In my previous post, I discussed the six fundamental beliefs of Islam in detail. Today, I will attempt to discuss the five pillars of Islam. This discussion aims to enrich your understanding of Islam, as it is crucial to comprehend its foundational principles. Without understanding the foundation, one cannot properly grasp its branches and nuances. The same is true for Islam. Let’s begin in the name of Allah.

As always, I seek refuge in Allah Almighty from all kinds of harm and pray that He makes my work easy. I also pray that He considers this effort a means of salvation for us in this world and the hereafter. Whatever is good in my writing is entirely a blessing from Allah Almighty, and any faults are due to Satan (Devil) and my own lack of knowledge. JazakAllah (Thank you).

The Five Pillars of Islam

As I mentioned at the beginning, Islam is based on five fundamental pillars. This statement is not my own; it comes from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

Narrated Ibn ‘Umar: Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said: “Islam is based on (the following) five (principles):

To testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and Muhammad is Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ).
To offer the (compulsory congregational) prayers dutifully and perfectly.
To pay Zakat (i.e., obligatory charity).
To perform Hajj (i.e., Pilgrimage to Mecca).
To observe fast during the month of Ramadan.”[¹]

The above Hadith clearly states that Islam is established on five fundamental pillars. I will attempt to discuss each of these five principles in detail. May Allah make my task easy.

Shahada (Faith)

The first and foremost pillar of Islam is the Shahada. It is so crucial that anyone who wishes to become a Muslim must recite the Shahada to enter Islam. Conversely, anyone who denies the Shahada is no longer considered a Muslim. The term “Shahada” means “to testify.” In Islam, it means to believe in one’s heart and to declare verbally that there is no deity but Allah and that Muhammad (peace be upon him) is His final Messenger. The Shahada comprises two main components, which encapsulate the essence of Islam.

Belief in Allah as the Only True God.
Belief in Muhammad (P.B.U.H) as Allah’s Last Messenger

Belief in Allah as the Only True Ialh (God)

Before delving into the details, it is important to understand the meaning of the word “Ilah.” Ilah means “one who is worshipped.” In Islam, it encompasses a broader meaning, including all of Allah’s attributes. When we believe in Allah as Ilah, we acknowledge His omnipotence, eternal existence, knowledge of past, present, and future, and His role as the Creator and Sustainer of everything. Believing in Allah as the only true Ilah means recognizing that He alone is worthy of worship and that no one else has any power beside Him. Allah says in the Quran:

وَاِلٰـهُكُمْ اِلٰهٌ وَّاحِدٌ ۚ لَاۤ اِلٰهَ اِلَّا هُوَ الرَّحْمٰنُ الرَّحِيْمُ “Your god is one God: There is no god but He, the All-Merciful, the Very-Merciful.”[²]

وَمَاۤ اَرْسَلْنَا مِنْ قَبْلِكَ مِنْ رَّسُوْلٍ اِلَّا نُوْحِيْۤ اِلَيْهِ اَنَّهٗ لَاۤ اِلٰهَ اِلَّاۤ اَنَا فَاعْبُدُوْنِ “We did not send before you any messenger but We revealed to him that there is no god but I, so worship Me.”[³]

Additionally, Allah introduces Himself succinctly in Surah Ikhlas:

قُلْ هُوَ اللّٰهُ اَحَدٌ ۚ اَللّٰهُ الصَّمَدُ ۚ لَمْ يَلِدْ ۙ وَلَمْ يُوْلَدْ ۙ وَلَمْ يَكُنْ لَّهٗ كُفُوًا اَحَدٌ “Say, ‘The truth is that Allah is One. Allah is Besought of all, needing none. He neither begot anyone, nor was he begotten. And equal to Him has never been any one.'”[⁴]

Allah further describes Himself in Ayat-ul-Kursi:

