HADITH AN-NAWAWI 3 : A FOUNDATION FOR LIFE

Hadith Nawawi 3 – A Foundation for Life

عَنْ أَبِي عَبْدِ الرَّحْمٰنِ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ عُمَرَ بْنِ الْخَطَّابِ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمَا قَالَ: سَمِعْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ ﷺ يَقُولُ:

«بُنِيَ الْإِسْلَامُ عَلَى خَمْسٍ: شَهَادَةِ أَنْ لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَأَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا رَسُولُ اللَّهِ، وَإِقَامِ الصَّلَاةِ، وَإِيتَاءِ الزَّكَاةِ، وَحَجِّ الْبَيْتِ، وَصَوْمِ رَمَضَانَ»

رَوَاهُ الْبُخَارِيُّ وَمُسْلِمٌ

Buni al-Islamu ‘ala khamsin: Shahadati an la ilaha illallah wahdahu la sharika lahu wa anna Muhammadan abduhoo wa rasooluhu wa iqam al-salat wa ita’ al-zakat wa sawm ramadan wa hajj al-bayti manis tata’a ilayhi sabeela.”

Translation

On the authority of ʿAbdullāh ibn ʿUmar رضي الله عنهما who said:I heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ say:

“Islam is built upon five: testifying that there is no god but Allah, and that Muhammad is His Messenger; establishing prayer; giving zakah; performing Hajj; and fasting in Ramadan.”

(Reported by Bukhari & Muslim)

Imam Nawawi’s Commentary on the Hadith:

Imam Nawawi explains the significance of this hadith and the importance of the five pillars of Islam as the foundation upon which the entire religion rests. Here’s an overview of what he covers in his commentary:

1. The Five Pillars are the Foundation of Islam:

Imam Nawawi states that this hadith is a summary of the essential components of Islam, forming its core structure. Without these five elements, the practice of Islam would not be complete. They represent the minimum requirements for a person to be considered a practicing Muslim. Imam Nawawi emphasizes that every Muslim must adhere to these pillars as they are the key components of the faith.

2. Shahada (Testimony of Faith):

• Imam Nawawi underscores that the Shahada, the declaration of faith, is the first and foremost pillar. It affirms the Oneness of Allah and the Prophethood of Muhammad. This testimony is the foundation of a Muslim’s faith and the core reason for entering Islam.
• He highlights the importance of understanding and reflecting upon the Shahada, and that it should not merely be a verbal declaration but something that is fully embodied in one’s actions and behaviour. The Shahada forms the basis of all other acts of worship in Islam.

3. Salat (Prayer):

• Imam Nawawi emphasizes the importance of prayer as the second pillar. Salat is not only an obligatory act of worship but also a means of maintaining a close relationship with Allah. He notes that it is an act of worship that occurs five times a day, constantly reminding the believer of their dependence on Allah and their duties as a servant.
• He highlights the significance of performing Salat with sincerity and attentiveness (known as khushu’), which transforms it into a powerful means of spiritual growth. He stresses that without prayer, one cannot claim to be a true Muslim, as it is the distinguishing characteristic of a Muslim’s life.

4. Zakat (Charity):

• Imam Nawawi notes that Zakat is the third pillar and an essential act of social responsibility in Islam. It is a form of charity that purifies wealth and is a means of helping those in need, maintaining social justice and solidarity within the community.
• Imam Nawawi adds that Zakat is not just about giving money; it also teaches the Muslim to purify their heart from greed and attachment to material wealth. By giving charity, the believer acknowledges that their wealth ultimately belongs to Allah, and they are simply stewards of it.

5. Sawm (Fasting in Ramadan):

• Imam Nawawi explains that fasting is a means of self-purification and developing taqwa (God-consciousness). By abstaining from food, drink, and other physical desires, the believer learns self-discipline and increases their closeness to Allah.
• He further elaborates that fasting is a way to train the soul, making it easier for the individual to overcome desires and be more conscious of Allah’s commands. He emphasizes that fasting is not just a physical act, but one that must be accompanied by patience, sincerity, and a desire to attain Allah’s pleasure.

