The five Pillars of Islam form the framework of Islamic life. They represent the five actions a Muslim must fulfill to achieve salvation.
Faith
The most important pillar is the testimony of faith, called the Shahada: “La
ilaha illa Allah, Muhammadun rasoolu Allah,” meaning “There is no
true god but God (Allah), and Mohammed is the Messenger (Prophet) of God.”
This simple statement expresses a Muslim's full commitment to the teachings
of Islam.
Prayer
Salat is the name for the obligatory prayers said five times a day. The Islamic
faith believes that individuals have a direct relationship with God, and the
prayers represent the direct link between the worshipper and God. Prayers are
said at dawn, noon, midafternoon, sunset and nightfall, with the worshippers
facing Mecca.
The Zakat
Zakat refers to the financial obligations required of adherents. A key principle
of Islam is that everything belongs to God, and that wealth is only held by
human beings in trust. The word zakat means both "purification" and
"growth." Each year a Muslim calculates his or her own zakat. Most
adherents use a benchmark of 2 1/2 percent of an individual's capital, given
annually to the needy or for religious purposes.
The Fast
Every year in the month of Ramadan, all Muslims fast from first light until
sundown, abstaining from food, drink and sexual relations. The fast is used
as a method of self-purification. By forgoing worldly comforts, the fasting
person seeks to gain a richer perception of God and a heightened sensitivity
to the sufferings of the poor.
The Hajj
The annual pilgrimage to Mecca -- the Hajj -- is considered the most significant
manifestation of Islamic faith and unity. It is an obligation for those who
are physically and financially able to perform it at least once in life.
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