اَللّٰهُ لَاۤ اِلٰهَ اِلَّا هُوَ ۚ اَلْحَيُّ الْقَيُّوْمُ ۚ لَا تَاْخُذُهٗ سِنَةٌ وَّلَا نَوْمٌ ؕ لَهٗ مَا فِي السَّمٰوٰتِ وَمَا فِي الْاَرْضِ ؕ مَنْ ذَا الَّذِيْ يَشْفَعُ عِنْدَهٗۤ اِلَّا بِاِذْنِهٖ ؕ يَعْلَمُ مَا بَيْنَ اَيْدِيْهِمْ وَمَا خَلْفَهُمْ ۚ وَلَا يُحِيْطُوْنَ بِشَيْءٍ مِّنْ عِلْمِهٖۤ اِلَّا بِمَا شَآءَ ۚ وَسِعَ كُرْسِيُّهُ السَّمٰوٰتِ وَالْاَرْضَ ۚ وَلَا يَـُٔوْدُهٗ حِفْظُهُمَا وَهُوَ الْعَلِيُّ الْعَظِيْمُ “Allah: There is no god but He, the Living, the All-Sustaining. Neither dozing overtakes Him nor sleep. To Him belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is on the earth. Who can intercede with Him without His permission? He knows what is before them and what is behind them; while they encompass nothing of His knowledge, except what He wills. His Kursiyy (Chair) extends to the Heavens and to the Earth, and it does not weary Him to look after them. He is the All-High, the Supreme.”[⁵]

These verses and many others in the Quran and Hadith provide a clear and comprehensive understanding of Allah’s nature as Ilah. Believing in Allah as Ilah is the gateway to Islam, without which no other aspects of the faith can be understood or followed.

Belief in Muhammad (P.B.U.H) as Allah’s Last Messenger

The second part of the Shahada is to believe in Muhammad (peace be upon him) as the last Messenger of Allah Almighty. Allah sent him as a mercy to all the worlds. He said in the Holy Quran,

وَمَاۤ اَرْسَلْنٰكَ اِلَّا رَحْمَةً لِّلْعٰلَمِيْنَ “And We Have Not Sent You But As Mercy For All The Worlds.”[⁶]

Additionally, he is the best model for all humans. Allah says,

لَقَدْ كَانَ لَكُمْ فِيْ رَسُوْلِ اللّٰهِ اُسْوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌ لِّمَنْ كَانَ يَرْجُوا اللّٰهَ وَالْيَوْمَ الْاٰخِرَ وَذَكَرَ اللّٰهَ كَثِيْرًا “There Is Indeed A Good Model For You In The Messenger Of Allah – For The One Who Has Hope In Allah And The Last Day, And Remembers Allah Profusely.”[⁷]

Allah also confirms Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) role as His messenger:

اِذَا جَآءَكَ الْمُنٰفِقُوْنَ قَالُوْا نَشْهَدُ اِنَّكَ لَرَسُوْلُ اللّٰهِ ۘ وَاللّٰهُ يَعْلَمُ اِنَّكَ لَرَسُوْلُهٗ ؕ وَاللّٰهُ يَشْهَدُ اِنَّ الْمُنٰفِقِيْنَ لَكٰذِبُوْنَ “When the hypocrites come to you, they say, ‘We bear witness that you are indeed the messenger of Allah.’ Allah knows that you are really His messenger. But Allah testifies that the hypocrites are actually liars.”[⁸]

Allah sent Muhammad (peace be upon him) as a bearer of good news and a warner to all humanity:

يٰۤاَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ اِنَّاۤ اَرْسَلْنٰكَ شَاهِدًا وَّمُبَشِّرًا وَّنَذِيْرًا “O prophet, We have sent you as a witness and as a bearer of good news and a warner.”[⁹]

وَمَاۤ اَرْسَلْنٰكَ اِلَّا كَآفَّةً لِّلنَّاسِ بَشِيْرًا وَّنَذِيْرًا وَّلٰكِنَّ اَكْثَرَ النَّاسِ لَا يَعْلَمُوْنَ “We did not send you (O Prophet,) but to the entire mankind, as a bearer of good news and as a warner, but most people do not know.”[¹⁰]

Believing in the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) means following him in all aspects of life. Allah has repeatedly emphasized the importance of following him in various parts of the Holy Quran. He says:

قُلْ اِنْ كُنْتُمْ تُحِبُّوْنَ اللّٰهَ فَاتَّبِعُوْنِيْ يُحْبِبْكُمُ اللّٰهُ وَيَغْفِرْ لَكُمْ ذُنُوْبَكُمْ ۗ وَاللّٰهُ غَفُوْرٌ رَّحِيْمٌ “Say (O Prophet): “If you really love Allah, then follow me, and Allah shall love you and forgive you your sins. Allah is Most-Forgiving, Very-Merciful.”[¹¹]

