5 Pillars of Islam

The Five Pillars of Islam

In summary, the practices are (In order of priority):


1. The Testimony of Faith (Shahadah) - the declaration that there is none worthy of worship except Allah (Arabic:God) and that Muhammad is His last messenger.



2. Ritual Prayer (Salat) - establishing of the five daily Prayers.



3. Obligatory (religious) almsgiving (Zakat) - which is generally 2.5% of the total savings for a rich man working in trade or industry, and 10% or 20% of the annual produce for agriculturists. This money or produce is distributed among the poor.



4. Sawm, Fasting



5. The Pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj) - this is done during the month of Zul Hijjah, and is compulsory once in a lifetime for one who has the ability to do it. If the Muslim is in ill health or in debt, he or she is not required to perform Hajj.