The 5 Pillars of Islam

Shahada

Shahada

• "There is no god but God"
• Muhammad is the messenger of God
• Belief that one god (Allah) created the universe
• God's last message to mankind
• Pronounce Shahada aloud to 2 muslim witnesses to enter islam

Salat

Salat

• Pray 5 times per day
• Before, praying, preform wudu (ritual washing)
• A muezzin chants the call to prayer
• Imam proclaims "allahu akbar" to start prayer cycle
• Muslims can worship anywhere in the world

Zakat

Zakat

• Muslims share 1/40 of surplus each year with poorer people
• Zakat provides for things like fountains and inns
• Can also cover for school fees
• Very similar to charity in other religions

Siyam

Siyam/Sawm

• Qu'ran states to fast during Ramadan
• Ramadan is 9th month of islamic calender
• Do not eat/drink anything
• Exceptions are pregnant women, the sick, the young, etc.
• Fast is broken at sunset with a family meal

Hajj

Hajj

• If financially & physically stable, travel to Mecca for 5-6 days
• Circle the Ka'bah 7 times
• Walk back & forth 7 times in the Ma'sa, imitating Hagar
• Drink water from Zamzam well
• Celebration with 4-day feast and sacrifices (sheep & goats)

End