoon, sunset and night. It keeps a believer in regular contact with Allah. The Qur’an tells believers to establish prayer (for example in Qur’an 2:43).
See the steps and times in how to pray Salah.
What is the third pillar, Zakat?
Zakat is a fixed yearly charity paid by Muslims who have wealth above a minimum level (the nisab). The usual rate is 2.5% of zakatable wealth held for one lunar year. It is paid to people in need, such as the poor. The eight groups who may receive it are named in Qur’an 9:60.
Learn the details in Zakat in Kenya.
What is the fourth pillar, Sawm?
Sawm is fasting. In the month of Ramadan, adult Muslims who are well do not eat, drink or have marital relations from dawn until sunset. The Qur’an says fasting was prescribed to help believers become mindful of Allah (Qur’an 2:183).
Read Sawm: fasting in Islam for who must fast and who is excused.
What is the fifth pillar, Hajj?
Hajj is the pilgrimage to Makkah in Saudi Arabia. It is required once in a lifetime for Muslims who are able, in health and in money. It takes place on set days in the month of Dhul Hijjah.
Read more in Hajj and Umrah.
How do the five pillars work together in daily life?
The pillars train both the heart and the habits of a Muslim. Faith gives direction. Prayer gives rhythm to the day. Zakat teaches care for others. Fasting teaches self-control and sympathy for the hungry. Hajj brings Muslims from every country together.
- Salah and Sawm are acts of worship between a person and Allah.
- Zakat directly helps other people, so it connects worship to the community.
- Hajj and Zakat have conditions, so they are required only of those who are able.
Scholars of different schools of thought agree on these five pillars. They may differ on small details of how to practise them. For details, ask your local imam or scholar.
Are the five pillars the same as the articles of faith?
No. The pillars are acts of worship. The articles of faith (iman) are what a Muslim believes: in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, the Last Day and divine decree. Islam combines belief and action, so a Muslim holds both.
How can I live out the pillars by helping others?
Zakat is the pillar that turns directly into food, water and support for families. In Kenya, many pastoralist and urban families struggle after drought, rising prices and loss of income. Islamic Relief Kenya is registered with the Kenya NGO Board (Reg. No. 218/051/204/0374/3386).
You can give on our donation page by card or M-Pesa. Choose the ZAKAT fund for your Zakat, or give Sadaqah (voluntary charity) at any time.
More guides in this topic
- Shahada: the declaration of faith: What the Shahada means and how it is declared.
- Salah: how to pray: The five daily prayers and how to perform them.
- Sawm: fasting in Islam: Why and how Muslims fast in Ramadan.
- Hajj and Umrah: The pilgrimage to Makkah and who it is required of.
Put the third pillar into action
Support families in Kenya with your Zakat or Sadaqah. Pay by M-Pesa or card.
Support families in KenyaFrequently asked questions
What are the five pillars of Islam?
The five pillars of Islam are Shahada (declaration of faith), Salah (five daily prayers), Zakat (obligatory charity), Sawm (fasting in Ramadan) and Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah once in a lifetime for those able). They are the core acts of worship for Muslims.
Why are they called pillars?
They are called pillars because the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) described Islam as built on these five acts, like a building on its supports. Without them a Muslim’s practice would lack its foundation.
Which pillar is the most important?
The Shahada comes first because it is the declaration of faith that the other pillars rest on. All five are required where their conditions are met, and scholars do not rank one as optional.
Is Hajj required of every Muslim?
No. Hajj is required once in a lifetime only for Muslims who are physically and financially able to travel. Those who cannot afford it or are too ill are not required to go.
Who must pay Zakat?
Zakat is paid by adult Muslims whose savings and other zakatable wealth are above the nisab and have been held for one lunar year. The usual rate is 2.5%. Ask a scholar about special cases such as livestock.
Are the five pillars the same for all Muslims?
Yes, all Muslim schools of thought accept the five pillars. Small details, such as certain prayer postures or the start time of one prayer, can differ between schools. Ask your local imam about the practice in your community.
Can someone who is sick or travelling skip a pillar?
Islam gives ease in hardship. A sick or travelling person may delay or shorten some duties, such as fasting, and make them up later. Prayer is still required but can be adapted. Ask a scholar about your situation.
How can I give Zakat in Kenya?
You can give your Zakat to Islamic Relief Kenya on its donation page by card or M-Pesa, or by Lipa na M-Pesa PayBill 949210 with the account name ZAKAT. Work out what you owe first.
Last reviewed 2 October 2026.
Turn knowledge into giving
Give your Zakat or Sadaqah in Kenya shillings by M-Pesa or card. M-Pesa PayBill 949210.