The Five Pillars of Islam
By:Betty, Manny, Haydee, Armando
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Islam has five primary obligations, or pillars of faith that each Muslim must fulfill in his or her life time. They are as follows.
Faith
Profession of faith, is the first pillar of Islam. Muslims bear witness to the oneness of one God. "There is no God but God and Muhammad is the messenger of God." This profound statement expresses a Muslims complete acceptance and total commitment to Islam.
Salah
Salah, prayer, is the second pillar. The Islamic faith is based on the belief that individuals have a direct relationship with God. Salah is to be offered in five daily prayers, dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset, and evening. This could be performed at home, work, or even outdoors, however it is best if Muslims perform Salah in a mosque.
Zakat
Zakat, almsgiving is the third pillar. Social responsibility is considered part of ones service to God, the obligatory act of Zakat enshrines this duty. To put it in easier words this means that you give to other people to make yourself feel as if your in good place, as if it lifts your spirits.
Sawn
Sawn, fasting during the holy month of Ramadan, is the fourth pillar of Islam. Ordained in the Holy Qur'an, the fast is an act of deep personal worship in which Muslims seek a richer perception of God. Ramadan, the month during which the Holy Qur'an was revealed t, Prophet Muhammad, begins with the sighting of the new moon, after which abstention from eating, drinking, and other sensual pleasures is obligatory from dawn to sunset. Lasting, mid June to mid July.
Hajj
Hajj, the pilgrimage to Makkah, is the fifth pillar and the most significant manifestation of Islamic faith and unity in the world. For those Muslims who are physically and financially able to make the journey to Makkah, the Hajj is a once in a lifetime duty that is the peak of their religious life.