An-Nawawi’s Forty Hadith (03): The Pillars of Islam

An-Nawawi's Forty Hadith (03): The Pillars of Islam is a fundamental narration that outlines the five core principles of Islam. This hadith, narrated by Abdullah ibn Umar, emphasizes the essential acts of worship that every Muslim must uphold: the testimony of faith (shahada), prayer (salah), almsgiving (zakat), fasting (sawm), and pilgrimage (hajj). In this article, we delve into the meaning and lessons of this hadith, drawing insights from Tuhfatus Saniyah Syarah Arbain Nawawiyah by Sheikh Khalid Mahmud Al-Juhani. Explore the wisdom behind Islam's pillars and how they shape a believer’s faith and actions.

الأَرْكَانُ الإِسْلاَمِ

THE PILLARS OF ISLAM

نْ أَبِي عَبْدِ الرَّحْمٰنِ عَبْدِ اللّٰهِ بْنِ عُمَرَ بْنِ الخَطَّابِ رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمَا، قَالَ: سَمِعْتُ رَسُولَ اللّٰهِ صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَقُولُ:

From Abu Abdur-Rahman, Abd Allah, son of Umar, son of Al-Khattab[1]—may Allah be pleased with both of them—said: "I heard the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, saying:

بُنِيَ الإِسْلاَمُ عَلٰى خَمْسٍ: شَهَادَةِ أَنْ لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللّٰهُ، وَأَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ، وَإِقَامِ الصَّلَاةِ، وَإِيتَاءِ الزَّكَاةِ، وَحَجِّ البَيْتِ، وَصَوْمِ رَمَضَانَ

Islam[2] was built[3] upon five:[4] the testimony that there is no god except Allah,[5] and that Muhammad is His servant and His messenger; establishing the prayer;[6] giving the alms;[7] pilgrimage to the House;[8] and fasting in Ramadan,[9] (Sahih Bukhari: 8. Sahih Muslim: 16).

LESSONS FROM THE HADITH

هٰذِهِ الأَرْكَانُ الخَمْسَةُ مِنْ فُرُوضِ الأَعْيَانِ الَّتِي تَجِبُ عَلَى الجَمِيعِ

1 - These five pillars are individual obligations that are required for everyone.

الشَّهَادَتَانِ أَهَمُّ أَرْكَانِ الإِسْلَامِ، فَلَا يَقْبَلُ اللهُ مِنْ عَبْدٍ عِبَادَةً حَتَّى يُقِرَّ وَيَنْطِقَ بِالشَّهَادَتَيْنِ

2 - The two testimonies are the most important pillars of Islam, for Allah does not accept worship from a servant until he acknowledges and pronounces the two testimonies.

الشَّهَادَتَانِ مُرْتَبِطَتَانِ مَعَ بَعْضِهِمَا البَعْضِ، فَلَا تَكْفِي إِحْدَاهُمَا عَنْ الأُخْرَى

3 - The two testimonies are interconnected with each other, one is not sufficient without the other.

تَشْرِيفُ النَّبِيِّ ﷺ حَيْثُ جَمَعَ بَيْنَ مَقَامَيْ العُبُودِيَّةِ، وَالرِّسَالَةِ «عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ»

4 - The honor of the Prophet ﷺ lies in the combination of the statuses of servitude and prophethood, "His servant and His messenger."

عَظِيمُ قَدْرِ الصَّلَاةِ بَعْدَ الشَّهَادَتَيْنِ

5 - The great value of prayer after the two testimonies.

وُجُوبُ إِيتَاءِ الزَّكَاةِ لِمُسْتَحِقِّهَا، وَأَنَّ ذَلِكَ مِنْ أَرْكَانِ الإِسْلَامِ

6 - The obligation of giving Zakat to those who deserve it, and that it is one of the pillars of Islam.

وُجُوبُ صَوْمِ رَمَضَانَ، وَأَنَّهُ رُكْنٌ مِنْ أَرْكَانِ الإِسْلَامِ

7 - The obligation of fasting during Ramadan, and that it is a pillar of Islam.

وُجُوبُ حَجِّ بَيْتِ اللَّهِ الحَرَامِ لِمَنْ كَانَ مُسْتَطِيعًا

8 - The obligation of performing Hajj to the sacred house of Allah for those who are able. And Allah knows best.

In conclusion, Hadith 3 of An-Nawawi’s Forty Hadith serves as a powerful reminder of the five pillars of Islam, which form the foundation of a Muslim’s faith and practice. By understanding and implementing these pillars—shahada, prayer, zakat, fasting, and hajj—a believer strengthens their relationship with Allah and secures their place in the hereafter. As explained in Tuhfatus Saniyah Syarah Arbain Nawawiyah by Sheikh Khalid Mahmud Al-Juhani, these fundamental acts of worship are not just obligations but a means of attaining spiritual growth and divine closeness. May we strive to uphold these pillars with sincerity and devotion. Stay connected for more insights on An-Nawawi’s Forty Hadith and Islamic teachings.

Sukoharjo, 2 April 2025

Irfan Nugroho (May Allah forgive his sins, accept his good deeds, and grant his duas. Aamiin)

EXPLANATION

[1] He was born shortly after the mission, converted to Islam in Mecca with his father while he was young, migrated with him, and the Prophet (peace be upon him) sent him back on the day of Uhud due to his young age. He witnessed the Battle of the Trench (Khandaq) at the age of fifteen and beyond, and he is the most prolific narrator among the companions after Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him). He died in the year seventy-three, at the age of eighty-four. [2] Islam: meaning the religion. [3] Built: meaning established and founded. [4] Five: meaning pillars. [5] Testimony that there is no god but Allah: meaning there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah. [6] Establishing prayer: meaning maintaining it with its conditions and purification. [7] Giving Zakat (Alms): That is, giving it to those who deserve it. [8] Pilgrimage to the House: That is, intending to perform the rituals as mentioned in the Sunnah. [9] Fasting in Ramadan: That is, abstaining from things that break the fast from true dawn until sunset with the intention.