Five Pillars of Islam

  1. Shahada – The basic declaration of faith: “I testify that there is only one God and Muhammad is his messenger.”
  2. Salat – Prayer five times/day. Before sunrise (Fajr), noontime (Zuhr), afternoon (Asr), sunset (Maghrib), nighttime (Isha).
  3. Zakat – Charity for orphans, the poor and indigent.
  4. Sawm – Fasting during the Islamic month of Ramadan (30 days). No food, no drink, no sexual relations while the sun is up for the duration of the month.
  5. Haaj – A required pilgrimmage to Mecca at least once in a lifetime for those who are healthy enough and can afford it.