The Five Pillars of Islam
A visual guide to the five pillars โ with mindmap, infographics and timeline.
Published: 18 July 2026
The Five Pillars of Islam
Islam is built upon five pillars โ the foundations of a Muslim's faith and daily practice. This visual guide walks through each pillar.
ุจููููู ุงููุฅูุณูููุงู ู ุนูููู ุฎูู ูุณู
Islam is built upon five (pillars).
Sahih al-Bukhari 8 ยท Sahih Muslim 16- Shahada
- Testimony of faith
- The gateway to Islam
- Salah
- Five daily prayers
- Direct connection with Allah
- Zakat
- 2.5% annual charity
- Purifies wealth
- Sawm
- Fasting in Ramadan
- Builds taqwa
- Hajj
- Pilgrimage to Makkah
- Once in a lifetime, if able
The Pillars Explained
Shahada
Declaring that there is no god but Allah and Muhammad ๏ทบ is His Messenger.
Salah
Five daily prayers at fixed times, facing the Qiblah in Makkah.
Zakat
Giving 2.5% of one's savings each year to those in need.
Sawm
Fasting from dawn to sunset throughout the month of Ramadan.
Hajj
The pilgrimage to Makkah, once in a lifetime for those who are able.
Islam by the Numbers
Preparing for Prayer
How to Begin Your Salah
- 1
Purify yourself
Perform wudu (ablution) with clean water.
- 2
Face the Qiblah
Turn towards the Kaaba in Makkah.
- 3
Make the intention
Form the niyyah in your heart for the prayer.
- 4
Say the Takbir
Raise your hands and say "Allahu Akbar" to begin.
When the Pillars Were Ordained
- 610 CE
Prophethood begins
The first revelation descends in Cave Hira.
- 621 CE
Salah ordained
The five daily prayers are prescribed during Isra and Mi'raj.
- 624 CE
Sawm & Zakat
Fasting in Ramadan and obligatory charity are prescribed in Madinah.
- 628โ632 CE
Hajj ordained
The pilgrimage is completed as a pillar in the final years.
Whoever builds their life upon these five pillars has built upon a firm foundation.