What Are the Five Pillars of Islam: Keys To Holistic Health

As a faith-based medical organization, our members encourage holistic healing that incorporates the Five Pillars of Islam. Aside from being essential acts of worship, they contribute to our mental, physical, and spiritual health.

The Five Pillars of Islam constitute our faith’s fundamental principles, which are practiced by Muslims worldwide. These are the Five Pillars we observe:

1. Shahadah: We declare by faith that Allah is the only God, and Muhammad is his messenger.
2. Salah: We pray five times a day—at dawn, noon, in the afternoon, at sunset, and at night.
3. Zakat: We share our wealth with those less fortunate.
4. Sawm: We fast from dawn to sunset during Ramadan, the ninth month in the Islamic calendar.
5. Haji: We make a pilgrimage to the holiest city—Mecca—at least once in our lives.

The Islamic Medical Association of North America (IMANA) believes that our well-being is inextricably linked to these Pillars. Join us as we explore each foundational truth in greater detail and how they facilitate holistic health.

What Are the Five Pillars of Islam and How Do They Promote Health?

In addition to enriching our spiritual lives, observing the Five Pillars offers many benefits. They encourage us to be part of our communities, promote social responsibility, and lead to healthier choices. Moreover, they inspire physical activity, mindfulness, self-discipline, and self-awareness.

Shahada, Declaring Our Faith

Declaring our faith is the most sacred concept. It refers to our absolute submission to Allah (SWT) through obedience and belief. By acknowledging His sole sovereignty, we engage in self-reflection and become more intentional with our actions.

Repeating the statement daily cultivates a stronger spiritual connection that aids our well-being and resilience, especially when we face challenges. The same shared statement also fosters a stronger sense of community among Muslims while encouraging us to make ethically sound decisions. In addition, it reminds us to be accountable for our deeds.

The Shahadah marks important milestones for Muslims. Aside from being part of our daily prayers, it is recited upon conversion, birth, and death.

Salah, Divine Communion Through Prayer

Salah entails praying five times throughout the day. As we seek the divine, we adopt various positions in worship and submission such as raising both hands, standing upright, bending from the waist, lying in a prostrate position, turning our heads to the sides, and sitting on our heels.

Praying regularly thus encourages movement, self-discipline, and structured routine.  Taking time to pray no matter the situation also forces us to take a break and reflect on what is truly important. Because of this, it can relieve stress and give us a renewed perspective.

Salah has a few accepted concessions based on certain conditions. Women experiencing their menstrual cycles can skip prayer. Moreover, disabled and sick people can pray while sitting or lying down to avoid undue discomfort. However, they are expected to return to the traditional practice once they have recovered.

Zakat, Sharing With the Less Fortunate

Zakat dictates that we donate at least 2.5% of our savings to the needy. Those less fortunate may be poor people, travelers who have fallen on hard times (like refugees), individuals who are in debt, new members of the faith, and other special groups.

It cannot be awarded to immediate family members such as children, parents, spouses, and grandparents. However, Zakat may be given to other relatives.

Charitable giving can be performed throughout the year though most Muslims prefer to give during their pilgrimage to Hajj and the month of Ramadan.

It grants a sense of empowerment while offering social connection and encouraging empathy. By paying attention to the needs of others, our mental health improves as we become less self-centered and more caring. 

Sawm, Self-Denial Through Fasting

We fast during Ramadan, the month in which the Qur’an was shared with mankind. It is a holy practice that deserves our wholehearted devotion.

We purify ourselves and renew our commitment to Allah (SWT) by denying ourselves drinks, food, and sexual relations. We also abstain from unpleasant behavior and speech from dawn to dusk.

The practice builds self-awareness and discipline. As we avoid food and drink, we reflect on our eating habits and dietary choices. We also exert self-control by restraining our human appetites, which leads to better focus and moderation. Finally, Sawm allows us to concentrate on our spiritual lives as we fully surrender to Him.

Fasting has also been associated with various health benefits such as the elimination of harmful substances, weight management, the renewal of body tissue, and the healing of certain digestive illnesses. 

Hajj, Pilgrimage To the Holy City of Mecca

Hajj is the sacred pilgrimage to Makkah that every physically and financially able Muslim must embark on at least once during their lifetime.

It is an opportunity to get rid of past sins, begin anew with Allah (SWT), and demonstrate our submission.

The pilgrimage spans five to six days and involves assuming a state of spiritual purity called Ihram, the pilgrimage itself, and performing rituals. Practicing Hajj entails walking long distances which may be three to nine miles. Those intending to make the journey are advised to prepare physically by walking long distances and building stamina. 

The preparation and journey inspire physical fitness, a sense of community, and spiritual fulfillment—all necessary for a healthy mind and body. Walking, in particular, is universally recognized as one of the best ways to build cardiac health while preventing cardiovascular disease.

Spiritual Health: A Crucial Component of Holistic Wellness

From stronger social ties to greater resilience and better self-awareness to physical activity and self-discipline, the Five Pillars of Islam provide sound recommendations for a balanced lifestyle.

They are more than rules that must be followed; these pillars are the foundation for spiritual, mental, and overall health. 

IMANA encourages the adoption of the Five Pillars by sharing knowledge, encouraging donations, and deploying medical relief around the world. Explore our website for more information on Islamic tenets, the work we’re doing, and how you can be part of it.