Five Pillars of Islam

Shahada

Shahada: Profession of Faith

• “There is no God, but God, and Muhammed is his prophet…”
• First and last thing heard in Muslim’s life
• Requires submission to God

Salat

Salat: Five Daily Prayers

• Perform Wudu (ablution) before prayer
• Muezzins call Muslims to prayer
• Pray five times towards Mecca every day
• Muslims go to mosque on Fridays
• Imams lead prayer from minbars

Zakat

Zakat: Charity

• Must give 2.5% of income for Zakat
• Money helps orphanages, soup kitchens, drives, etc.
• Purifies wealth
• Most give Zakat for the poor or those in debt
• Controls greed

Sawm

SAWM: FASTING DURING RAMADAN

• Muslims can eat at dawn/dusk only
• Sick, elderly, pregnant, and youth are exempt
• Religious activities (reading Qur’an, helping those in need)
• Control desire, avoid violence and talking behind people’s backs
• Ramadan ends with Eid al-Fitr

Hajj

HAJJ: PILGRIMAGE TO MECCA

• Men change into Ihram (two white garments) and modest clothing for women
• Pray on Mt. Arafat
• Circle Kaaba seven times
• Drink from Zamzam and run between two hills
• Eid al-Adha (sacrifice cattle)