5 PILLARS OF ISLAM

PROFESSION OF FAITH

SHAHADA

• Testify: “I bear witness that there is no god but God, and that Muhammad is the messenger of God.”
• Pledge submission to God
• 1st & last thing heard/utter

PRAYER IN ISLAM

SALAT

• Religious discipline, spirituality, and closeness to God
• Pray towards qiblah
• Can pray anywhere
• Perform ritual washings before prayer - wudu
• Start by proclaiming “Allahu akbar!”

FORM OF ALMSGIVING

ZAKAT

• Must share 2.5% of wealth every year with poorer neighbors
• Similar to other religions - Christianity and Catholic
• Means purification - wealth turns pure when shared
• Aid, provide
• Started at Medieval times - zakat everywhere now

FASTING

SIYAM/SAWM

• Encourage generosity, equality, and charity
• Ends with celebration called Eid al-Fitr
• Gabriel’s visit to Muhammad - night of power
• When God revealed his message to Muhammad
• Strive to forgiveness, give thanks, avoid gossip, arguments, bad deeds

PILGRIMAGE TO MECCA

HAJJ

• Walk around Kaaba 7 times counterclockwise - heads down, wear white
• Shaved heads/trimming hair for men/female
• Walk between 2 hills - follow Hagar’s steps
• Pray all day on Mt. Arafat
• 7 steps of Hajj