1. The Five Pillars of Islam We are looking at: The Five Pillars of Islam

2. Muslim people (those who follow Islam) have five duties called “the Five Pillars of Islam.” Every Muslim tries to perform these five duties. In so doing, they feel they are members of the worldwide Muslim community. What are the Five Pillars?

3. Pillar 1: SHAHADAH This Pillar is profession of faith, saying the words, “There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is His prophet.” Muslims say this when praying; professing their faith.

4. This Pillar is praying five times a day. There are set prayers Muslims say; all Muslims face Mecca in Saudi Arabia when praying. Muslims wash before praying and pray on a prayer mat. There are prescribed movements, which include kneeling with the forehead placed on the ground. This expresses the servant status of human beings in relation to Allah. Pillar 2: SALAT

5. Pillar 3: ZAKAT Each year, Muslims are to give a percentage of their earnings (2%) for charity, to help the poor and needy. In this way, they believe wealth is “made pure.”

6. Pillar 4: SAWM Muslim people must not eat food nor drink (fasting) during the month of Ramadan during daylight hours.

7. Pillar 5: HAJJ This is making a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in your lifetime, if you can afford it.

8. JIHAD Jihad is not one of the Five Pillars of Faith, but is often misunderstood. It means “holy war,” but the better translation is “struggle.” Jihad is the struggle within oneself to be good.