قُلْ اَطِيْعُوا اللّٰهَ وَالرَّسُوْلَ ۚ فَاِنْ تَوَلَّوْا فَاِنَّ اللّٰهَ لَا يُحِبُّ الْكٰفِرِيْنَ Say: “Obey Allah and the Messenger.” Then, should they turn back, Allah does not love the disbelievers.”[¹²]

وَمَاۤ اٰتٰىكُمُ الرَّسُوْلُ فَخُذُوْهُ وَمَا نَهٰىكُمْ عَنْهُ فَانْتَهُوْا ۚ وَاتَّقُوا اللّٰهَ ۗ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ شَدِيْدُ الْعِقَابِ “And whatever the Messenger gives you, take it, and whatever he forbids you from, abstain (from it). And fear Allah. Indeed Allah is severe in punishment.”[¹³]

وَاَطِيْعُوا اللّٰهَ وَالرَّسُوْلَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُرْحَمُوْنَ “Obey Allah and the Messenger, so that you may be blessed.”[¹⁴]

وَمَنْ يُّطِعِ اللّٰهَ وَرَسُوْلَهٗ يُدْخِلْهُ جَنّٰتٍ تَجْرِيْ مِنْ تَحْتِهَا الْاَنْهٰرُ خٰلِدِيْنَ فِيْهَا ۖ وَذٰلِكَ الْفَوْزُ الْعَظِيْمُ “Whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger, He will admit him to gardens beneath which rivers flow, where he will live forever. That is a great success.”[¹⁵]

Another aspect of believing in the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is to acknowledge that he is a servant of Allah, not a jinn or an angel, but a human being. However, he is an honored individual chosen by Allah for the world. Regarding this, the Almighty Allah says in the Holy Quran:

قُلْ اِنَّمَاۤ اَنَا بَشَرٌ مِّثْلُكُمْ يُوْحٰۤي اِلَيَّ اَنَّمَاۤ اِلٰـهُكُمْ اِلٰهٌ وَّاحِدٌ ۚ فَمَنْ كَانَ يَرْجُوْا لِقَآءَ رَبِّهٖ فَلْيَعْمَلْ عَمَلًا صَالِحًا وَّلَا يُشْرِكْ بِعِبَادَةِ رَبِّهٖۤ اَحَدًا “Say, “Surely, I am but a human being like you; it is revealed to me that your God is the One God. So the one who hopes to meet his Lord must do righteous deed and must not associate anyone in the worship of his Lord.”[¹⁶]

The final aspect of believing in Muhammad (peace be upon him) is to acknowledge him as the last Messenger sent by Allah Almighty, after whom no other prophet will come. Regarding this, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “My similitude in comparison with the other prophets before me, is that of a man who has built a house nicely and beautifully, except for a place of one brick in a corner. The people go about it and wonder at its beauty, but say: ‘Would that this brick be put in its place!’ So I am that brick, and I am the last of the Prophets.”[¹⁷]

The above-mentioned verses highlight the identity of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the importance of following him. This strengthens our belief in him, as faith in him is the first pillar of Islam. Thus, we must believe in him as the last appointed prophet by Allah and follow him to be complete believers. Regarding this, there is a Hadith,

Narrated Anas: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “None of you will have faith till he loves me more than his father, his children, and all mankind.”[¹⁸]

Salāh (Prayer)

Salāh (Prayer), the Islamic practice of prayer, holds immense significance in the life of a Muslim. As one of the Five Pillars of Islam, this is the second one. And it is a cornerstone of faith and practice, providing a structured and consistent form of worship. Allah has made Salāh obligatory for every adult Muslim, both men and women. Muslims perform Salāh five times a day at prescribed times, which not only cultivates discipline but also integrates spirituality into their daily routine. Salāh is a means of remembering Allah, and He says in the Qur’an:

وَاَقِمِ الصَّلٰوةَ لِذِكْرِيْ “And establish Salāh for My remembrance.” [¹⁹]

The act of performing Salāh is a profound expression of devotion and submission to Allah. It involves a sequence of physical movements and recitations, each with deep symbolic meaning. By engaging in this ritual, Muslims reaffirm their faith, seek forgiveness for their shortcomings, and express gratitude for their blessings. It serves as a reminder of their purpose and the presence of Allah in their lives. Furthermore, Allah has discussed Salāh in various places in the Qur’an. Here are some verses:

