Islam: Shahadah (Testimony of Faith)

Study Notes

Shahadah is the first pillar of Islam, and certain conditions need to be met when taking the Shahadah, including knowledge, certainty, acceptance, submission, truthfulness, sincerity, and love.
One should recite the Shahadah multiple times a day, such as during the adhan and after taking wudu.
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said that whoever recites the Shahadah after taking wudu, the eight gates of Paradise will be opened for them.

Salah is the second pillar of Islam, and is essential for believers.
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said that the line of demarcation between a Muslim and a Kafir is the giving up of Salah.
Salah keeps one away from shameful and evil deeds.
There are certain preparations for Salah, including wudu, clean and appropriate clothing, a clean prayer space, facing the qiblah, and praying on time.
The five obligatory prayers are Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha.

Sawm is the third pillar of Islam, and is observed during the month of Ramadan.
Fasting was prescribed for believers to become Al-Muttaqun (the pious).
Ramadan is a blessed month where the gates of heaven are opened, and the gates of Hell are closed.
Laylatul Qadr is a night in Ramadan that is better than 1000 months.
Fasting out of faith and hope means that one's previous sins will be forgiven.

Zakat is the fourth pillar of Islam, and is essential for believers.
Zakat completes one's faith, makes the heart and soul happy, and is a means of entering Paradise.
Zakat purifies one's wealth and expiates for sins.
The Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said that charity extinguishes sins as water extinguishes fire.
Zakat is 2.5% of one's wealth only if it reaches the set amount for one calendar year.

Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam, and is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for those who have the means.
The conditions of Hajj include sincerity towards Allah and following the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).
During Hajj, one performs certain rituals, including ghusl, putting on perfume, praying two rakat, performing tawaf, sa'i, and more.
Men shave their hair, while women cut a bit off (if they are completing Umrah and then Hajj).
One must be in a state of Ihram, with a specific intention to start Umrah and Hajj, and wear special clothing (for men).

The Shahadah is the first pillar of Islam and is a declaration of faith that there is no god but Allah, and that Muhammad is His Messenger.
Conditions of Shahadah: knowledge, certainty, acceptance, submission, truthfulness, sincerity, and love.
Reciting the Shahadah is a regular part of a Muslim's daily life, including during the Adhan and after taking Wudu.

Importance of Salah: it keeps one away from shameful and evil deeds.
Preparation for Salah: Wudu, clean and appropriate clothing, clean prayer space, facing the Qiblah, and praying on time.
Prayer times: Fajr (between dawn and sunrise), Dhuhr (shortly after midday), Asr (late afternoon before sunset), Maghrib (between sunset and dusk), and Isha (late night).

Sawm is the fourth pillar of Islam and is observed during the month of Ramadan.
Ramadan is a blessed month where the gates of heaven are opened and the gates of hell are closed.
Fasting during Ramadan brings forgiveness of previous sins and is a means of purification and self-reflection.

Itikaf is secluding oneself for the purpose of worship during Ramadan, especially during the last ten days.

Zakat is a pillar of Islam and is one of the ways to enter Paradise.
Reasons for Zakat: it completes one's faith, brings happiness to the heart and soul, and purifies one's wealth.
Zakat rules: 2.5% of one's wealth, only if it reaches the set amount for one calendar year.

Conditions of Hajj: sincerity towards Allah and following the Prophet.
Hajj rituals: Ghusl before entering Makkah, praying two Rakat, performing Tawaf, Sa'i, and other rituals.
Ihram: intention to start Umrah and Hajj, special clothing for men, and Talbiyah (the prayer of pilgrimage).