The Five Pillars of Islam

SHAHADA

SHAHADA

• Monotheism “There is no God but God”
• Muslim means surrender to God
• Muhammad is the prophet of God
• Shahada is the first thing said to an infant at birth
• And it is the last thing heard before death

SALAT

SALAT

• Muhammad said that “prayer is proof” of Islam
• Can be performed anywhere
• Performed facing Mecca/facing the qiblah
• Wudu (ritual washings) before praying

ZAKAT

ZAKAT

• Zakat means Purification
• 2.5% of wealth shared a year
• Zakat reminds Muslims of Gods great gifts to them
• The Qur’an says that wealthy people should share with the less fortunate
• Required for Muslims

Sawm

SAWM

• Fast from daybreak to sunset
• Month when God sent his first message to Muhammad
• At sunset Muslims break their fast and pray
• By the end of Ramadan, the whole holy book will be complete
• When Ramadan is done they celebrate/Eid al-Fitr

Hajj

HAJJ

• Circle the Ka’bah seven times
• Run between hills and drink from the Zamzam spring
• Fellowship and Equality
• Pray until sunset on the Plain of Arafat
• Throwing stones to curse Satan
• Four-day feast/Eid al-Adha