The Five Pillars Of Islam

Islam has five primary obligations, or
pillars of faith, that each Muslim must
fulfill in his or her lifetime. They are
as follows:
Shahadah, profession of faith, is the
first pillar of Islam. Muslims bear
witness to the oneness of God by
reciting the creed "There is no God but God and Muhammad is the Messenger
of God." This simple yet profound statement expresses a Muslim's complete
acceptance of and total commitment to Islam.
Salah, prayer, is the second pillar. The Islamic faith is based on the belief
that individuals have a direct relationship with God. The world's Muslims
turn individually and collectively to Makkah, Islam's holiest city, to offer
five daily prayers at dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset and evening. In
addition, Friday congregational service is also required. Although salah can
he performed alone, it is meritorious to perform it with another or with a
group. It is permissible to pray at home, at work, or even outdoors;
however it is recommended that Muslims perform salah in a mosque.
Zakat, almsgiving, is the third pillar. Social responsibility is considered part
of one's service to God; the obligatory act of zakat enshrines this duty.
Zakat prescribes payment of fixed proportions of a Muslim's possessions for
the welfare of the entire community and in particular for its neediest
members. It is equal to 2.5 percent of an individual's total net worth,
excluding obligations and family expenses.
Sawm, fasting during the holy month of Ramadan, is the fourth pillar of
Islam. Ordained in the Holy Qur'an, the fast is an act of deep personal
worship in which Muslims seek a richer perception of God. Fasting is also an
exercise in self-control whereby one's sensitivity is heightened to the
sufferings of the poor. Ramadan, the month during which the Holy Qur'an
was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, begins with the sighting of the new
moon, after which abstention from eating, drinking and other sensual
pleasures is obligatory from dawn to sunset. Ramadan is also a joyful
month. Muslims break their fast at sunset with a special meal, iftar,
perform additional nocturnal worship, tarawih, after evening prayer; and
throng the streets in moods that are festive and communal. The end of
Ramadan is observed by three days of celebration called Eid Al-Fitr, the
feast of the breaking of the fast. Customarily, it is a time for family
reunion and the favored holiday for children who receive new clothing and
gifts.
Hajj, the pilgrimage to Makkah, is the fifth pillar and the most significant
manifestation of Islamic faith and unity in the world. For those Muslims who
are physically and financially able to make the journey to Makkah, the Hajj
is a once in a lifetime duty that is the peak of their religious life. The Hajj
is a remarkable spiritual gathering of over two million Muslims from all over
the world to the holy city. In performing the Hajj, a pilgrim follows the
order of ritual that the Prophet Muhammad performed during his last
pilgrimage.
The five pillars of Islam define the basic identity of Muslims - their faith,
beliefs and practices - and bind together a worldwide community of believers
into a fellowship of shared values and concerns.