Pillars Of Islam

The Five Pillars of Islam

Pillar 1 Shahadah - Declaration of Faith Testify that you are a Muslim.  “There is no other God but Allah, and Muhammad is the prophet of Allah.”  These words are said to newborn babies and are repeated before someone dies. 

Pillar 2 Salat - Prayer Muslims pray five times a day.  Pray in the direction of Makkah.  Prayer is a direct link between the Muslim and God. 

Pillar 3 Zakah - Charity Giving money to the needy.  Give 2.5% of what you have each year.  What you own is purified by giving a small portion to those in need. 

Pillar 4 Sawm - Fasting  No

food or drink during daylight during the month of Ramadan.  A way of spiritual purification.

Pillar 5 Hajj - The Pilgrimage to Makkah

You must go at least once if you have enough money and are in good health.  Follow the Hajj ritual around the Kaaba.  Ask God for what you wish and for His forgiveness.  The pilgrimage ends with a festival, feast and prayers. 

In this mosque is the Kaaba (the black building in the picture) which Muslims turn toward when praying. The Kaaba is the place of worship which God commanded the Prophets Abraham and his son, Ishmael, to build.