The Shahadah (Kalimah Tayyibah) is the first and most important pillar of Islam. It is the declaration of faith that makes a person a Muslim. This topic covers its meaning, two parts, conditions of ac...
The word Shahadah comes from the Arabic verb shahida, meaning "to bear witness" or "to testify."
It is the fundamental creed of Islam. When a person recites and understands it with a sincere heart, they become a Muslim.
It is the key to Paradise and the gateway to all acts of worship.
"Ash-hadu an la ilaha illa Allah, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan abduhu wa rasuluhu."
Translation: "I bear witness that there is no true god worthy of worship except Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad (peace be upon him) is His servant and messenger."
First Part: La ilaha illa Allah (Negation and Affirmation)
Negation (La ilaha): Rejection of all false deities. This includes anything worshiped besides Allah, such as idols, graves, saints, wealth, desires, or power.
Affirmation (Illa Allah): Establishing that only Allah is worthy of worship. He alone possesses perfect attributes (e.g., All-Knowing, All-Powerful).
Summary: There is no true god but Allah.
Second Part: Muhammadun Rasul Allah (Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah)
Obedience: A Muslim must follow the Prophet's (peace be upon him) commands and abstain from what he prohibited (Quran 59:7).
Love: Love the Prophet (peace be upon him) more than oneself, family, and all people.
Following: Make the Prophet's character, actions, and worship (the Sunnah) the only acceptable model for life.
Seal of the Prophets: Believe that he (peace be upon him) is the last prophet; no new prophet will come after him.
For the Shahadah to be beneficial, eight conditions must be met:
| # | Condition | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Knowledge | Knowing its meaning, not just verbal recitation. |
| 2 | Certainty | Complete confidence, without any doubt. |
| 3 | Sincerity | Purity of intention, no hidden shirk (e.g., showing off). |
| 4 | Truthfulness | The heart and tongue are aligned, not lying. |
| 5 | Love | Love for Allah and His Messenger and affection for their commands. |
| 6 | Submission | Willingly acting upon its requirements. |
| 7 | Acceptance | Accepting all the commands that come with it. |
| 8 | Rejection of False Deities | Rejecting everything worshiped besides Allah. |
It is the key to Paradise. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever's last words are 'La ilaha illa Allah' will enter Paradise." (Abu Dawood)
It erases all previous sins when recited with complete sincerity.
Whoever dies upon this Shahadah and does not violate it will eventually enter Paradise, even if they are punished in Hell first.
It distinguishes between a Muslim and a disbeliever. All other pillars stand on this foundation.
| Misconception | Correct Ruling |
|---|---|
| "Reciting it once in a lifetime is enough." | One must believe in it and live by it daily. |
| "Reciting without understanding makes one Muslim." | No – knowledge and certainty are conditions. |
| "A person worships graves and can be Muslim." | No – worshiping others invalidates the Shahadah. |
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total parts of Shahadah | 2 |
| First part is | Tawhid (Oneness of Allah) |
| Second part is | Risalah (Prophethood of Muhammad ﷺ) |
| Shahadah is also called | Kalimah Tayyibah |
| Without the Shahadah | All deeds are invalid |
Salah is a specific combination of actions and recitations performed at prescribed times facing the Qiblah (Kaaba).
It is the second pillar after the Shahadah.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "The covenant between us and the disbelievers is Salah; whoever abandons it has become a disbeliever." (Tirmidhi)
Spiritual Benefit: Direct connection with Allah five times a day; prevents sin and evil (Quran 29:45).
Worldly Benefit: Teaches punctuality, cleanliness, humility, and equality (especially in congregation).
| Prayer Name | Time Period | Rak'ahs |
|---|---|---|
| Fajr | From true dawn to sunrise | 2 |
| Dhuhr | After sun passes zenith until shadow equals object | 4 |
| Asr | From end of Dhuhr time until sunset | 4 |
| Maghrib | Immediately after sunset until twilight disappears | 3 |
| Isha | From disappearance of twilight until midnight (or Fajr) | 4 |
A. Fardh (Obligatory) – Abandoning is a major sin
Fardh 'Ayn: Individual obligation on every Muslim – 5 daily prayers, Jumu'ah (for men), Janazah prayer.
