What are the Five Pillars of Islam?

• A. Shahada (faith), Salat (prayer), Zakat (charity), Sawm (fasting during Ramadan), Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca)
• B. Faith in one God only
• C. Sutras and mantras
• D. The five daily prayers and fasting only

Answer: (A)

These pillars are the basic framework guiding how Muslims worship and live. They are five distinct acts that shape faith and practice: Shahada is the declaration that there is no god but God and that Muhammad is His messenger; Salat is the obligation of praying five times a day facing Mecca; Zakat is giving a fixed portion of wealth to help those in need; Sawm is fasting during the month of Ramadan; and Hajj is the pilgrimage to Mecca that every Muslim should strive to undertake at least once if able. When these five are followed, they demonstrate belief, worship, care for others, self-discipline, and community connection. The option that lists these five pillars by name is the correct one. The other choices don’t fit because one focuses only on belief without the accompanying practices, another mentions practices from other traditions (sutras and mantras), and another names only prayer and fasting, leaving out charity and pilgrimage.