Pillar 1 SHAHADAH (Declaration of faith):
This Pillar representsbelief in Allah (God) and saying the words, “There is no true God but Allah, and Muhammad is his Messenger”.This statement is the basis of Islam and Muslims repeat this prayer as part of theirbelief that there is only one god, as opposed to many gods (like the Ancient Romans believed.) Muslims believe Muhammad to be the messenger of God, or Prophet. Muslims also believe that Muhammad was visited by an angel and was given special instructions for how to live correctly—these instructions were recorded in the Qur’an. The belief in Allah, and Muhammad as his messenger are the basis of the religion of Islam.
Pillar 2 SALAH (Prayer):
This Pillar represents the practice ofpraying five times a day. Muslims pray five times a day, at different times in the day. Prayers are performed at dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset, and night. There are set prayers that Muslims should say at these different times throughout the day. Additionally, all Muslims face the city of Mecca when praying (where Muhammad was born,) and should pray on a special prayer mat, not the ground. Muslimsmustperform a ritual washingbefore they pray, because prayer is supposed to purify, or cleanse the spirit—so the body should also be clean. No matter what language Muslims speak they pray in Arabic. Prayer includes kneeling with the forehead placed on the ground on the front of they prayer mat. In Islam, prayer is a direct link between the worshipper and Allah. Muslims pray to feel inner happiness, peace, and comfort.
Pillar 3 ZAKAT (Charity):
This pillar stands for charity. Each year, Muslims are supposed to give money (usually 2.5%) to help the poor. This practice began after Muhammad saw inequality between the rich and poor in Mecca. Since Muslims believe that all things belong to Allah, they also believe that money they earn has been given to them by Allah, and ultimately belongs to Allah. Zakat requires Muslims to give 2% of theirearnings to the poor and needy. If a Muslim cannot afford to donate money, they may also volunteertheir time as charity—this still meets the requirements of Zakat.
Pillar 4 SAWM (Fasting):
Sawmrefers to the practice of not eating food or drinking during the daytime during the month of Ramadan—this is called “fasting”. Ramadan is a religious holiday for Muslims that lasts an entire month. During the month of Ramadan each year (in the fall,)Muslims fast from dawn until sundown, going without food or water. Muslims believe that fasting is a way to purify the spirit. Fasting is only a duty for adults, but many children participate voluntarily. Even though fasting might be uncomfortable or difficult, this is what makes it purifying, according to Islam. Through fasting, a person gains true sympathy and understanding for those who go hungry,and devote time to their spiritual life (prayer, reflection). Some people are not required to fast; for example, if someone is sick, or pregnant, they do not have to participate in fasting. After fasting all day Muslims break their fast with special foods and prayers with family.
Pillar 5 HAJJ (Pilgrimage):
Pillar five refers to making a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in a Muslim’s lifetime. A pilgrimage (religious jouney,) is called a “Hajj” by Muslims.A pilgrimage to Mecca is the duty of all Muslims at least once in their lifetime (if they are physically and financially able to go- the poor, or sick are not expected to go). Today, about two million Muslimsfrom around the world travel to Mecca each year. This Hajj is performed in the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar. On their Hajj, Muslims wear simple, plain clothing—this is so everyone is equal on the Hajj, since it is impossible to tell who is rich and who is poor.