5 Pillars of Islam5 Pillars of Islam

What are they?What are they?

The 5 Pillars of Islam are acts of worship The 5 Pillars of Islam are acts of worship that all Muslims must fulfill in obedience that all Muslims must fulfill in obedience to Allah (God).to Allah (God).

They are described in the Qur’an.They are described in the Qur’an. Like pillars support a building, the Pillars Like pillars support a building, the Pillars

of Islam support Islam’s teachings and of Islam support Islam’s teachings and practices.practices.

Pillar 1 = Shahada Pillar 1 = Shahada (Declaration of Faith)(Declaration of Faith)

The central teaching or belief of Islam.The central teaching or belief of Islam. A Muslim says “I bear witness that there A Muslim says “I bear witness that there

is none worthy of worship except Allah, is none worthy of worship except Allah, the One, without any partner. And I bear the One, without any partner. And I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant witness that Muhammad is His servant and His messenger.”and His messenger.”

There is no god but Allah, and There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is his prophet.Muhammad is his prophet.

Pillar 2= Salat (Prayer)Pillar 2= Salat (Prayer)

Allah told Muhammad to do Allah told Muhammad to do this when he met Allah on this when he met Allah on the Night Journey.the Night Journey.

5 times every day5 times every day Face the Ka’bah to prayFace the Ka’bah to pray On Fridays Muslims go to On Fridays Muslims go to

the Mosque to pray.the Mosque to pray. The prayer is recited and The prayer is recited and

requires a series of 4 requires a series of 4 movements.movements.

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Pillar 3= Zakat Pillar 3= Zakat (Almsgiving)(Almsgiving)

Zakat means to give money every year to Zakat means to give money every year to the local mosque or to the poor, also the local mosque or to the poor, also called almsgiving.called almsgiving.

Muslims share about 2.5% of their Muslims share about 2.5% of their wealth.wealth.

It reminds them that all things come from It reminds them that all things come from and ultimately belong to Allah.and ultimately belong to Allah.

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Pillar 4=Sawm (Fasting)Pillar 4=Sawm (Fasting)

During the 9During the 9thth or holy month of Ramadan Muslims fast or holy month of Ramadan Muslims fast during daylight hours (eat only at night).during daylight hours (eat only at night).

The sick, pregnant or elderly do not have to fast.The sick, pregnant or elderly do not have to fast. The month ends with the celebration of The month ends with the celebration of Id al-FitrId al-Fitr, a time of feasting and gift giving., a time of feasting and gift giving.It is done to honor Muhammad, become more It is done to honor Muhammad, become more

spiritual, recognize the needs of others and obey spiritual, recognize the needs of others and obey God.God.

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Pillar 5=Hajj (Pilgrimage)Pillar 5=Hajj (Pilgrimage) Every Muslim must make Every Muslim must make

pilgrimage or journey to pilgrimage or journey to Mecca at least once in Mecca at least once in their lifetime, if possible.their lifetime, if possible.

On the 11On the 11thth month, month, Muslims travel to Mecca Muslims travel to Mecca in Saudi Arabia to pray in Saudi Arabia to pray and perform rituals at the and perform rituals at the Ka’bah.Ka’bah.

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The MosqueThe Mosque

The place where Muslims gather to worship The place where Muslims gather to worship Allah and pray.Allah and pray.

Mosques have a courtyard with a fountain for Mosques have a courtyard with a fountain for ritual washing.ritual washing.

The Muezzin, or crier, calls people The Muezzin, or crier, calls people to prayer.to prayer.

Mosques are never decorated with Mosques are never decorated with pictures of people or animals.pictures of people or animals.

The Mihrab shows the direction of Mecca The Mihrab shows the direction of Mecca where people face to pray.where people face to pray.