The Five Pillars of Islam Explained Simply

The verse

لَّيْسَ الْبِرَّ أَن تُوَلُّوا وُجُوهَكُمْ قِبَلَ الْمَشْرِقِ وَالْمَغْرِبِ وَلَٰكِنَّ الْبِرَّ مَنْ آمَنَ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ وَالْمَلَائِكَةِ وَالْكِتَابِ وَالنَّبِيِّينَ وَآتَى الْمَالَ عَلَىٰ حُبِّهِ ذَوِي الْقُرْبَىٰ وَالْيَتَامَىٰ وَالْمَسَاكِينَ وَابْنَ السَّبِيلِ وَالسَّائِلِينَ وَفِي الرِّقَابِ وَأَقَامَ الصَّلَاةَ وَآتَى الزَّكَاةَ وَالْمُوفُونَ بِعَهْدِهِمْ إِذَا عَاهَدُوا ۖ وَالصَّابِرِينَ فِي الْبَأْسَاءِ وَالضَّرَّاءِ وَحِينَ الْبَأْسِ ۗ أُولَٰئِكَ الَّذِينَ صَدَقُوا ۖ وَأُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الْمُتَّقُونَ

Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves; [and who] establishes prayer and gives zakah; [those who] fulfill their promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous. (Al-Baqarah 2:177)

This verse from Surah Al-Baqarah emphasises the essence of true piety, highlighting faith, prayer, and charity as foundational acts, which align closely with the teachings in the Hadith of Jibril where the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ outlines the pillars of Islam.

The setting

In the early days of Islam, during the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ's time in Madinah, the Muslim community was still forming its identity amidst challenges from surrounding tribes and internal questions of faith. The revelation of the Quran was ongoing, providing guidance on matters of worship, ethics, and community life. It was a period marked by migration, or Hijrah, where believers had left Makkah to establish a society based on monotheism and justice. The Quran frequently addressed the foundations of belief, urging the faithful to uphold rituals that would strengthen their connection to Allah SWT.

The Hadith of Jibril, recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari 8 and Sahih Muslim 16, captures a pivotal moment in this era. This narration is set in the mosque of Madinah, where the Prophet ﷺ was seated among his companions (RA). The arrival of Jibril (AS) in human form was not merely a teaching session but a divine endorsement of the core tenets of Islam. Historically, this event occurred around the time when Islam was solidifying its practices, following the establishment of the five daily prayers after the miraculous journey of Isra and Mi'raj.

Quranically, the pillars mentioned in the hadith draw from various revelations. For instance, the declaration of faith, or Shahada, echoes the central message of tawhid found throughout the Quran, such as in Surah Al-Ikhlas 112:1-4, which affirms the oneness of Allah SWT. Salah, the ritual prayer, was instituted in Surah Al-Baqarah 2:153, where believers are instructed to seek help through patience and prayer. Zakah, the obligatory charity, is detailed in Surah At-Tawbah 9:60, specifying its recipients and purpose in purifying wealth. Sawm, or fasting during Ramadan, is prescribed in Surah Al-Baqarah 2:183-185, as a means of attaining taqwa, or God-consciousness. Finally, Hajj, the pilgrimage to Makkah, is commanded in Surah Al-Baqarah 2:196-197, for those able to undertake it, symbolising unity and submission.

This hadith's setting reflects a time when the Muslim ummah needed clarity on the religion's fundamentals. Jibril's (AS) questions were not random; they addressed Islam (submission), Iman (faith), and Ihsan (excellence), providing a comprehensive framework. The Prophet ﷺ's responses, witnessed by companions like Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA), served as a model for teaching future generations. In the broader Quranic context, these pillars are interwoven with themes of mercy and accountability, as seen in Surah Al-Ma'idah 5:3, where Allah SWT declares the perfection of the religion. This encounter underscored that Islam is built on these five acts, each reinforcing the believer's relationship with the Divine and society.

The story

One day, as the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ sat in the company of his companions (RA) in the mosque of Madinah, a stranger appeared before them. He was a man of striking appearance, with clothes as white as snow and hair as black as night, showing no signs of travel despite the desert's harshness. The companions (RA) were puzzled, for no one recognised him, yet he approached the Prophet ﷺ directly and sat before him, knees touching knees, hands resting on the Prophet's thighs. In a clear voice, he asked, "O Muhammad, tell me about Islam."

The Prophet ﷺ replied calmly, "Islam is that you bear witness that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, that you establish prayer, pay the zakah, fast during Ramadan, and perform the pilgrimage to the House if you are able to do so." The man nodded and said, "You have spoken the truth." The companions (RA) exchanged glances, surprised that a questioner would affirm the answer himself.

Undeterred, the stranger continued, "Tell me about Iman." The Prophet ﷺ explained, "Iman is that you believe in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, the Last Day, and that you believe in the divine decree, both its good and its evil." Again, the man responded, "You have spoken the truth," leaving the assembly even more astonished.

