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The Five Pillars of Islam (Arkan al-Islam)
This infographic illustrates the Five Pillars of Islam, which form the core practices of the religion, established during the lifetime of the Prophet Muhammad (7th century CE) —Shahada (faith), Salah (prayer), Zakat (charity), Sawm (fasting), and Hajj (pilgrimage). Rooted in earlier Abrahamic traditions, these obligations were systematized as Islam expanded, ensuring religious unity across diverse regions. The Shahada affirmed monotheism, distinguishing Islam from pre-Islamic Arabian polytheism. Salah formalized prayer rituals influenced by existing devotional practices. Zakat institutionalized charity, reinforcing social cohesion. Sawm, practiced during Ramadan, aligned with earlier fasting traditions. Hajj linked Muslims to Mecca, integrating pre-Islamic pilgrimage customs into Islamic monotheism. Over time, these pillars shaped Islamic governance, law, and identity across the Muslim world.
