Islam's+Five+Pillars

The Five Pillars are the mandatory and basic framework of every Muslim's faith. Any Muslim who follows these five pillars and continually keeps his/her faith in Islam and repents of his/her sin will be admitted into paradise also known as Jannah.

a. The Profession of Faith (Shahada)- As first of the five, the declaration of faith is also seen as the most important, because it is God or "Allah" who created and sustains the world. Viewed as the relationship between Allah and the speaker, it is supposed to express the sincere belief and acknowledgenment of Allah."There is no god but Allah, and Mohammed is the messenger of Allah." b. Prayer Five Times a Day (Salat)- All Muslims are required to pray five times a day, and before each of these prayers is the cleansing of the body and two sermons. While praying, a follower of Islam must face towards the Ka'aba in Mecca as it had been during Muhammed's lifetime. c. Charity (Zakat)- As a symbol of devotion to Allah and a moral obligation, Muslims are required to give voluntary chartiy to the poorer sectors of the community. The Qu'ran itself regularly refers to how this charity tax can be spent. d. Fasting (Sawm)- Muslims fast during the month of Ramadan, which tradtionally has started when a least two Muslims have sighted the new moon. The month of Ramadan is sacred to the Islamic faith because it was said that that was the month that Muhammed recieved his first relevation from Allah. During the time of dawn to daybreak, a Muslim must abstain from food, drink, and sexual intercourse. e. Pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj)- During his or her lifetime at least once, each Muslim is required to make a pilgrimage to Mecca. This pilgrimage had already been in place before the Muslim faith began. It must take place during the 12th month of the Muslim lunar calendar. While on the hajj, the men and women put on white robes to symbolize equality in the eyes of Allah. http://mb-soft.com/believe/txh/pillars.htm

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Created by Rachel Mitchell on 10/12/08. Edited by Anna Mack on 10/21/08 Edited by Becca Ellison on 10/21/08 Edited by Clare Wolf on 10.22.08 Edited by Allie Pinosky 10.23.08