Islam Is Built Upon Five: Understanding the Foundations of Faith at TMIA Calgary

The Five Pillars of Islam form the structural foundation of a Muslim’s life. These pillars are not symbolic concepts; they are practical obligations that define submission to Allah and establish a framework for worship, discipline, and spiritual growth.

The narration of Hadith No. 3, reported by Abdullah ibn Umar (RA) and recorded in Sahih al Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, states:

“Islam has been built on five: testifying that there is no deity but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, establishing prayer, giving zakah, making pilgrimage to the House, and fasting Ramadan.”

At Tehseen e Madina Islamic Assembly (TMIA) Calgary, this Hadith is frequently studied because it clarifies the essential structure upon which the religion stands. Understanding the Five Pillars of Islam explained through authentic sources strengthens both individual practice and community awareness.

Islam Built on Five: A Structural Analogy

The Prophet (peace be upon him) described Islam as being built upon five pillars. This wording is significant. A building requires foundational supports to remain stable. Without pillars, it collapses.

Similarly, Islam requires these five core practices to remain intact. However, scholars clarify that Islam is not limited only to these five. Rather, these pillars are the minimum essential supports upon which the rest of religious duties are built.

Just as walls, doors, and furnishings complete a house after the foundation is laid, other obligations and acts of worship complete the religion once these pillars are established.

At TMIA Calgary, educational sessions often emphasize that practicing Islam requires both foundational obligations and additional acts of obedience.

The First Pillar: Shahadah (Testimony of Faith)

The first and most fundamental pillar is the Shahadah:

“There is no deity worthy of worship except Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.”

This testimony includes two essential aspects:

Recognition within the heart
Declaration upon the tongue

The statement affirms divine authority and submission. It acknowledges that worship, obedience, and ultimate authority belong solely to Allah.

The Shahadah is not merely a verbal statement. It requires sincerity, truthfulness, and adherence to the implications of belief.

Belief in the Messenger (peace be upon him) includes accepting his teachings, following his guidance, and honoring his role as the final Prophet.

Without Shahadah, none of the other pillars hold validity. It is the foundation upon which Islam stands.

At Tehseen e Madina Islamic Assembly Calgary, Aqeedah classes focus on strengthening understanding of Tawheed and Prophethood according to classical scholarship.

The Second Pillar: Establishing Salah (Prayer)

The Hadith does not simply mention prayer, but “establishing prayer.” This distinction is important.

Establishing prayer means performing it:

At its proper times
According to its prescribed conditions
With humility and awareness

Salah is a direct connection between the servant and Allah. It is performed five times daily and shapes discipline, remembrance, and spiritual awareness.

Scholars have emphasized that deliberate abandonment of prayer is a serious matter. The regular establishment of Salah differentiates active submission from neglect.

In Calgary’s busy environment, maintaining consistency in prayer requires effort. TMIA Calgary encourages congregational prayer and reminders that help individuals maintain regularity.

The Third Pillar: Zakah (Obligatory Charity)

Zakah represents financial purification. It is a required annual contribution from surplus wealth.

The Qur’an frequently pairs Salah and Zakah together, demonstrating their interconnected importance.

Zakah:

Purifies wealth
Supports the needy
Strengthens community solidarity
Encourages responsibility

After the passing of the Prophet (peace be upon him), Abu Bakr (RA) firmly upheld the obligation of Zakah, emphasizing that it could not be separated from Islam’s structure.

This illustrates that Zakah is not optional generosity; it is a defined obligation.

At TMIA Calgary, educational programs help Muslims understand calculation, eligibility, and the importance of distributing Zakah correctly.

The Fourth Pillar: Hajj (Pilgrimage)

Hajj is required once in a lifetime for those with physical and financial ability.

The pilgrimage to Makkah represents unity, humility, and submission. It commemorates the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and demonstrates equality among believers.

The Qur’an describes refusal of this obligation, despite ability, as a serious matter.

Hajj teaches sacrifice, patience, and spiritual reflection. Although it is required only once for those able, its impact extends beyond the pilgrimage itself.

At TMIA Calgary, informational sessions are sometimes held to guide community members preparing for Hajj, helping them understand its significance and conditions.

The Fifth Pillar: Fasting Ramadan

Fasting during the month of Ramadan is an annual obligation for Muslims who are physically able.

Fasting includes abstaining from food, drink, and marital relations from dawn to sunset.

Beyond physical restraint, fasting cultivates:

Self control
Empathy for the needy
Spiritual awareness
Gratitude

Exceptions are granted for illness, travel, or hardship, demonstrating balance in Islamic law.

Ramadan in Calgary is marked by community iftars, Taraweeh prayers, and increased acts of charity. TMIA Calgary plays a role in organizing gatherings and reminders that encourage proper observance.

The Relationship Between the Five Pillars

The Five Pillars of Islam explained through this Hadith demonstrate interconnected structure.

Shahadah establishes belief.
Salah maintains daily discipline.
Zakah regulates financial responsibility.
Fasting strengthens self control.
Hajj reinforces unity and submission.

Together, they create a balanced system of worship that addresses heart, body, and wealth.

Removing one pillar weakens the structure. Although scholars differ on the legal consequences of neglecting certain pillars, it is widely agreed that outright denial of their obligation contradicts faith.

Clarifying Common Misunderstandings

The Hadith clarifies that Islam is built upon these five, not limited to these five.

Islam also includes:

Good manners
Honesty
Fulfilling trusts
Avoiding prohibited actions

The pillars are minimum foundations. Higher levels of faith include consistent voluntary worship and moral excellence.

This balance prevents misunderstanding Islam as either overly minimal or excessively restrictive.

The Educational Wisdom Behind the Hadith

The narration emphasizes structured teaching. The Prophet (peace be upon him) did not describe Islam vaguely. He outlined its foundations clearly.

This approach continues at Tehseen e Madina Islamic Assembly Calgary, where structured classes and lectures focus on core principles before advancing to detailed topics.

Foundational knowledge strengthens confidence and clarity in religious practice.

Applying the Five Pillars in Modern Life

For Muslims living in Calgary, applying the Five Pillars requires practical effort.

Prayer must be scheduled around work hours.
Zakah must be calculated responsibly.
Fasting must be observed despite long summer days.
Hajj requires preparation and intention.

These obligations create discipline within daily routines.

The Hadith reminds Muslims that Islam is not merely identity; it is structured commitment.

Strengthening Faith Through Community

Community support strengthens adherence to the pillars.

Congregational prayer increases consistency.
Educational reminders improve understanding.
Charitable initiatives support Zakah distribution.
Ramadan programs enhance spiritual focus.

TMIA Calgary provides a platform for learning and practicing foundational Islamic teachings within a local context.

Conclusion

The Hadith “Islam is built upon five” defines the structural foundation of the religion. The Five Pillars of Islam explained through this narration provide clarity regarding belief, worship, and responsibility.

These pillars form the minimum framework necessary for practicing Islam. They support daily discipline, community responsibility, and spiritual awareness.

At Tehseen e Madina Islamic Assembly Calgary, emphasis is placed on understanding and implementing these pillars according to authentic teachings rooted in Ahl e Sunnah wal Jamaah.

Through education and consistent reminders, the foundation of faith remains strong within individuals and the broader Calgary Muslim community.