The 'Five Pillars' of Islam (The foundation of Muslim life).

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيمِ
Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Rahim
(In the Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Most Kind).

The Five Pillars of Islam (arkān al-Islām أركان الإسلام; also arkān al-dīn أركان الدين "pillars of the religion") are five basic acts in Islam, considered mandatory by believers and are the foundation of Muslim life. They are summarized in the famous hadith of Gabriel.

1. Shahada or Iman (Faith)

Faith or belief in the Oneness of God and the finality of the prophet-hood of Muhammad:
"There is none worthy of worship except God and Muhammad is the messenger of God." This declaration of faith is called the Shahadah, a simple formula that all the faithful pronounce. The significance of this declaration is the belief that the only purpose of life is to serve and obey God, and this is achieved through the teachings and practices of the Last Prophet, Muhammad.

2. Salah or Salat (Prayer)

Establishment of the daily prayers:
Salah is the name for the obligatory prayers that are performed five times a day, and are a direct link between the worshiper and God. There is no hierarchical authority in Islam and there are no priests. Prayers are led by a learned person who knows the Qur'an and is generally chosen by the congregation.

3. Zakah or Zakat (Charity)

Concern for and almsgiving to the needy:
An important principle of Islam is that everything belongs to God, and that wealth is therefore held by human beings in trust. The word zakah means both "purification" and "growth." Our possessions are purified by setting aside a proportion for those in need and for the society in general. Like the pruning of plants, this cutting back balances and encourages new growth.

 

4. Sawm during Ramadan (Fasting)

Self-purification through fasting:
Every year in the month of Ramada-n, all Muslims fast from dawn until sundown--abstaining from food, drink, and sexual relations with their spouses.

5. Hajj (Pilgrimage)

The pilgrimage to Makkah for those who are able:
The pilgrimage to Makkah (the hajj) is an obligation only for those who are physically and financially able to do so. Nevertheless, over two million people go to Makkah each year from every corner of the globe providing a unique opportunity for those of different nations to meet one another.

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