Fardh Kifayah: Communal obligation – if some perform it, all are absolved (e.g., Janazah prayer).
B. Wajib (Necessary) – Slightly below Fardh but essential
Denying Wajib is disbelief. Leaving without excuse is sinful.
Examples: Witr prayer (3 rak'ahs after Isha – according to Hanafi school), Eid prayer (2 rak'ahs).
C. Sunnah (Prophetic)
Sunnah Mu'akkadah (Emphasized Sunnah): The Prophet never left it. Leaving without excuse is blameworthy.
12 daily rak'ahs (Rawatib):
2 before Fajr
4 before Dhuhr + 2 after Dhuhr
2 after Maghrib
2 after Isha
Sunnah Ghair Mu'akkadah (Non-emphasized Sunnah): Prayed occasionally; no sin if left.
Examples: 4 before Asr, 2 before Maghrib.
D. Nafl (Voluntary)
Great reward but no sin for leaving.
Examples: Tahajjud (night prayer – best after Fardh), Duha (forenoon prayer), Ishraaq, prayer after Wudu, prayer upon entering the mosque.
E. Witr (Odd-numbered prayer)
In the Hanafi school: Wajib. In other schools: Sunnah Mu'akkadah.
1 or 3 rak'ahs prayed after Isha.
Qunut (special supplication) is recited in the last rak'ah.
Purity (Wudu or Ghusl) – Salah is invalid without Wudu.
Cleanliness – Body, clothes, and place of prayer must be pure.
Covering Awrah – Men: navel to knees; Women: whole body except face and hands.
Facing Qiblah – Towards the Kaaba.
Time – Each prayer in its prescribed time.
Intention – In the heart (not required to speak it).
Standing (if physically able)
Saying "Allahu Akbar" to begin (Takbirat al-Ihram)
Reciting Surah Al-Fatihah in every rak'ah
Bowing (Ruku')
Rising from bowing
Prostrating (Sajdah) – forehead, nose, palms, knees, toes on the ground
Rising from prostration
Sitting between two prostrations
Reciting the final Tashahhud
Ending with Tasleem (saying Salam to the right and left)
| Type | Ruling | Consequence of Leaving | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fardh | Obligatory | Major sin | Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha |
| Wajib | Necessary | Sin (Hanafi) | Witr, Eid prayer |
| Sunnah Mu'akkadah | Highly emphasized | Blameworthy | 2 before Fajr |
| Sunnah Ghair Mu'akkadah | Optional | No sin | 4 before Asr |
| Nafl | Voluntary | No sin | Tahajjud |
Linguistically: Zakah means "purification" and "growth."
Islamically: Giving a fixed portion of wealth (usually 2.5%) annually to specific deserving recipients.
Purpose: To purify the giver's wealth from greed and the soul from miserliness (Quran 9:103). It also purifies and blesses the remaining wealth.
Status: The third pillar of Islam. Denying Zakah is disbelief. Withholding it is a major sin.
Zakah becomes obligatory when wealth remains above the Nisab for one lunar year (Hawl).
| Standard | Weight | Approx. Current Value (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Gold Nisab | 87.48 grams | $5,500 – $6,000 |
| Silver Nisab | 612.36 grams | $500 – $600 |
Important for Exams:
Using gold Nisab → fewer people pay (stricter).
Using silver Nisab → more people pay (greater reward).
Many scholars today prefer silver Nisab so the poor can also pay Zakah.
