Narrated from Sayyiduna Harith Ash’ari (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: Indeed, Allah Almighty commanded Yahya bin Zakariya (peace be upon him) with five words, that he should act upon them himself and also command the Children of Israel to act upon them. He delayed in informing the people, so Isa (peace be upon him) said to him: You were commanded regarding five words, that you should act upon them yourself and command the Children of Israel to act upon them as well. Now, either you inform them or I will inform them. He said: O my brother! If you inform them before me, I fear that I may be punished or swallowed up. So Yahya (peace be upon him) gathered the Children of Israel in Bayt al-Maqdis until the mosque was filled, then he was seated on a high place among them. He praised and glorified Allah Almighty and then said: Indeed, Allah Almighty has commanded me with five words, that I should act upon them myself and command you to act upon them as well. The first command is that you worship Allah Almighty and do not associate anything with Him. Indeed, the example of a polytheist is like a man who bought a slave with his pure wealth—silver or gold—but the slave began to work for someone other than his master. Now, which of you would be pleased to have such a slave? Allah Almighty created you and provided for you, so worship Him alone and do not associate anything with Him. And I command you to pray; indeed, Allah Almighty turns His face towards the servant’s face as long as he does not turn away here and there. Therefore, when you pray, do not turn your attention here and there. And I command you to fast; its example is like a man who has a pouch of musk and all the people are enjoying its fragrance. The changed smell from the mouth of the fasting person is purer with Allah Almighty than the fragrance of musk. And I command you to give charity; its example is like a man whom his enemy captured, tied his hands to his neck, and brought him close to cut his neck. Then he says: If I pay a ransom for myself, will you let me go? Then he starts giving a small and large amount as ransom until he saves himself. And I command you to remember Allah Almighty abundantly; its example is like a man whom the enemy is quickly pursuing, but he reaches a strong fortress and fortifies himself in it. Indeed, the servant is most protected from Satan when he is engaged in the remembrance of Allah Almighty.

Then the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: I also command you with five things which Allah Almighty has commanded me: (these five things are:) the congregation, listening to and obeying the leader, migration, and striving in the way of Allah Almighty. So whoever separates from the congregation even by a handspan has thrown off the covenant of Islam from his neck until he returns. And whoever calls out with the call of ignorance is among the group of Hell. The people said: O Messenger of Allah! Even if he fasts and prays? He (peace and blessings be upon him) said: Even if he fasts and prays and thinks that he is a Muslim. So call the Muslims by the name that Allah Almighty has given them: Muslim, believer, servant of Allah Almighty.