5 PILLARS OF ISLAM

What is the significance of Mecca? What are the people in this photograph doing?

Mecca and the Kaaba (Black Stone)

“Shahada” Profession or declaration of faith Profession or declaration of faith La ilaha illa Llah = meaning “there is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is his prophet.” La ilaha illa Llah = meaning “there is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is his prophet.”

“Salat” Performing prayers Performing prayers A call to prayer takes place five times per day, facing toward Mecca. (dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset, and nightfall) A call to prayer takes place five times per day, facing toward Mecca. (dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset, and nightfall) Spoken in Arabic and contain verses from the Quran, but personal requests can also be made in one’s own language. Spoken in Arabic and contain verses from the Quran, but personal requests can also be made in one’s own language.

Click on picture for video

“Zakat” All things belong to God and wealth is therefore held by human beings in trust. All things belong to God and wealth is therefore held by human beings in trust. Can be associated with alms or tithes. Can be associated with alms or tithes. For most Muslims it is 2 ½ % of one’s capital or what they possess. For most Muslims it is 2 ½ % of one’s capital or what they possess.

“Sawm” Fasting Fasting Done during the 9 th month of the lunar year known as “Ramadan” because this is when Mohammad received the position of prophet. Done during the 9 th month of the lunar year known as “Ramadan” because this is when Mohammad received the position of prophet. Must fast, no food or drink, during the daylight hours. Must fast, no food or drink, during the daylight hours.

“Hajj” Pilgrimage to Mecca Pilgrimage to Mecca Takes place once in the lifetime of a Muslim. Takes place once in the lifetime of a Muslim. Remembers place where God revealed Islam. Remembers place where God revealed Islam. Must kiss the Kaaba or “Black Stone”, supposedly the oldest structure in the world built by Abraham. Must kiss the Kaaba or “Black Stone”, supposedly the oldest structure in the world built by Abraham.

Click on picture for video

5 Pillars of Islam (review) 1. Profession of faith 2. Performing prayers (5 times per day) 3. Give alms to the poor 4. Fasting during the period of Ramadan 5. Pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia (Kaaba/ Black Stone)