5 Pillars of Islam
Name all 5 Pillars in order
Shahadah (Testimony of faith)
Salah (Prayer)
Zakah (Charity)
Sawm (Fasting in Ramadan)
Hajj (Pilgrimage to Makkah)
What does “Qadr” mean in simple terms?
Belief that Allah has perfect knowledge and control over everything that happens — the good and the bad.
Qur’an – Surah Al-Qamar (54:49)
“Indeed, all things We created with Qadar (predestination).”
Hadith of Jibreel also includes:
“...to believe in divine decree, the good of it and the bad of it.” (Sahih Muslim)
You’re on campus during Ramadan. How would you explain fasting to a curious friend?
Fasting during Ramadan is a spiritual reset. We avoid food and drink from dawn to sunset, but also try to improve our character, control our desires, and feel gratitude
Qur’an 2:183
O believers! Fasting is prescribed for you—as it was for those before you1—so perhaps you will become mindful ˹of Allah˺.
Why is Salah emphasized as the first action questioned on the Day of Judgment?
Because Salah is the foundation of all other deeds. If it is accepted, other deeds will be accepted; if not, the rest will not benefit.
Hadith – At-Tirmidhi 413:
“The first thing the servant will be brought to account for on the Day of Resurrection is the prayer. If it is sound, then the rest of his deeds will be sound. If it is corrupt, then the rest of his deeds will be corrupt.”
Why is belief in angels significant even when they’re unseen?
Because belief in the unseen is part of Iman. Angels play vital roles — delivering revelation (Jibreel), recording deeds (Kiraman Katibin), and taking souls (Malak al-Mawt).
Qur’an – Surah Al-Baqarah (2:3):
“Who believe in the unseen…”
Surah Al-Infitar (82:10-12):
“But verily, over you are appointed angels to protect you — honorable, recording; they know whatever you do.”
Your classmate thinks praying 5 times a day is extreme. How would you gently explain its purpose?
It’s a direct connection to God throughout the day.
Helps realign focus in a fast-paced world.
Serves as spiritual nourishment
Qur’an 29:45
Recite what has been revealed to you of the Book and establish prayer. Indeed, ˹genuine˺ prayer should deter ˹one˺ from indecency and wickedness. The remembrance of Allah is ˹an˺ even greater ˹deterrent˺. And Allah ˹fully˺ knows what you ˹all˺ do.
What’s the relationship between Ihsan, Iman, and Islam in the Hadith of Jibreel?
Islam is the outward practice of the religion — actions like praying, fasting, giving charity, etc.
→ It’s about doing.
Iman is the inward belief — in Allah, His angels, books, messengers, the Last Day, and divine decree.
→ It’s about believing.
Ihsan is excellence in worship — to worship Allah as though you see Him. It’s a spiritual state that elevates both belief and actions.
Choose any pillar of Iman and explain how it can help someone through grief or hardship in college life.
Decided on by other group
How can one turn the act of giving Zakah into a spiritual habit, not just a financial one?
View it as a form of purification (Qur’an 9:103).
Make du’a for the person receiving.
Give with sincere intention, expecting reward only from Allah.
Remind yourself it’s a trust, not ownership.
Qur’an 9:103
Take from their wealth ˹O Prophet˺ charity to purify and bless them, and pray for them—surely your prayer is a source of comfort for them. And Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.
How can belief in the afterlife shape your daily decisions in college?
Encourages accountability and sincerity.
Motivates ethical decision-making (honesty, integrity).
Reminds you that your efforts have eternal value.
How does the concept of Qadr empower Muslims during hard times?
Everything happens by Allah’s perfect wisdom.
Hardship is a test and an opportunity to earn reward.
Nothing happens except by His permission.
Qur’an 9:51
Say, “Nothing will ever befall us except what Allah has destined for us. He is our Protector.” So in Allah let the believers put their trust.
How does belief in Qadr affect how we view success and failure?
Success is not just outcomes but sincerity and effort.
Failure isn’t the end — it’s part of Allah’s plan.
Encourages reliance on Allah over results.
Qur’an 64:11
O believers! Fasting is prescribed for you—as it was for those before you1—so perhaps you will become mindful ˹of Allah˺.