Solat (praying) is a Pillar of Islam

Abdullah bin Umar r.a narrates that he heard the Rasullullah (Prophet) s.a.w saying:

“Islam is founded on five pillars: bearing witness that there are no God but Allah and Muhammad s.a.w is His servant and apostle; establishment of solat; paying of zakat; performance of Hajj; and fasting in Ramadhan.”

The Prophet s.a.w has compared Islam to a canopy resting on five supports. The Kalimah is the central support and the other four pillar of Islam are so to say, the remaining four supports is missing a collapse will result in the defective corner. Now let us judge for ourselves how far we have kept up the canopy of Islam. Is there really any pillar that is being held in its proper place?

The five pillars of Islam mentioned in this hadith signify the most essential duties of a Muslim. Although a Muslim cannot do without any one of them, yet solat in Islam occupies a position next only to iman. Abdullah bin Mas’ood r.a says:

“Once, I inquired of the Holy Prophet s.a.w, which act (of man) was the dearest to Allah. The Prophet replied, “Solat”. I then inquired which act come next (in order of merit) and the Prophet replied, “kindness to parents”. I again asked what was next and he answered “jihad”. “

Mullah Ali Qari (Rahmatullah Alaih) has quote this hadith in support of the belief that Solat is the most important religious duty after iman. This is further corroborated by a hadith, in which the Holy Prophet s.a.w is reported to have said:

“Solat is the best of all that has been ordained by Allah.”


Prophet Muhammad, praying, Allah, Zakat, Hajj, Fasting, Ramadhan