5 Pillars of Islam

1. Creed 2. Prayer 3. Almsgiving 4. Fasting 5. Pilgrimage

Why? As Islam spread, theologians wanted to ensure that new converts understood how to perform rituals As Islam spread, theologians wanted to ensure that new converts understood how to perform rituals These rituals are known as the Five Pillars of Islam These rituals are known as the Five Pillars of Islam

Pillar # 1: Creed Shahadah The Shahadah is the Muslim declaration of faith: “There is no god but God” and “Muhammad is the Messenger of God” The Shahadah is the Muslim declaration of faith: “There is no god but God” and “Muhammad is the Messenger of God” The Shahadah is the sign of belonging to the Muslim community. The Shahadah is the sign of belonging to the Muslim community. A person need only to say it before two witnesses to be legally considered a Muslim. A person need only to say it before two witnesses to be legally considered a Muslim.

Pillar #2: Prayer Salat Ritual prayer of praise and adoration of God that Muslims are required to say 5 times a day Ritual prayer of praise and adoration of God that Muslims are required to say 5 times a day Verbal and Gestures Verbal and Gestures Prior to salat prayers, a person must perform a ritual cleansing known as wudu (meaning making pure or radiant) Prior to salat prayers, a person must perform a ritual cleansing known as wudu (meaning making pure or radiant) Prayer can take place anywhere: home, work or school, as long as the place is clean Prayer can take place anywhere: home, work or school, as long as the place is clean

Pillar # 3: Almsgiving Zakat Simply put, give to those in need Simply put, give to those in need Each year, Muslims who have more than a certain amount of money or goods are required to donate a portion of their savings (2.5% of their surplus wealth): Each year, Muslims who have more than a certain amount of money or goods are required to donate a portion of their savings (2.5% of their surplus wealth): To the needy, To the needy, To build mosques To build mosques Or similar causes Or similar causes This helps share wealth in the community This helps share wealth in the community

Pillar #4: Fasting Sawm Takes place during the month of Ramadan (the month Muhammad received the divine message of Allah) Takes place during the month of Ramadan (the month Muhammad received the divine message of Allah) Muslims are expected to abstain from food, water, evil thoughts, drinking, smoking and sex Muslims are expected to abstain from food, water, evil thoughts, drinking, smoking and sex Appropriate exemptions and concessions are given for people who are old and infirm, or on a journey, as well as young children Appropriate exemptions and concessions are given for people who are old and infirm, or on a journey, as well as young children

Pillar #5: Pilgrimage Hajj Once in the lifetime, a pilgrimage is required called hajj. Once in the lifetime, a pilgrimage is required called hajj. All Muslims should travel to Mecca All Muslims should travel to Mecca Hajj is the extreme experience for Muslims. Hajj is the extreme experience for Muslims. Hajj is the largest pilgrimage in the world Hajj is the largest pilgrimage in the world Muslims strengthen their unity with God Muslims strengthen their unity with God Pilgrims throw seven pebbles at three tall stone pillars that represent Satan Pilgrims throw seven pebbles at three tall stone pillars that represent Satan