1. 5 Pillars of Islam

2. What are they?
The 5 Pillars of Islam are acts of worship that all Muslims must fulfill in obedience to Allah (God).
They are described in the Qur’an.
Like pillars support a building, the Pillars of Islam support Islam’s teachings and practices.

3. Pillar 1 = Shahada (Declaration of Faith)
The central teaching or belief of Islam.
A Muslim says “I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, the One, without any partner. And I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and His messenger.”
There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is his prophet.

4. Pillar 2= Salat (Prayer)
Allah told Muhammad to do this when he met Allah on the Night Journey.
5 times every day
Face the Ka’bah to pray
On Fridays Muslims go to the Mosque to pray.
The prayer is recited and requires a series of 4 movements.
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5. Pillar 3= Zakat (Almsgiving)
Zakat means to give money every year to the local mosque or to the poor, also called almsgiving.
Muslims share about 2.5% of their wealth.
It reminds them that all things come from and ultimately belong to Allah.
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6. Pillar 4=Sawm (Fasting)
During the 9th or holy month of Ramadan Muslims fast during daylight hours (eat only at night).
The sick, pregnant or elderly do not have to fast.
The month ends with the celebration of
Id al-Fitr, a time of feasting and gift giving.
It is done to honor Muhammad, become more spiritual, recognize the needs of others and obey God.
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7. Pillar 5=Hajj (Pilgrimage)
Every Muslim must make pilgrimage or journey to Mecca at least once in their lifetime, if possible.
On the 11th month, Muslims travel to Mecca in Saudi Arabia to pray and perform rituals at the Ka’bah.
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8. The Mosque The place where Muslims gather to worship Allah and pray.
Mosques have a courtyard with a fountain for ritual washing.
The Muezzin, or crier, calls people
to prayer.
Mosques are never decorated with pictures of people or animals.
The Mihrab shows the direction of Mecca where people face to pray.