1. The Five Pillars of Islam What are the five pillars of Islam and how do they affect the Muslim people’s lives?

2. Learning objectives
Learning About Religion: To know that there are 5 Pillars within Islam and what these each mean.
Learning From Religion: To think about any ‘pillars’ of our own lives and religion.

3. The Five Pillars
Muslim people (who follow Islam) have five duties which are called the Five Pillars of Islam. Every Muslim tries to carry out these five things, and it helps them to feel that they are members of the worldwide Muslim community.

4. The first pillar ‘Shahadah’ The declaration of faith
The first pillar ‘Shahadah’ The declaration of faith. Believing and saying the words… ‘There is no god except Allah, Muhammad is the messanger of Allah’

5. The second pillar ‘Salah’ Praying everyday A Muslim may pray at anytime of the day, but salah is the five set times during the day that they must pray. These prayers are said in Arabic. Muslims kneel on a special mat and use a compass so that they can pray in the direction of their holy city, Makkah. Muslims must wash carefully and cover their heads before they pray

6. The third pillar ‘Zakah’ Donating money Muslims are expected to give away money to charity. This may go towards building a new hospital, or to help the poor and needy. This is an offering to Allah.

7. The fourth pillar ‘Sawm’ Fasting during Ramadan
The fourth pillar ‘Sawm’ Fasting during Ramadan. The month of Ramadan is the time when Muslims try their best to live better lives and to read the Qur’an regularly During Ramadan Muslims fast during the daylight hours.

8. The fifth pillar ‘Hajj’ Going on a pilgrimage Muslims must visit the holy city of Makkah, in Arabia, at least once in their lifetime.

9. Do you have any ‘pillars’ in your own life?
Do you pray on certain days/times?
Do you go anywhere special to feel close to God?
Do you fast at any time during the year? Lent?
Do you do anything for charity?

10. Your task..... Choose one of the 5 pillars and design a poster for it.
Say why it is a good thing to do. What should people do to follow this pillar? Any images that you link to this pillar?
Extension – Make an Islamic pattern border for your poster.