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There are five key practices that all Muslims are obligated to fulfil throughout their lifetime. These practices are referred to as pillars because they form the foundation of Muslim life. The five pillars of Islam are Shahada, Salah, Zakat, Sawm, and Hajj.
Overview of the Five Pillars of Islam. Pillars of Sunni Islam. First pillar: Shahada (Declaration of Faith) Second Pillar: Salah (Prayer) Third Pillar: Zakat (Almsgiving) Fourth Pillar: Sawm (Fasting) Fifth Pillar: Hajj (Pilgrimage) Pillars of Shia Islam. Twelvers.
- Shahaadah (Profession of Faith) The first act of worship that every Muslim performs is a confirmation of faith, known as the shahaadah. The word shahaadah literally means “to bear witness,” so by professing faith verbally, one is bearing witness to the truth of Islam’s message and its most fundamental teachings.
- Salaat (Prayer) Daily prayer is a touchstone in a Muslim’s life. In Islam, prayer is directly to Allah alone, directly, without any intermediary or intercessor.
- Zakat (Almsgiving) In the Quran, giving in charity to the poor is often mentioned hand-in-hand with daily prayer. It is central to a Muslim’s core belief that everything we have comes from Allah, and is not ours to hoard or covet.
- Sawm (Fasting) Many communities observe fasting as a way to purify the heart, mind, and body. In Islam, fasting helps us to empathize with those less fortunate, helps us to reprioritize our lives, and brings us closer to Allah in strengthened faith.
Sep 8, 2009 · The Five Pillars consist of: Shahadah: sincerely reciting the Muslim profession of faith. Salat: performing ritual prayers in the proper way five times each day. Zakat: paying an alms (or charity ...
- Profession of Faith (shahada). The belief that "There is no god but God, and Muhammad is the Messenger of God" is central to Islam. This phrase, written in Arabic, is often prominently featured in architecture and a range of objects, including the Qur'an, Islam's holy book of divine revelations.
- Prayer (salat). Muslims pray facing Mecca five times a day: at dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset, and after dark. Prayer includes a recitation of the opening chapter (sura) of the Qur'an, and is sometimes performed on a small rug or mat used expressly for this purpose (see image 24).
- Alms (zakat). In accordance with Islamic law, Muslims donate a fixed portion of their income to community members in need. Many rulers and wealthy Muslims build mosques, drinking fountains, hospitals, schools, and other institutions both as a religious duty and to secure the blessings associated with charity.
- Fasting (sawm). During the daylight hours of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, all healthy adult Muslims are required to abstain from food and drink.
Apr 2, 2024 · This article was most recently revised and updated by Noah Tesch. Pillars of Islam, the five religious acts that are considered obligatory for all Muslims: shahadah, the Muslim profession of faith; salat, daily prayer; zakat, the paying of alms to benefit the poor and needy; sawm, fasting during the month of Ramadan; and hajj, the pilgrimage to ...
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Dec 6, 2023 · 5. Hajj or pilgrimage to Mecca. All Muslims, who are able, are required to make the pilgrimage to Mecca and the surrounding holy sites at least once in their lives. Pilgrimage focuses on visiting the Kaaba and walking around it seven times. Pilgrimage occurs in the twelfth month of the Islamic Calendar.
