The Five Pillars of Islam

Shahada

Shahada

• "no god but god"
• "Muhammad is the messenger of god"
• said twice with witnesses to convert to islam

Salat

salat

• Can pray anywhere but preferably in a mosque
• must do wudu before prayer
• prayer leader called imam
• worshippers face quibla
• shows religious discipline and closeness to god

Zakat

zakat

• must share 1/40 of wealth every year
• can distribute it themselves or give to religious official
• wealth becomes pure by giving it away
• pays for soup kitchens, shelter for the poor, orphanages, etc.
• similar to charity in other religions

Siyam

siyam

• fast from daybreak to sunset
• sunset prayer every night of Ramadan
• eid al-fitr at end of ramadan
• teaches self control
• Attempt to be a better person during ramadan

Hajj

hajj

• praying all day at mount arafat
• circling kaaba 7 times
• running between 2 hills and drinking from zamzam well
• Throwing stones at pillars
• eid al-adha goat sacrifice