وَاَقِيْمُوا الصَّلٰوةَ وَاٰتُوا الزَّكٰوةَ وَارْكَعُوْا مَعَ الرّٰكِعِيْنَ “And be steadfast in Salāh (prayer), and pay Zakāh, and bow down with those who bow down.” [²⁰]

وَاَقِيْمُوا الصَّلٰوةَ وَاٰتُوا الزَّكٰوةَ ؕ وَمَا تُقَدِّمُوْا لِاَنْفُسِكُمْ مِّنْ خَيْرٍ تَجِدُوْهُ عِنْدَ اللّٰهِ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ بِمَا تَعْمَلُوْنَ بَصِيْرٌ “And be steadfast in Salāh (prayer), and give Zakāh. Whatever good you send forth for yourselves, you will find it with Allah. Certainly, Allah is watchful of what you do.” [²¹]

وَاَقِيْمُوا الصَّلٰوةَ وَاٰتُوا الزَّكٰوةَ وَاَطِيْعُوا الرَّسُوْلَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُرْحَمُوْنَ “Establish Salāh and pay Zakāh and obey the messenger, so that you may be favored with mercy.” [²²]

Moreover, Salāh offers a sense of inner peace and tranquility. In the midst of life’s challenges and distractions, these moments of prayer provide an opportunity to detach from worldly concerns and focus solely on the spiritual connection with Allah. This practice helps in fostering patience, humility, and a sense of community, as Muslims worldwide face in the same direction towards the Kaaba in Mecca during their prayers. Additionally, Salāh is what distinguishes Muslims from non-believers. Regarding this, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:

Narrated Al-A’mash: “Between a slave and Shirk or disbelief is abandoning the Salāh.” [²³]

Narrated Abdullah bin Buraidah narrated from his father: that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “The covenant between us and them is the Salāh, so whoever abandons it he has committed disbelief.”[²⁴]

The Companions in their time considered abandoning Salāh as an act of disbelief. They could never imagine a Muslim not performing their prayers.

In essence, Salāh is more than just a ritual; it is a means of maintaining a strong and continuous relationship with Allah. It shapes a Muslim’s identity, guiding their actions and intentions, and is integral to the holistic development of their character and faith. We must believe that Salāh is an ordinance from Allah, which we must sincerely believe in and perform according to the way taught by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). Believing and establishing Salāh in society is essential for us to be considered true Muslims in the sight of Allah.

Zakat (Charity)

Another fundamental pillar of Islam is Zakat. The word “Zakat” means to purify, to grow. In Islamic terminology, Zakat refers to the mandatory charity given to the poor. If a person possesses more than 7.5 tolas of gold or 52.5 tolas of silver, or an equivalent amount of money, or a combination of both, and holds this wealth for a full lunar year, then they are required to give 2.5% of their wealth to the needy. This is a brief introduction to Zakat; there are various detailed rulings on Zakat, such as who should receive it, whether Zakat should be given if one has debts, etc. While these are not our focus here, it is crucial to understand that Zakat is an essential Islamic duty, and belief in it is vital.

The importance of Zakat is highlighted in many Quranic verses. As I previously mentioned, most verses that discuss prayer also mention Zakat, so I won’t repeat them here. However, I would like to share some Hadiths that emphasize the significance of Zakat.

Narrated Ibn `Abbas: The Prophet (ﷺ) sent Mu`adh to Yemen and said, “Invite the people to testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and I am Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ), and if they obey you to do so, then teach them that Allah has enjoined on them five prayers in every day and night (in twenty-four hours), and if they obey you to do so, then teach them that Allah has made it obligatory for them to pay the Zakat from their property and it is to be taken from the wealthy among them and given to the poor.”[25]

Narrated Abu Aiyub: A man said to the Prophet (ﷺ), “Tell me of such a deed as will make me enter Paradise.” The people said, “What is the matter with him? What is the matter with him?” The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “He has something to ask. (What he needs greatly) The Prophet (ﷺ) said: (In order to enter Paradise) you should worship Allah and do not ascribe any partners to Him, offer prayer perfectly, pay the Zakat, and keep good relations with your Kith and kin.”[26]

