Five Pillars of Islam

The five pillars of Islam describe five duties incumbent on every Muslim. Islam teaches that if a faithful Muslim fulfills his duties, he will enter paradise. Because these pillars are not found in the Koran, but rather in the Hadith, Shia Muslims do not adhere to them, but rather to eight pillars.

1. Shahadah - Creed Recitation

The first and most important pillar, called Shahadah, is a creed which must be recited. It states:

I testify that there is no god except Allah, and I testify that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.Shahadah

This creed contains the first and second most important doctrines of Islam - that Allah is the only god, and that Muhammad is his prophet. Muslims generally try to make the shahadah the first words a newborn hears, and teach it to their children as soon as they are able to memorize it. It is also recited in prayer, at conversion to Islam, and at a Muslim's death.

2. Salah - Praying 5 Times a Day

The second pillar, Salah, involves praying five times a day while facing Mecca (more specifically, the Kaaba). The Koran teaches that "Prayer restrains from shameful and unjust deeds" (Koran 29:45).

There are regulations that should be followed, though some leniency is given. There are specific times during which prayers must take place, the clothing worn and place used by the Muslim should be cleansed, the prayer should be recited by heart in the Arabic language, etc.

3. Zakah - Alms-Giving or Charity

Charitable giving is required for all Muslims who are able to do so. The amount to be given is determined by the cost of food as well as personal income and gain. A minimum (called nasib, equivalent to three ounces of gold) must be paid regardless of whether the calculated requirement is less.

4. Sawm - Fasting

There are three types of fasting recognized in the Koran:

• Ritual fasting (Koran 2:183-187) - All Muslims (except menstruating women) must obstain from food, drink, and sex during the daylight hours of the month of Ramadan. There is lenience given to those in combat, travelers, young children, etc.
• Fasting for repentance (Koran 2:186)
• Ascetic fasting (Koran 33:35)

5. Hajj - Pilgrimage

Every Muslim who is able must make at least one pilgrimage to Mecca during his/her lifetime. There is a specific time during which the pilgrimage must occur, and there are several things which must be done during the pilgrimage, including wearing certain clothing, walking seven times around the Kaaba, etc. During the appointed time, the Hajj draws crowds much larger than the Superbowl, with many becoming injured or even killed because of the movement of the huge crowd.