5 Pillars of Islam

Shahada

Shahada

• Shahada is the belief in one god and Muhammad as the prophet
• Muslims believe Allah created the universe
• You must pronounce the Shahada aloud with two muslims in the presence to officially join Islam

Salat

Salat

• Salat occurs 5 times a day
• Muslims perform ritual washes before prayer
• Salat emphazises discipline, spirituality, and closeness to god
• Prayer can happen anywhere but mosque is preferable
• On Fridays, Muslims go to a mosque for a midday prayer

Zakat

Zakat

• Zakat means purification
• Muslims share 2.5% of their wealth with poorer others
• In medieval times, Zakat mostly went to building public drinking fountains
• Zakat is often paid at the end of the year following calculations
• Zakat cannot be paid to your immediate family but can be paid to other relatives

Siyam

Siyam

• Siyam means fasting
• Muslims fast on the ninth Islamic month called Ramadan
• Pregnant women, travelers, the sick, the elderly, and the young do not have to fast
• Fasting occurs from daybreak until the sun sets
• Ramadan was the month that Allah revealed his first message to Muhammad

Hajj

Hajj

• Hajj occurs during the twelfth islamic month at Mecca
• Muslims follow the footsteps of Muhammad an Abraham
• Muslims walk around the Kaaba seven times
• Hajj occurs over five days
• Muslims wear simple white clothing during Hajj