Hadith Jibreel and the Five Pillars of Islam

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful 


The first thing I learnt about Islam at my Christian high school was that there were the Five Pillars of Islam. In my years as a Muslim however, I have noticed that many people around me aren't (completely) familiar with the basic concept of the Five Pillars of Islam. Even some Muslims I have spoken to have forgotten part of what is the foundation of their religion. If you want to learn more about these Five Pillars or want to refresh your knowledge, please continue reading.
The Five Pillars of Islam are five basic fard acts in Islam that you should definitely follow as a believer. It is the foundation of Islam. These five acts are what you build your entire life up on and are summarized in the Hadith Jibreel, which most Muslims know of. 

Hadith Jibreel, click the picture to see a bigger version

Narrated on the authority of Umar, who said:

While we were one day sitting with the Messenger of Allah (pbuh), there appeared before us a man dressed in extremely white clothes and with very black hair. No traces of journeying were visible on him, and none of us knew him. He sat down close by the Prophet (pbuh), rested his knee against his thigs, and said, "O Muhammad! Inform me about Islam." The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said, "Islam is that you should testify that there is no deity except Allah and that Muhammad is His Messenger, that you should perform salah, pay the Zakah, fast during Ramadan, and perform Hajj to the House, of you are able to do so." The man said, "You have spoken truly." We were astonished at his questioning him and telling him that he was right, but he went on to say, "Inform me about iman." He answered, "It is that you believe in Allah and His angels and His Books and His Messengers and in the Last Day, and in qadar, both in its good and in its evil aspects." He said, "You have spoken truly." Then he said, "Inform me about Ihsan." He answered, "It is that you should serve Allah as though you could see Him, for though you cannot see Him yet He sees you." He said, "Inform me about the Hour." He said, "About that, the one questioned knows no more than the questioner." So he said, "Well, inform me about the signs thereof." He said, "They are that the slave-girl will give birth to her mistress, that you will see the barefooted, naked, destitute, the herdsmen of the sheep in raising lofty buildings." Thereupon the man went of. I waited a while, and then he said, "O Umar, do you know who that questioner was?" I replied, "Allah and His Messenger know better." He said, "That was Jibreel. He came to teach you your religion."

This hadith tells us several things. Firstly, it explains Islam, Iman and Ihsan. Besides these three it also tells us that we should be aware of our surroundings as Umar (ra) was aware of his. We should have the right etiquette as Jibreel (as) had, be dressed in a nice and clean way, and show a high level of respect. Finally, it reminds us of the fact that belief, Iman, lives in the heart and that Islam represents the outward actions.

So, after explaining its origins, I will now tell you more about the basic principle itself: The Five Pillars of Islam.

Shahadah
The Shahadah itself is a testimony of faith and trust. If you translate the word itself it translates into 'the testimony'. The statement is usually recited in Arabic, and goes as follows: "La ilaha illa'lahu muhammadun rasulullah." Translate it into English, and you have: "There is no god but Allah and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah."
If you want to convert to Islam, the normal procedure is to say the shahadah whilst with a group of Muslims or in the mosque and to believe in it truly. Once you do that, you're Muslim. 

Salat
Salat is the daily Islamic prayer. According to the Sunnah it exists out of five prayers: fajr (at dawn), dhuhr (at noon), asr (in the afternoon), maghrib (sunset) and isha (night). Muslim prayers are recited facing the Ka'bah and after doing wudu. I will talk more about salat and wudu in another post. 

Zakat
Zakat can be translated as "that which purifies", which makes sense since zakat is the practice of charitable giving. It is obligatory for all Muslims, on their income and wealth above a minimum amount. There are certain principles that should be followed when you are giving the zakat, like declaring your intention to Allah and paying it in time. What is also important of the zakat is that, when a person is not able to pay in money because of a low income, there is compensation in forms of good deeds and behaviour. 

Sawm
Sawn means "to abstain", to fast. The fasting mentioned in the Five Pillars of Islam is the ritual fasting during the month of Ramadan. Muslims must fast during the month of Ramadan from fajr (dawn) to maghrib (dusk). This fasting includes abstaining from food, drink, sexual intercourse, smoking, and all other things that are not permissible under Shari'ah law. Exceptions are made for people that are pregnant, too young, old or sick to fast. 
The fasting is done to look for forgiveness from Allah, express your gratitude, make amends for past sins and to be reminded of the needy.

Hajj
Hajj is the pilgrimage to Mecca during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah. Every Muslim is obliged to make Hajj at least once in their life. It is an expression of devotion to Allah and should only be done with the right intentions. It is both an outward and an inward journey, both of which are very important.

Insha'Allah you have found that this post has refreshed your knowledge about the basic principles of Islam and if not, I would like to know what I missed to achieve this goal. 

 
May peace, mercy and blessings from Allah be upon you