Shahada (Declaration of Faith)
Shahada is the first pillar of Islam.The word Shahada is repeated multiple times during the day at certain times. Shahada is the Muslim belief that “There is no God but God, and Muammed is the messenger”. This is what Muslims say to testify their belief and loyalty to God. When Muslims pray they have to face the East, which is the direction pointing towards Mecca.
Salah (Prayer)
Salah is the second pillar of Islam. The word Salah, is the Arabic term for the ritual prayer. Muslims are required to pray five times a day, once they are past a certain age. The order of the prayers are Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib and Isha. Muslims pray five times a day to prepare themselves a set rhythm for the day.
Zakat (Charity)
Zakat is the third pillar of Islam. This is where every adult past a certain age has to give 2.5% of their wealth to people of the Islamic faith who are less fortunate than they are. They do this because they believe that everyone should be treated equally and to make sure that everybody has the opportunity to be successful in life.
Sawm (Fasting)
Sawm is the fourth pillar of Islam. The word Sawm is the Arabic term to describe the fasting season. Muslims only fast during Ramadan, which is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. Ramadan is celebrated by not eating from sunrise to sundown. They do this to improve their spiritual discipline, and to show their empathy towards people less fortunate than they are.
Hajj (Pilgrimage)
Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam. Hajj lasts for 5 to 6 days. This takes place during the month of Dhul Hijjah, which is the twelfth month in the Islamic Calendar. Hajj is the pilgrimage to Mecca that every Muslim must experience at least once in their lifetime, if they are able to. It is the most spiritual event that a Muslim will experience.
How Do the Five Pillars Guide the Islamic Faith?
The Five Pillars of Islam act as guides to support the Islamic community to become better Muslims. By giving to charity, fasting, praying and being part of a community, makes people more open minded, which is exactly what Muslims are. The Five Pillars were put in place to join multiple communities, filled with equity and beauty together. The Five Pillars give everyone in the Islamic community a chance to, walk in Mecca, give to charity, and so much more.