5 Pillars of Islam

Shahada

Shahada - Profession of Faith

• Confirms Monotheism "There is no God but God."
• Pledge submission to God, and not just believe in God
• Muhammad is the messenger of God

Salat

Daily Ritual Prayer

• Before praying, muslims go through a ritual washing
• Pray facing the Quiblah, which is facing the Ka'bah in Mecca
• Imam starts praying with "Allahu Akbar!" which means "God is most great!"
• Preferred to pray in a mosque, but can pray anywhere
• Qur'an reading & sermon

Zakat

Charity

• Zakat means "Purification"
• Zakat went to public services such as fountains, hospitals, things for the poor or orphanages
• Similar to charitable giving in other religions
• Muslim's should share 2.5% of their extra wealth with their poorer neighbors
• Zakat serves the muslim communit

Siyam/Sawm

Fasting

• Fasting is a symbol of worshipping God
• During Daylight hours, there is no eating or drinking
• They break the fast at sunset with dates
• Muslims share a meal with family and friends, before attending a Qur'an reading each night
• Everyone except for children, pregnant women, elderly, the sick, & travelers fast
• Muslims fast during Ramadan

Hajj

Pilgrimage

• All muslims expected to make the journey to Mecca at least once
• They dress in simple white clothing
• First, they walk around the Ka'bah 7 times
• Then, they run through 2 hills, like Hagar when she was looking for water
• They then return to Mina valley, and they start praying at Mt. Arafat