Pressing on, he inquired, "Tell me about Ihsan." The Prophet ﷺ described it beautifully: "Ihsan is that you worship Allah as if you see Him, and if you do not see Him, then indeed He sees you." Once more, the affirmation came: "You have spoken the truth."

Finally, the man asked about the Hour, the Day of Judgment. The Prophet ﷺ answered humbly, "The one being asked knows no more about it than the one asking." The stranger then sought signs of its approach. The Prophet ﷺ elaborated, "That the slave girl will give birth to her mistress, that you will see barefoot, naked, destitute shepherds competing in constructing lofty buildings." With that, the man stood and departed as mysteriously as he had arrived.

The companions (RA) sat in silence, reflecting on the exchange. After a while, the Prophet ﷺ turned to Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) and asked, "O Umar, do you know who the questioner was?" Umar (RA) replied, "Allah and His Messenger know best." The Prophet ﷺ revealed, "He was Jibril (AS), who came to teach you your religion."

This encounter, known as the Hadith of Jibril, encapsulated the essence of Islam in a single, profound dialogue. The five pillars—Shahada, Salah, Zakah, Sawm, and Hajj—were presented as the foundational acts of submission. Shahada is the declaration of faith, affirming the oneness of Allah SWT and the prophethood of Muhammad ﷺ. Salah involves the five daily prayers, performed facing the Ka'bah, fostering discipline and remembrance of Allah SWT. Zakah requires giving a portion of one's wealth to the needy, promoting social equity and purification of the soul. Sawm entails fasting from dawn to sunset during Ramadan, teaching self-restraint and empathy for the less fortunate. Hajj is the pilgrimage to Makkah, undertaken once in a lifetime if possible, uniting Muslims in rituals that commemorate the legacy of Ibrahim (AS) and his family.

Through this narrative, Jibril (AS) not only questioned but also affirmed the Prophet ﷺ's teachings, making it a divine lesson for all. The companions (RA) witnessed how these pillars form the structure of a Muslim's life, each one interdependent, building a path of devotion and community harmony.

What the scholars say

Ibn Kathir, in his tafsir of the Quran, often references the Hadith of Jibril when discussing the pillars, noting how it aligns with verses like Al-Baqarah 2:177. He explains that the hadith provides a succinct summary of Islamic obligations, emphasising that Shahada is the entry point to faith, while the other pillars sustain it. Ibn Kathir highlights the wisdom in Jibril's (AS) approach, which served to educate the companions (RA) indirectly, reinforcing the Prophet ﷺ's authority without overt revelation.

At-Tabari, in his comprehensive commentary, delves into the historical authenticity of the hadith, tracing its narration through reliable chains in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim. He interprets the pillars as acts that embody both individual piety and communal responsibility, drawing parallels to Quranic injunctions such as those in Surah Al-Baqarah 2:183 for fasting. At-Tabari stresses the neutrality of these teachings, applicable across Muslim schools of thought, and views the hadith as a foundational text for understanding Islam's structure.

Other classical mufassirun, like Al-Qurtubi, elaborate on the spiritual dimensions. He connects Ihsan to the pillars, suggesting that performing them with excellence elevates routine acts to profound worship. Al-Qurtubi remains neutral on jurisprudential details, focusing instead on the universal call to submission. Collectively, these scholars affirm the hadith's role in clarifying Islam's essentials, urging believers to integrate these pillars into daily life with sincerity and knowledge.

Lessons for today

In our fast-paced modern world, the five pillars offer timeless anchors for spiritual stability. Shahada reminds us to centre our lives on the oneness of Allah SWT, cutting through the distractions of materialism and encouraging a return to core values. By affirming this declaration daily, we can foster inner peace amid uncertainty, much like the early Muslims who found strength in their faith during trials.

Salah and Sawm teach discipline and empathy, lessons especially relevant today. Establishing regular prayers helps combat the chaos of busy schedules, providing moments of reflection and connection. Fasting during Ramadan cultivates self-control and awareness of global hunger, inspiring acts of charity that address contemporary issues like poverty and inequality. These practices encourage us to live mindfully, balancing personal growth with communal welfare.

Zakah and Hajj promote social justice and unity, urging us to share resources and embrace diversity. In an era of economic divides, zakah serves as a model for ethical wealth distribution, while Hajj's gathering of millions from all backgrounds fosters global solidarity. Reflecting on these, we can apply their principles to advocate for fairness and harmony in our communities.

Ultimately, the Hadith of Jibril invites us to approach these pillars with Ihsan—worshipping as if seeing Allah SWT. This mindset transforms obligations into opportunities for excellence, helping us navigate modern challenges with grace and purpose.

Frequently asked questions

Discover the profound story of the Hadith of Jibril and the five pillars brought to life in our cinematic retelling on Sacred Ayat—join us to deepen your understanding through vivid visuals and narration.