6. Hajj (Pilgrimage):

• Imam Nawawi discusses Hajj as the final pillar, which is an obligatory act for those who can undertake it. He explains that Hajj represents the ultimate act of submission to Allah. It is a spiritual journey that symbolizes the unity of Muslims, as they come together from all parts of the world, performing the same rites, and submitting to Allah.
• He mentions that the significance of Hajj lies not just in the physical journey, but in its spiritual lessons—such as humility, purification, and unity—that the pilgrim should internalize.

Summary of Imam Nawawi’s Key Points:

• The Five Pillars are Essential: The five pillars are the bedrock of Islam. Without adhering to these, one’s faith remains incomplete.
• Action and Intention: The pillars require both action and intention. It’s not enough to just perform the rituals; they must be done with sincerity, mindfulness, and a deep connection with Allah.
• A Complete System of Worship: These pillars offer a comprehensive framework for a Muslim’s life. They shape their relationship with Allah (through Shahada, Salat, and Sawm), their relationship with others (through Zakat and Hajj), and their personal growth as a servant of Allah.
• Spiritual Growth: The five pillars are not only outward acts but also tools for spiritual purification. Each pillar, in its own way, serves to purify the believer’s heart and soul, drawing them closer to Allah.

Practical Lessons from Imam Nawawi’s Commentary:

• Balance: These five pillars represent a balanced approach to life in Islam. There’s a balance between the individual (Shahada, Salat, Sawm) and the society (Zakat, Hajj). A Muslim’s practice of Islam should not only benefit themselves spiritually but should also benefit the broader community.
• Consistency: Imam Nawawi stresses that the five pillars are meant to be practiced consistently throughout one’s life. They are not isolated acts but ongoing commitments that guide every moment of the Muslim’s existence.

Ibn Qayyim’s Commentary on the Five Pillars of Islam

While Ibn Qayyim doesn’t have an exhaustive single commentary specifically on this hadith alone, his reflections on the five pillars of Islam can be found scattered throughout his works, particularly in his book Madarij al-Salikin and other writings. Ibn Qayyim addresses these pillars in terms of their spiritual significance, purpose, and impact on the individual’s faith and relationship with Allah.

Ibn Qayyim’s commentary on the Five Pillars shows that these foundational acts of Islam are not just rituals but profound spiritual exercises that purify the heart, mind, and soul. The pillars represent a holistic approach to living a life that is constantly in submission to Allah, each pillar playing a critical role in developing a deep, sincere relationship with the Creator.

A Personal Reflection—What Does This Mean for You?

This isn’t just a list of things we “have to do.” It’s a blueprint for life. A house without a solid foundation will collapse, and so will a life without purpose.

Let’s be honest life pulls at us from every direction. Work, studies, family, friendships, personal struggles… sometimes, faith gets pushed to the side. But this hadith reminds us: if you want stability, if you want peace, build on these five things.

But here’s the real question: Where do you stand with these five pillars? Not in theory, but in your daily reality?

1. Shahādah – Who Holds Your Heart?

You say “Lā ilāha illa Allah”—but is Allah truly the centre of your life?Think about what occupies your thoughts daily. Your worries, your hopes, your dreams. Where does Allah fit into that?

Believing in Allah isn’t just about acknowledging His existence—it’s about making Him your priority. It’s about trusting Him when life shakes you, when things don’t go your way, when you feel lost.So, let’s ask ourselves: Do we just say ‘Lā ilāha illa Allah,’ or do we live by it?

2. Ṣalāh – More Than Just Motions

Be honest—how often do you pray without really thinking about it? You stand, you recite, you bow, you finish. But does your heart move?

Imagine your best friend messages you, but you reply half-heartedly, without attention. How would they feel? Now think: How do we respond when Allah calls us five times a day?

Ṣalāh isn’t just a routine—it’s your private meeting with Allah. Your chance to unload your stress, ask for guidance, reconnect. If prayer feels heavy, maybe it’s because we’re rushing through it instead of feeling it.

So here’s something to reflect on: If my prayer is weak, how can I improve it—just a little—starting today?