Regarding the punishment for not paying Zakat after it has been made obligatory, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:

Narrated Abu Huraira: “Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “Whoever is made wealthy by Allah and does not pay the Zakat of his wealth, then on the Day of Resurrection his wealth will be made like a bald headed poisonous male snake with two black spots over the eyes. The snake will encircle his neck and bite his cheeks and say, ‘I am your wealth, I am your treasure.’ ‘ Then the Prophet (ﷺ) recited the holy verses:– ‘Let not those who withhold…’ (to the end of the verse). (3:180).”[27]

From the above Hadiths, we understand the importance of Zakat. Zakat helps balance society by reducing the gap between the rich and the poor and fosters a mentality of helping others. This strengthens Islamic brotherhood. Ultimately, Zakat fulfills Allah’s command, and as I mentioned earlier, the word “Zakat” means purification and growth through Allah’s blessings. So there is no way to not believe in Zakat.

Hajj (Pilgrimage)

Hajj is another fundamental pillar of the Islamic way of life, which Allah the Almighty has made obligatory for affluent Muslims. However, belief in it is mandatory for every Muslim. The word “Hajj” means to intend or to aspire. In Islamic terminology, Hajj refers to the pilgrimage to a specific place at a specific time to perform specific acts of worship. Every year, Muslims from all over the world travel to the Holy Mosque, Masjid al-Haram, to perform Hajj rituals as taught by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) with the intention of seeking Allah’s pleasure. The Quran describes Hajj in various verses, including the famous verse revealed during the Farewell Pilgrimage, which signified the completion of Islam:

“اَلْيَوْمَ اَكْمَلْتُ لَكُمْ دِيْنَكُمْ وَاَتْمَمْتُ عَلَيْكُمْ نِعْمَتِيْ وَرَضِيْتُ لَكُمُ الْاِسْلَامَ دِيْنًا” “Today, I have perfected your religion for you, and have completed My blessing upon you, and chosen Islam as Dīn (religion and a way of life) for you.”[²⁸]

This verse was revealed during the Farewell Hajj by Allah the Almighty. Additionally, Allah mentions Hajj in other places in the Quran:

فِيْهِ اٰيٰتٌۢ بَيِّنٰتٌ مَّقَامُ اِبْرٰهِيْمَ ۚ وَمَنْ دَخَلَهٗ كَانَ اٰمِنًا ۚ وَلِلّٰهِ عَلَي النَّاسِ حِجُّ الْبَيْتِ مَنِ اسْتَطَاعَ اِلَيْهِ سَبِيْلًا ۚ وَمَنْ كَفَرَ فَاِنَّ اللّٰهَ غَنِيٌّ عَنِ الْعٰلَمِيْنَ “In it there are clear signs: The Station of Ibrāhīm! Whoever enters it is secure. As a right of Allah, it is obligatory on the people to perform Hajj of the House—on everyone who has the ability to manage (his) way to it. If one disbelieves, then Allah is independent of all the worlds.”[²⁹]

وَاَذِّنْ فِي النَّاسِ بِالْحَجِّ يَاْتُوْكَ رِجَالًا وَّعَلٰي كُلِّ ضَامِرٍ يَّاْتِيْنَ مِنْ كُلِّ فَجٍّ عَمِيْقٍ ۙ “Announce among people about (the obligation of) Hajj, so that they should come to you on foot, and on every camel turned lean, travelling through every distant hilly pathway.”[³⁰]

The above verses give us an understanding of the importance of Hajj. As mentioned earlier, Hajj is obligatory only for those with sufficient means. Discussing the specifics of the wealth required to make Hajj obligatory is a separate topic. Nonetheless, it is necessary for both the rich and the poor to equally believe in the significance of Hajj. Hajj is a great ordinance from Allah, intended to test His servants’ wealth, physical ability, and mental state. Therefore, it is incumbent upon us all to have complete faith in Hajj, as failing to do so means we cannot fully claim the honor of being Muslims.