| Type of Wealth | Zakah Rate | Additional Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Gold, silver, cash, savings, shares | 2.5% | One lunar year passes (Hawl) |
| Trade goods / business inventory | 2.5% | Calculated at market value, not cost price |
| Agricultural produce | 5% (irrigated) / 10% (rain-fed) | Due at harvest; no Hawl required |
| Livestock (camels, cattle, sheep, goats) | Sliding scale (e.g., 1 cattle for 30) | Detailed juristic tables exist |
| Minerals / treasure (Rikaz) | 20% | Immediate; no Nisab or Hawl required |
| Rental income | 2.5% | After deducting expenses, if Nisab is met |
Zakah can only be given to these eight categories:
| # | Category (Arabic) | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fuqara' | The poor | Have some wealth but less than Nisab |
| 2 | Masakin | The needy | More destitute than the poor, almost nothing |
| 3 | 'Amilina | Zakah collectors | Salaries of official collectors |
| 4 | Mu'allafat al-Qulub | Those whose hearts are to be reconciled | New Muslims, influential non-Muslims |
| 5 | Riqab | Freeing slaves | To purchase slaves for emancipation |
| 6 | Gharimin | The indebted | Person overwhelmed by debt unable to pay |
| 7 | Fi Sabilillah | In the cause of Allah | Stranded traveler, dawah, defensive jihad |
| 8 | Ibn al-Sabil | The traveler | Who has run out of expenses during travel |
Those prohibited from receiving Zakah:
Parents, children, spouse (supporting them is obligatory)
Non-Muslims (except category #4)
The wealthy (except the indebted)
The Prophet's family (Banu Hashim – they receive Khums instead)
Be Muslim
Be free (not a slave)
Be sane (not insane)
Have reached puberty
Own the Nisab
One lunar year (Hawl) has passed – except for agriculture and minerals
| Feature | Zakah | Sadaqah (Voluntary Charity) |
|---|---|---|
| Ruling | Obligatory | Voluntary |
| Rate | Fixed (2.5%, 10%, etc.) | Any amount |
| Frequency | Once a year | Any time |
| Recipients | Only 8 specific categories | Anyone (including non-Muslims) |
| Reward | More than 70x | 10x |
Zakah was made obligatory in 2 AH (along with fasting).
Hawl means one complete lunar year (354-355 days).
Zakah on salary becomes obligatory when surplus cash reaches Nisab and one year passes.
Zakah on jewelry is obligatory in the Hanafi school (difference of opinion exists).
Paying Zakah and paying income tax are not the same (religious vs. state obligation).
Linguistically: Sawm means "to refrain."
Islamically: To refrain from eating, drinking, marital relations, and all invalidating actions from true dawn (Fajr) until sunset (Maghrib) with a sincere intention.
Obligation: Made obligatory in 2 AH (Quran 2:183): "O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become righteous."
Status: The fourth pillar of Islam.
Intention: Every night before Fajr (or once for the whole month).
Refrain from: Eating, drinking, marital relations, deliberate vomiting, lying, backbiting, anger.
Recommended (Sunnah): Suhoor (pre-dawn meal), hastening to break fast (with dates/water), delaying Suhoor, reciting Quran generously, giving charity.
| Action | Ruling |
|---|---|
| Deliberately eating or drinking | Qada (1 day) |
| Deliberately vomiting | Qada |
| Marital relations while fasting | Kaffarah (free a slave, OR fast 60 consecutive days, OR feed 60 poor people) |
| Menstruation / Post-childbirth bleeding | Qada (make up later) – fasting during menstruation is forbidden |
| Deliberate ejaculation (other than intercourse) | Qada |
| Nutritional injections or IV fluids | Qada (jurisprudential difference) |
Does NOT break the fast:
Eating or drinking forgetfully – continue fasting, no Qada.
Swallowing saliva, dust, or involuntary smoke.
Blood test, injection (without nutrition), eye/ear drops.
Using Miswak or brushing teeth (without swallowing water/blood).
Waking up in a state of Janabah (major impurity) – fast is valid after Ghusl.
| Exemption Case | Ruling |
|---|---|
| Temporary illness (hope of recovery) | Make up Qada later |
| Travel (≥ ~50-80 miles) | Make up Qada later |
| Pregnancy / Breastfeeding (fear of harm to self or child) | Qada + some scholars say Fidyah |
| Very elderly / chronically ill (no hope of recovery) | Only Fidyah: feed one poor person per missed fast (approx. 2 meals) |
| Menstruating / post-childbirth bleeding woman | Make up Qada later (fasting during menstruation is forbidden) |
| Extreme hunger/thirst (fear of death) | Break fast, make up Qada later |
Difference between Kaffarah, Qada, and Fidyah:
Qada: Making up one missed fast later.
Fidyah: Feeding one poor person for each missed fast.
Kaffarah: Heavy expiation (60 consecutive fasts OR feeding 60 poor people) – only for marital relations during Ramadan.
Spiritual: Develops Taqwa (righteousness). The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever fasts Ramadan with faith and seeking reward, his previous sins will be forgiven." (Bukhari)
Physical: Detoxifies the body, teaches self-control.