3. Zakāh – What Do You Cling To?

We all want financial stability. We fear not having enough. But the paradox of Islam? The more you give, the more you receive.Zakāh isn’t just about charity—it’s a test: Do you trust Allah enough to give away what you love?

And it’s not just money. It’s time, energy, kindness. Maybe there’s someone in your life who needs support, but you hesitate—thinking, I don’t have the time, I have my own problems. But what if the help you give is exactly what opens doors for you?So ask yourself: What am I holding onto too tightly? And what would happen if I let go, trusting Allah to fill the gap?

4. Ṣawm – Training for Life

Fasting is tough. Not just because of hunger, but because it forces you to confront yourself.

Think about it—when you’re fasting, you suddenly notice how much control your desires have over you. You get irritated more easily. You crave things more. You realize how dependent you are on comfort.That’s why fasting isn’t just about food. It’s about proving to yourself: I can have control. I can restrain myself. I can be better.

So here’s a thought: If Ramadan is supposed to change us, why do we go back to old habits after it ends? What’s one thing we can take from fasting and keep all year?

5. Ḥajj – A Reminder of Your Final Destination

Not everyone gets to go on Hajj. But here’s the thing—you will go on your final journey one day, whether you’ve prepared or not.Ḥajj strips away everything—status, wealth, ego. It reminds you that in the end, you’ll stand before Allah alone, just as you are. No titles, no achievements, just your deeds.You may not be preparing for Hajj today, but you are preparing for that final moment.

So let’s ask: If my life ended tomorrow, would I be ready? What unfinished business do I need to settle with Allah today? What should I seek forgiveness for?

Final Thought: Your Personal Blueprint

This hadith isn’t just about knowing the five pillars—it’s about living them.

• If you feel lost, return to your foundation.
• If your heart feels heavy, check your ṣalāh.
• If you’re holding onto things too tightly, remember zakāh.
• If you’re struggling with self-control, fasting is your training ground.
• If life feels overwhelming, remember that your real journey is to Allah.

So, I’ll leave you with this: Which of these pillars do you need to strengthen the most? What small step can you take—right now—to bring your foundation back to life?

We all struggle in different ways, and no two people walk the same journey. Some of us thrive on discipline, others need gentle motivation. Some of us feel guilt and fear, while others respond to encouragement and love. And that’s okay.

Islam is for every personality, every heart, every soul. So, let’s talk about how we can each approach these pillars in a way that works for us—without shame, without despair, and with a heart full of hope.

Practical Steps to Strengthen Your Foundation—In a Way That Works for You. Some food for thought

 We all struggle in different ways, and no two people walk the same journey. Each soul is unique and although the 5 pillars are the solid foundation different people would approach it according to their personality type in its implementation.Some of us thrive on discipline , others need gentle motivation. Some of us feel guilt and fear, while others respond to encouragement and love. And that’s ok.

Islam is for every personality, every heart and every soul. So my humble advice is that don’t judge others. Approach these pillars in a way that works for you without shame, without despair and with a heart full of hope. Below are some tips according to personality types to give you an idea about differences in approach.

1.Shahādah – Strengthening Your Connection to Allah

“I believe in Allah, but sometimes I feel distant. Sometimes, I don’t ‘feel’ my faith.”

That’s okay. Faith isn’t a constant feeling—it’s a commitment. Like the sun, sometimes it’s shining, sometimes it’s behind clouds. But it’s always there.

• For the thinker: If you connect with faith through knowledge, spend time studying the meanings of the shahādah. Reflect on Allah’s names, His wisdom, and how He manifests in your life.
• For the heart-centered person: If you need emotion to connect, talk to Allah in your own words. Make du’ā, tell Him your fears, your struggles. Let your heart soften. Cry before Allah and submit fully.
• For the doer: If actions speak louder than words for you, show your faith through good deeds. Serve others. Find Allah in kindness and service.

Small step: Choose one way to remember Allah daily—dhikr, Qur’an, reflection, a simple “Alhamdulillah” when you wake up. A little daily effort keeps the heart alive and the awareness focussed.

2. Ṣalāh – A Journey, Not an Obligation

“I struggle with consistency. Sometimes I miss prayers. Sometimes I pray, but my mind is elsewhere.”

