Five+Pillars+of+Islam

**FIVE PILLARS OF ISLAM**
These are the central beliefs of Muslims. All Muslims practice them but in differing degrees. Although the pillars are not found in the Koran, they are found in the Hadith (an account of the prophet Muhammad's life and a collection of Muhammad's sayings).

The first, which is the most important, is the profession of faith known as the //Shahada//. This profession of faith is translated into English as "There is no god but Allah; Muhammad is the messenger of Allah."

The second pillar is regular, formal prayers. Devote Muslims must praying five times a day, facing Mecca. These prayers are known as the //salah//.

The third pillar is known as //zakat//. This is the giving of gifts or alms to the poor. Gifts may include water, food, or other necessitates.

The fourth pillar is fasting during Ramadan. This fasting is known as //sawm//. They fast from food, drink, and sexual relations.

The final pillar is the pilgrimage or (in Arabic) //hajj//. The pilgrimage is to the Sacred Mosque at Mecca and other nearby areas. All Muslims who have the money must take this trip.

For more information, consider going to http://www.fofweb.com/activelink2.asp?ItemID=WE53&iPin=EWR0265&SingleRecord=True or http://www.islamicpath.org/pillars.html This second site is for people are considering becoming Muslims. Therefore, it has great information on their beliefs.

Citations Alles, Gregory D., and Robert S. Ellwood. "Islam." //Encyclopedia of World Religions: Revised Edition//. New York: Facts On File, Inc., 2007. //Modern World History Online//. Facts On File, Inc. http://www.fofweb.com/activelink2.asp?ItemID=WE53&iPin=EWR0265 &SingleRecord=True (accessed October 30, 2007).

Wilkinson, Philip. __Eyewitness: Islam__. 2nd. New York: Dorling Kindersley Limited, 2005.