Social: Develops empathy for the poor and hungry.
Special gate of Paradise: Ar-Rayyan – only those who fasted will enter through it.
Better than a thousand months (Quran 97:3) – worship on this night is better than 83+ years.
In the last 10 nights of Ramadan, most likely in the odd nights: 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th.
Most scholars say: The 27th night.
Sign: The sun rises the next morning without strong rays.
| Fact | Answer |
|---|---|
| Fasting in Ramadan was made obligatory in _____ AH | 2 AH |
| Fasting is the _____ pillar | Fourth |
| Deliberately breaking a fast without excuse | Major sin + Qada |
| Breaking fast due to marital relations | Qada + Kaffarah (60 days) |
| Fidyah for one missed fast | Feed one poor person |
| Most likely night for Laylat al-Qadr | 27th Ramadan |
Linguistically: Hajj means "to intend" or "to set out for."
Islamically: To visit the Kaaba and perform specific rituals on specific days of Dhul-Hijjah (8th to 13th).
Obligation: Made obligatory in 9 AH (Quran 3:97): "Pilgrimage to this House is an obligation upon Allah for those who are able to find a way."
Status: The fifth pillar of Islam. One Hajj is obligatory; more than that is voluntary.
Be Muslim
Be sane (not insane)
Have reached puberty
Be free (not a slave)
Physical ability (health, strength)
Financial ability (expenses + maintenance for family)
Safety on the route
| Type | Definition | Umrah and Hajj | Hadi (Sacrifice) | Ihram | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ifrad (Alone) | Hajj only, no Umrah | Separate (can do Umrah after Hajj) | Not required | Only for Hajj | Those who want to separate them |
| Qiran (Combined) | Umrah and Hajj together in one Ihram | Both in one Ihram | Required | Single | Greatest reward (according to Hanbalis) |
| Tamattu' (Enjoyment) | Umrah first (during Hajj months), exit Ihram, then new Ihram for Hajj | Two separate actions | Required | Two separate Ihrams | Most common and most virtuous (the Prophet ﷺ did this) |
Important: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) performed Hajj Tamattu'.
| Day | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Before 8th Dhul-Hijjah | Ihram | State of consecration: Men wear two white cloths. Avoid perfume, hunting, marital relations, cutting hair/nails. |
| 8th Dhul-Hijjah (Tarwiyah) | Go to Mina | Spend day and night in prayer and supplication. |
| 9th Dhul-Hijjah | Arafah (Wuquf) | Stand in the plain of Arafat from noon until sunset. "Hajj is Arafah." (Prophet ﷺ) |
| 9th night | Muzdalifah | After sunset, proceed to Muzdalifah. Combine Maghrib and Isha. Collect pebbles for Jamarat. |
| 10th Dhul-Hijjah (Eid al-Adha) | Ramy al-Jamarat | Throw 7 pebbles at the largest pillar (Jamrat al-Aqabah). |
| 10th Dhul-Hijjah | Hadi (Sacrifice) | Slaughter an animal (sheep, goat, cow, or camel). |
| 10th Dhul-Hijjah | Halq or Taqsir | Shave head (men) or trim hair (women). Exit Ihram partially. |
| 10th-12th Dhul-Hijjah | Tawaf al-Ifadah | Circumambulate the Kaaba 7 times. This is a pillar of Hajj. |
| 11th-12th Dhul-Hijjah | Ramy (Days of Tashreeq) | Throw 7 pebbles at each of the three Jamarat (total 21 or 49 pebbles). |
| Before leaving Mecca | Tawaf al-Wada' | Farewell circumambulation of the Kaaba (obligatory for all except menstruating women). |
| Fact | Answer |
|---|---|
| Hajj was made obligatory in _____ AH | 9 AH |
| Hajj is the _____ pillar | Fifth |
| Most virtuous and common type of Hajj performed by Prophet ﷺ | Tamattu' |
| "Hajj is _____" | Arafah |
| Wuquf (standing) is on the day of | 9th Dhul-Hijjah |
| Throwing pebbles at pillars is called | Ramy al-Jamarat |
| Farewell circumambulation is called | Tawaf al-Wada' |