The Shahadah is not the most important pillar of Islam because, for Sunni Muslims, all five pillars are equally important in supporting faith. The Shahadah is only stating what Muslims believe, and this means nothing unless Muslims enact their faith by praying, giving Zakah, fasting during Ramadan and trying to go on Hajj. For Muslims true faith or Iman involves actions as well as words. The Qur’an specifically warns that saying something like the Shahadah but not really understanding or acting on it is worse than not saying it at all. “So woe to those who pray but are heedless of their prayer.” Qur’an 107:4-5. Shia Muslims would agree, pointing out that although they say the Shahadah, it is not one of their obligatory acts to do so, suggesting that it is a given that practicing Islam follows on from admitting that there is One God, Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.

Nevertheless, some Muslims may argue that praying, giving Zakah, fasting or going on pilgrimage means nothing if people do not truly believe in the oneness of Allah (Tawhid) or respect Muhammad as the true prophet of Allah. If a Muslim did these things out of habit or from the desire to “fit in” then they would be just as guilty of being heedless as the Muslim who might say the Shahadah without really understanding or acting on it. In this way reciting the Shahadah, whether at prayer times or at other key moments in life – the birth of a baby, the conversion of a new Muslim or in preparation for death – reminds Muslims of what all the other practices are directed towards. However, while I agree with these arguments in that they demonstrate the importance of the Shahadah, they in no way show that the Shahadah is the most important pillar of Islam. It cannot be a case of either the Shahadah or say Salah – both are equally important, stating faith and then acting on it. Qur’an 2:277 reminds Muslims that Allah’s rewards follow not only from belief but also from good deeds, prayer and giving alms. Belief on its own is not enough.

In conclusion, the Shahadah is not the most important pillar of Islam because all five pillars are of equal importance.