Shahadah (Declaration of Faith)
أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا رَسُولُ اللَّهِ
Ash-hadu an la ilaha illallah, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan rasulullah
I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah
The foundation of Islam. Sincere declaration of this testimony makes a person Muslim. It affirms the Oneness of Allah (Tawhid) and the Prophethood of Muhammad ﷺ.
Sahih al-Bukhari 8, Sahih Muslim 16
Salah (Prayer)
الصَّلَاةُ
Five daily obligatory prayers performed at specific times: Fajr (dawn), Dhuhr (midday), Asr (afternoon), Maghrib (sunset), and Isha (night). Prayer is the direct connection between the servant and Allah. It was the first act of worship made obligatory.
Sahih al-Bukhari 8, Quran 2:43
Zakah (Obligatory Charity)
الزَّكَاةُ
An annual obligatory charity of 2.5% on wealth that has reached the nisab (minimum threshold) and been held for one lunar year. Zakah purifies wealth and helps those in need including the poor, debtors, and travelers.
Quran 2:43, Quran 9:60
Sawm (Fasting in Ramadan)
الصَّوْمُ
Fasting during the month of Ramadan from dawn (Fajr) to sunset (Maghrib). Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs. Fasting develops self-discipline, God-consciousness (taqwa), and empathy for the less fortunate.
Quran 2:183-185, Sahih al-Bukhari 1904
Hajj (Pilgrimage to Makkah)
الحَجُّ
The pilgrimage to the Sacred House (Ka'bah) in Makkah, obligatory once in a lifetime for those who are physically and financially able. Hajj takes place during the month of Dhul-Hijjah. It commemorates the actions of Prophet Ibrahim and his family.
Quran 3:97, Sahih al-Bukhari 1513
Hadith of Jibreel — Sahih Muslim 8