The Qur’an prescribes that righteousness is earned by keeping the Five Pillars of Islam: "Righteousness does not consist in turning your face towards East or West. The truly good are those who believe in God and the Last Day, in the angels, the Scripture, and the prophets; who give away some of their wealth, however much they cherish it, to their relatives, to orphans, the needy, travelers and beggars, and to liberate those in bondage; those who keep up the prayer (salat) and pay the prescribed alms (zakat); who keep pledges whenever they make them; who are steadfast in misfortune, adversity, and times of danger. These are the ones who are true, and it is they who are aware of God." (Qur'an 2:177)

The Five Pillars of Islam are the foundations or pillars on which Islamic belief and practice rest and are necessary to earn righteousness to enter Paradise.