First, don’t let guilt push you away from prayer. The fact that you feel something when you miss it means your heart is alive. No one prays perfectly all the time. But what matters is: Do you keep coming back?

• For the structured person: Set fixed habits—pray at the same place, at the same time. Make it routine, like brushing your teeth.
• For the emotional person: Attach a personal meaning to ṣalāh. Before you pray, take a deep breath and think of one thing you need Allah for right now. Make your prayer about that.
• For the social person: Find a prayer buddy. Someone to remind you, check in, and encourage you.

Small step: If you’re struggling with consistency, start with one prayer you never miss. Build from there. Even if it’s just Fajr or ‘Ishā, protect it like it’s your lifeline.

3. Zakāh – Giving in a Way That Feels Meaningful

“I want to give, but sometimes I feel like it’s not enough. Or I worry about my own needs.”

Remember: Zakāh isn’t just money—it’s a mindset. It’s about generosity, trust, and letting go. Allah gives back more than you ever give away.

• For the logical planner: If you love structure, calculate your zakāh properly. Budget for charity. Make it part of your finances, just like bills.
• For the spontaneous giver: If structured giving feels rigid, be the person who always gives in the moment—whether it’s a dollar, a smile, or a kind word.
• For those struggling financially: If money is tight, give in other ways. Your time, your help, your kindness. Even sharing knowledge is charity.

Small step: Set aside even just £1 a day for charity. The amount isn’t the point—the habit is.

4. Ṣawm – Finding the Deeper Meaning in Fasting

“I fast, but I don’t always feel the spiritual benefits. How do I make it more meaningful?”

Fasting is about control—not just of food, but of your entire being. It’s about learning: If I can control my hunger, I can control my desires, my anger, my habits.

• For the self-disciplinarian: Push yourself beyond just hunger. Work on purifying your speech, your thoughts, your habits while fasting.
• For the struggling soul: Instead of focusing on avoiding food, focus on what fasting is giving you. Strength, self-control, patience.
• For those who love connection: Use fasting to strengthen bonds—break your fast with loved ones, help others with iftar, share the experience.

Small step: Outside of Ramadan, try one voluntary fast—but not just with your body. Fast with your tongue (from gossip), eyes (from distractions), heart (from resentment).

5. Ḥajj – Preparing for Your Final Journey

“I haven’t gone for Hajj yet. How can I connect with it?”

Hajj is a powerful reminder: One day, you will leave everything behind. What are you preparing for that journey?

• For the dreamer: Start imagining yourself there. Watch Hajj documentaries, listen to people’s experiences, make it something you long for.
• For the action-taker: Even if you’re not going now, prepare. Save a little. Learn about the rituals. Plan for the day you do go.
• For the reflective soul: Use life itself as your Hajj. Live like a traveler. Keep your heart attached to the next life, not just this one.

Small step: Make du’ā for Allah to take you there. Even if it feels impossible, just ask. You never know when the door will open.

A Message for Your Heart – Perfection Is Not Required

Let me say this: You are not a failure because you struggle. You are not a bad Muslim because you find some of these hard.

Allah doesn’t expect perfection. He expects effort. Some people are naturally disciplined. Others struggle. Some find spiritual connection easily. Others have to work harder. Allah knows your heart. He knows what’s easy for you and what isn’t.

So don’t compare yourself to others. Your journey is yours. If you improve 1% every day, that’s growth. If you fall 100 times but get up 101, that’s success.

Final Thought – Which One Will You Start With?

Let’s keep this simple:

• Which of these pillars do you feel strongest in? Hold onto it.
• Which one do you struggle with most? Take a small, achievable step.

Don’t overwhelm yourself trying to be perfect overnight. Just pick one thing. Maybe it’s praying Fajr on time. Maybe it’s giving a little more. Maybe it’s just saying “Lā ilāha illa Allah” with focus.

Whatever it is, do it today. Because the most important step… is the next one. Faith isn’t about perfection—It’s about showing up, one step at a time. Your struggle is seen, your effort is valued—keep going.

And Allah will carry you the rest of the way. Small steps, sincere effort—Allah meets you where you are and draws you close under His Mercy. Insh aa Allah.