02/10/2025
Islam, as defined by the Prophet Muhammad, (Peace Be Upon Him) is the declaration of faith in one God, Allah, and His messenger, Muhammad (the Shahada), combined with the practice of the Five Pillars of Islam: establishing prayer, paying Zakat, fasting during Ramadan, and performing the pilgrimage to the Kaaba (Hajj) if physically and financially able.
The definition provided by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from Sahih Muslim includes:
1. Shahada (Declaration of Faith): To testify that "there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah".
2. Salat (Prayer): To establish the prescribed ritual prayers.
3. Zakat (Charity): To give to the poor and needy from one's wealth.
4. Sawm (Fasting): To observe the fast during the month of Ramadan.
5. Hajj (Pilgrimage): To perform pilgrimage to the Kaaba in Mecca, if one has the physical and financial means to do so.
This prophetic definition outlines the core beliefs and the essential actions that constitute the life of a Muslim in the religion of Islam.