THE FIVE PILLARS

FAITH

PRAYER

• Five prayer times daily:
• Early morning
• Noon
• Mid afternoon
• Sunset

CHARITY

• Originally a free-will donation (what is no called Sadaqah).
• Now largely compulsory.
• General rate: 2 1/2% of income annually.
• Given only to needy Muslims, or for religious purposes, etc.

FASTING

• Muslims are required to fast during Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.
• No Food or drink of any sort
• No Smoking, including passive smoking
• No Sexual activity

PILGRIMAGE

• Once a year, Muslims of every ethnic group, colour, social status, and culture gather together in Mecca and stand before the Kaaba praising Allah together.
• Mecca is a place that is holy to all Muslims. It is so holy that no non-Muslim is allowed to enter.
• Four thousand years ago the valley of Mecca was a dry and uninhabited place.