Fasting (Sawm)

In Islam, one of the fundamental pillars, fasting (Sawm), stands as one of the greatest practices. Like all other pillars, it holds a profound significance in Islam. Fasting is a worship that demands some hardship, yet it brings immense joy to every Muslim. Muslims eagerly embrace it every year. Fasting in the month of Ramadan is a personal favourite of mine. In Ramadan, Allah’s boundless mercy is available to believers worldwide. We Muslims thoroughly enjoy this month. From the pre-dawn meal (Sahri) to the evening meal (Iftar) after fasting, Taraweeh prayers, and the late-night Tahajjud prayers, each moment is filled with unique joy. It is impossible to understand this joy without being Muslim. Beyond mere enjoyment, fasting is a crucial divine injunction of Allah Almighty.

Regarding fasting, Allah Subhanahu Owa Ta’ala states in the Holy Quran:

يٰۤاَيُّهَا الَّذِيْنَ اٰمَنُوْا كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَي الَّذِيْنَ مِنْ قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُوْنَ “O you who believe, the fasts have been enjoined upon you as they were enjoined upon those before you, so that you may be God-fearing.”[³¹]

شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ الَّذِيْۤ اُنْزِلَ فِيْهِ الْقُرْاٰنُ هُدًي لِّلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنٰتٍ مِّنَ الْهُدٰي وَالْفُرْقَانِ ۚ فَمَنْ شَهِدَ مِنْكُمُ الشَّهْرَ فَلْيَصُمْهُ ؕ وَمَنْ كَانَ مَرِيْضًا اَوْ عَلٰي سَفَرٍ فَعِدَّةٌ مِّنْ اَيَّامٍ اُخَرَ ؕ يُرِيْدُ اللّٰهُ بِكُمُ الْيُسْرَ وَلَا يُرِيْدُ بِكُمُ الْعُسْرَ ۫ وَلِتُكْمِلُوا الْعِدَّةَ وَلِتُكَبِّرُوا اللّٰهَ عَلٰي مَا هَدٰىكُمْ وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُوْنَ “The month of Ramadan is the one in which the Qur’ān was revealed as guidance for mankind, and as clear signs that show the right way and distinguish between right and wrong. So those of you who witness the month must fast in it. But the one who is sick, or is on a journey (should fast) as much from other days (as he missed). Allah intends (to provide) ease for you and does not intend (to create) hardship for you. All this is so that you may complete the number (of fasts as prescribed) and proclaim the Takbīr of Allah for having guided you, and (so) that you may be grateful.”[³¹]

From these two verses, we understand the importance of fasting in Islam. Fasting enhances us physically and mentally, as proven by modern science. However, these are not our main focus. The most special aspect of fasting is that it is a worship through which Allah Himself will reward us, Insha’Allah. Allah Ta’ala says in a Hadith Al–Qudsi:

Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “Fasting is a shield (or a screen or a shelter). So, the person observing fasting should avoid sexual relation with his wife and should not behave foolishly and impudently, and if somebody fights with him or abuses him, he should tell him twice, ‘I am fasting.'” The Prophet (ﷺ) added, “By Him in Whose Hands my soul is, the smell coming out from the mouth of a fasting person is better in the sight of Allah than the smell of musk. (Allah says about the fasting person), ‘He has left his food, drink, and desires for My sake. The fast is for Me. So I will reward (the fasting person) for it and the reward of good deeds is multiplied ten times.'”[³³]

What an amazing reward Allah offers us all!

There are even more virtues of fasting. I am presenting some before you.

Narrated Sahl: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “There is a gate in Paradise called Ar-Raiyan, and those who observe fasts will enter through it on the Day of Resurrection and none except them will enter through it. It will be said, ‘Where are those who used to observe fasts?’ They will get up, and none except them will enter through it. After their entry the gate will be closed and nobody will enter through it.”[³⁴]

Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of the heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained.”[³⁵]

Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Whoever established prayers on the night of Qadr out of sincere faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven; and whoever fasts in the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith, and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven.”[³⁶]

From these hadiths, we understand how important fasting is in Islam. If we want to be Muslims, we must have firm faith in fasting. There is no other way besides faith in fasting. And faith will be absolutely firm where there will be no chance of any kind of doubt.

I am finishing today’s post here. I know the post has become much bigger, pardon me. Hopefully, you will look at the post with a beautiful view and hopefully, you have read the full post and it has been somewhat beneficial. May Allah give me the ability to act upon my own writing and I also pray for you the same thing. Always remember that Islam is really very beautiful. JazakAllah (thank you).

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