The 5 Pillars of Islam

Shahada

Shahada: Profession of Faith

• "There is no God but God"
• Pronounced in front of 2 witnesses to enter Islam
• The first words a newborn hears
• Last words a Muslim says when they die
• "Muhammad is the messenger of God"

Salat

Salat: Five Daily Prayers

• Muezzin calls to prayer
• People wash hands, face, arms and feet before prayer
• People face the quibla (direction of the Ka'bah)
• Men and women pray separately
• People can pray anywhere

Zakat

Zakat: Charity

• 2.5% of excess wealth must be shared
• Literally means "purification"
• Funds soup kitchens, orphanages, school fees, hospitals, and more
• Similar to tzedakah (Judaism) and tithes (Christianity)
• Makes people grateful and controls greed

Siyam/Sawm

Siyam/Sawm: Fasting during Ramadan

• The month when Muhammad got the message
• Each night part of the Qur'an is read
• No gossip or arguments are allowed
• The night Muhammad met Gabriel is considered a night of power
• Eid al-Fitr is a celebration at the end of Ramadan

hajj

Hajj: Pilgrimage to Mecca Once in a lifetime

• Every adult who is physically and financially able must go
• Everyone wheres an Ihram or modest clothing because they are all equal
• People circle the Ka'aba 7 times
• People pray at mount Arafat, where Muhammad gave his last sermon
• Stoning the devil, drinking from the Zamzam well, running between two hills, and more