FIVE PILLARS OF ISLAM

SHAHADA

SHAHADA

• “There is no God, but God and Muhammad is his prophet…”
• Must be said in front of two witnesses to convert to Islam
• First thing one hears at birth and last thing one hears before death (if possible)

SALAT

SALAT

• Ablutions (wudu) before each prayer
• Pray facing Kaa’ba (Mecca)
• Call to prayer led by muezzin
• Prayer recommended at mosque on Fridays
• Emphasize religious discipline, spirituality, and closeness to God

ZAKAT

ZAKAT

• Purifies wealth & prevents greed
• Donate 2.5% surplus wealth
• Benefits orphanages, hospitals, teachers, etc.
• Can also pay for soup kitchens, clothing, shelter, etc.
• Donate directly or to an official

SAWM

SAWM

• Moon determines when Ramadan begins
• One meal before dawn and another after dusk
• Ramadan is when Muhammad first received message of God
• Purifies body & soul
• Eat dates to break fast

HAJJ

HAJJ

• Men wear two white sheets & women wear modest clothes
• Pray on Mt. Arafat
• Run between 2 hills & drink from Zamzam
• Circle Kaa’ba 7x counterclockwise
• Throw stones at 3 pillars representing Satan