The Five Pillars of Islam

The Five Pillars of Islam

1. The Shahada

   • The statement of faith
     • There is no god but God, and Muhammed is his prophet
   • By repeating the shahada, followers affirm their belief in one God
     • And in Muhammed as the person who gave the most complete revelation about this God
   • Number 1

2. The Salat

   • Fixed form of prayer
     • Facing in the direction of Mecca
       • Repeated 5 set times a day
   • Friday an important day for the congregational prayer
   • Number 2

3. The Zakat

   • Giving 2.5% of one's income each year to the community of
     • Poor
     • Sick
     • Aged
     • Other forms of charity are constant in a Muslim's life
   • Number 3

4. The Sawm

   • Period of fasting
     • From sunrise to sunset
   • During Ramadan
     • Ninth month of the Muslim calendar
       • Month in which the Qur'an was revealed to Muhammed
   • Number 4

5. The hajj

   • Requirement for Muslims to make a pilgrimage to Mecca
     • At least once in their lifetime
       • If possible
   • Number 5