The Five Pillars
Why are the Five Pillars called “pillars”?
They are the foundation upon which Islam stands—without them, one’s faith is unstable.
What is the purpose of Salah in a believer’s life?
It keeps the heart connected to Allah and renewed in faith throughout the day.
Where does the journey toward Khushuʿ begin?
Before Salah — through intentional Wuduʾ and mental preparation.
What happens to sins during Wuduʾ?
They fall away from the body even from beneath the fingernails (Muslim 245).
What does “Allāhu Akbar” remind us of at each movement?
That Allah is greater than anything else in our lives.
Why is the Shahada listed first?
Because belief in “La ilaha illa Allah” is continuous and shapes every action of a Muslim.
What makes Salah unique among all acts of worship?
It was revealed above the heavens directly to the Prophet ﷺ.
What two physical signs show Khushuʿ in Salah?
Lowering the eyes and the voice out of humility and awe.
What reward is promised to one who perfects Wuduʾ and recites the Shahāda after it?
The eight gates of Jannah open for him to enter whichever he wishes.
If a person’s obligatory Salah is incomplete, what does Allah command?
To complete it from his voluntary (nafl) prayers.
Why is Salah the second pillar?
It’s performed at least five times daily and maintains a believer’s constant connection with Allah.
What is the first deed judged on the Day of Judgment and how does it frame our judgment?
Salah — if accepted, the rest of one’s deeds are accepted.
How did the Ṣaḥābah visualize Khushuʿ before praying?
Kaʿbah before them, Jannah to the right, Jahannam to the left, the Ṣirāṭ beneath their feet, and the Angel of Death behind them.
What multiple intentions can one make for Wuduʾ?
Purification, obedience to Allah, imitating the Prophet ﷺ, and washing away sins.
What is the first dhikr after Salah?
Astaghfir Allāh (three times).
When and where was Salah revealed?
During al-Isrāʾ wal-Miʿrāj in the seventh heaven.
What happens to one who abandons Salah entirely?
He falls into major disbelief (kufr), as stated by the Prophet ﷺ
What does Khushuʿ mean linguistically?
To lower oneself in humility, awe, and stillness before Allah.
What duʿāʾ did the Prophet ﷺ say after Wuduʾ?
اللهم اجعلني من التوابين واجعلني من المتطهرين.
What does Allah say when the servant recites “Al-ḥamdu lillāhi Rabb al-ʿālamīn”?
Allah responds, “My servant has praised Me.”
Why is Zakat placed in the middle of the Five Pillars?
It symbolizes social responsibility —the heart of our faith.
What verse confirms that Salah is a timed obligation?
“Indeed, prayer has been decreed upon the believers a decree of specified times.” (An-Nisāʾ 4:103)
What do the first verses of Surah al-Muʾminūn teach about Khushuʿ?
Successful believers are those who have Khushuʿ in their prayers (23:1-2).
Which Qurʾān verse commands Wuduʾ?
“O you who believe, when you rise for prayer, wash your faces …” (al-Māʾidah 5:6).
What did the Prophet ﷺ say about one who abandons Salah?
“Between a person and disbelief is the abandonment of prayer.” (Muslim)