The Pillars of Islam

The five Pillars of Islam are a foundation. They help Muslims build
strength, character, and iman (piety, belief). All Muslims who are able
are required to perform these pillars as part of their faith.

• Shahada - Declaration of faith

• Salaat - Prayer
• Zakaat - Giving charity
• Sawm - Fasting
• Hajj - Pilgrimage

Shahada - Declaration of faith

A Muslim recites, "There is no God but ALLAH and Muhammad is His
messenger" throughout the day. Believing in the Oneness of God
(also called Tawhid) is incumbent upon all Muslims: There are none
like Him, and no comparisons are worthy. The second emphasis of
Shahada is the recognition that the Prophet Muhammad is a
Messenger of God and the seal of the Prophets.

Salaat - Prayer
The second Pillar of Islam is the establishment of the five daily
prayers, called Salaat. It is during these daily prayers that a Muslim is
closest to ALLAH. These prayers come at prescribed times and must be done in a certain way. Details of Salaat
can be found on our prayer page.

Zakaat - Giving charity

Zakaat in Arabic means to "purify" and to "grow". A portion of a Muslim's savings is donated to the poor and
downtrodden of society once per lunar year, if the Muslim is able. There are specific calculations for determining
the amount of Zakaat, and it may only be given to certain groups of people (see Qur'an 9:60).

Sawm - Fasting
This obligatory fasting is conducted during the month of Ramadan. Focus is shifted from the material to the
spiritual. No food, drink, or intercourse is allowed during the daylight hours. Exemptions from fasting include those
that are sick, elderly, traveling, and women who are menstruating, pregnant or nursing.

Hajj - Pilgrimage
The pilgrimage to Mecca, which begins on the 8th day of the month of Dhu al-Hijjah, should be done at least once
in a lifetime if physically and economically able. Muslims will wear simple white garments and refrain from certain
activities (such as intercourse, wearing jewelry, arguing, etc). There are a series of rituals that are practiced to
remember Abraham and his son Ismail. Hajj ends on the Feast of Sacrifice (Eid ul-Adha), but many Muslims return
to Mecca to circle the Ka'bah or go on to Medinah to visit other sites.