Write Hadith 3 of an-Nawaw?, translate and comment on it.

Answer Details

Hadith 3 of an-Nawawi, narrated by 'Abdullah b. 'Umar (R.A.):

Text: The Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.) said: "Buniyal-Islamu 'ala khamsin: shahadati an la ilaha illa Llah wa anna Muhammadan Rasulu Llah, wa iqamis-salah, wa ita'iz-zakah, wa hajjil-bayt, wa sawmi Ramadan." (Reported by al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Translation: "Islam is built upon five (pillars): the testimony that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, the establishment of the prayer, the giving of Zakah, the pilgrimage to the House, and fasting in Ramadan."

Commentary:

1. The Hadith likens Islam to a building that stands firmly on five supporting pillars; a building is incomplete or weak if a pillar is missing.
2. Shahadah is the foundation, affirming the Oneness of Allah and the prophethood of Muhammad; it is the basis of all the others.
3. Salah (five daily prayers) is the regular link between the servant and his Lord and the first deed to be reckoned on the Day of Judgement.
4. Zakah purifies wealth and the soul and cares for the poor, promoting social justice.
5. Hajj is the pilgrimage to the Ka'bah, obligatory once for those who are able, symbolising the unity and equality of the Ummah.
6. Sawm (fasting Ramadan) trains the believer in self-restraint, piety (taqwa) and sympathy for the hungry.
7. The Hadith teaches that Islam is a complete system combining belief and practice, and that a Muslim must observe all five pillars as far as he is able.