The Five Pillars of Islam

• The Five Pillars of Islam are the core beliefs and practices that form the foundation of Muslim life
• They are essential duties for all Muslims and are mentioned in the Quran and Sunnah

Shahada (Declaration of Faith)

• Shahada is the declaration that there is no god but God (Allah), and Muhammad is his messenger
• It is the most important pillar, as it is the entry point into Islam
• It signifies a person's belief and commitment to the religion
• The declaration is made orally, stating "La ilaha illallah Muhammadun rasulullah" in Arabic
• This translates to "There is no god but Allah, Muhammad is the messenger of Allah"
• Belief in the Shahada requires acceptance of monotheism (Tawhid) and Muhammad's prophethood

Salat (Prayer)

• Salat is the practice of obligatory prayers performed five times a day
• These prayers are a direct connection between the believer and God
• The timings are Fajr (dawn), Dhuhr (noon), Asr (afternoon), Maghrib (sunset), and Isha (night)
• Muslims must perform ablution (Wudu) before prayer to purify themselves
• Prayers are performed facing the Kaaba in Mecca, which is the direction of prayer (Qibla)
• Each prayer consists of a series of prescribed postures, recitations, and movements (Rak'ahs)
• Salat promotes discipline, spirituality, and mindfulness in daily life
• Congregational prayer (Salat al-Jama'ah) is encouraged, especially for men, as it fosters unity and strengthens the community

Zakat (Almsgiving)

• Zakat is the obligatory charity that requires Muslims to donate a portion of their wealth to the needy
• It is a means of wealth redistribution and social justice within the Muslim community
• Zakat is typically 2.5% of accumulated wealth and assets exceeding a minimum threshold (Nisab)
• The Nisab is often equivalent to the value of 85 grams of gold or 595 grams of silver
• The funds collected through Zakat are distributed to specific categories of recipients
• These include the poor, the needy, those in debt, travelers, and those working to collect and distribute Zakat
• Paying Zakat purifies the wealth of the giver and helps alleviate poverty and suffering in the community

Sawm (Fasting)

• Sawm is the practice of fasting during the month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar
• During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, and engaging in sexual activity from dawn until sunset
• The fast is intended to cultivate self-discipline, empathy for the less fortunate, and spiritual reflection
• Fasting is obligatory for all healthy adult Muslims, but exemptions are made for those who are ill, elderly, pregnant, breastfeeding, or traveling
• Those who are unable to fast are required to make up for the missed days later or provide compensation to the needy (Fidya)
• The end of Ramadan is celebrated with Eid al-Fitr, a joyous festival marked by special prayers, feasts, and charitable giving
• Fasting promotes physical and spiritual purification and strengthens one's connection with God

Hajj (Pilgrimage)

• Hajj is the pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, which is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for Muslims who are physically and financially able
• It is an act of worship and a demonstration of unity and solidarity among Muslims from all over the world
• The Hajj takes place during the 12th month of the Islamic calendar (Dhu al-Hijjah)
• Pilgrims perform a series of rituals, including circumambulating the Kaaba (Tawaf), walking between the hills of Safa and Marwa (Sa'i), and standing in prayer on the plain of Arafat
• The Hajj culminates with the celebration of Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, which commemorates Prophet Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God
• The experience of Hajj is considered a transformative journey that brings pilgrims closer to God and strengthens their faith
• It symbolizes the equality of all Muslims before God, regardless of race, ethnicity, or social status