Transcript Five Pillars

5 Pillars of Islam
1. Creed
2. Prayer
3. Almsgiving
4. Fasting
5. Pilgrimage
Why?
 As Islam spread, theologians
wanted to ensure that new
converts understood how to
perform rituals
 These rituals are known as the
Five Pillars of Islam
Pillar # 1: Creed
Shahadah
 The Shahadah is the Muslim declaration of faith:
“There is no god but God” and “Muhammad is the
Messenger of God”
 The Shahadah is the sign of belonging to the
Muslim community.
 A person need only to say it before two witnesses to
be legally considered a Muslim.
Pillar #2: Prayer
Salat
 Ritual prayer of praise and adoration of God that
Muslims are required to say 5 times a day
 Verbal and Gestures
 Prior to salat prayers, a person must perform a
ritual cleansing known as wudu (meaning
making pure or radiant)
 Prayer can take place anywhere: home, work or
school, as long as the place is clean
Pillar # 3: Almsgiving
Zakat
 Simply put, give to those in need
 Each year, Muslims who have more than a
certain amount of money or goods are
required to donate a portion of their savings
(2.5% of their surplus wealth):
 To the needy,
 To build mosques
 Or similar causes
 This helps share wealth in the community
Pillar #4: Fasting
Sawm
 Takes place during the month of Ramadan
(the month Muhammad received the divine
message of Allah)
 Muslims are expected to abstain from food,
water, evil thoughts, drinking, smoking and
sex
 Appropriate exemptions and concessions
are given for people who are old and infirm,
or on a journey, as well as young children
Pillar #5: Pilgrimage
Hajj
 Once in the lifetime, a pilgrimage is required called
hajj.
 All Muslims should travel to Mecca
 Hajj is the extreme experience for Muslims.
 Hajj is the largest pilgrimage in the world
 Muslims strengthen their unity with God
 Pilgrims throw seven pebbles at three tall stone
pillars that represent Satan