The Five Pillars of Islam Pillar One Shahadah

The Five Pillars of Islam

Pillar One: Shahadah n Who: All Muslims n What: declaration of faith Often the first words whispered into the ears of a newborn n Where: Everywhere! (And at least once publicly) n When: n How: Muslims must proclaim that there is only one God, Allah, and Muhammad is his Prophet *Muslims do not worship Muhammad. Most Muslims learn this declaration as children or as adults when they convert

Pillar Two: Salat n Who: All Muslims n What: Prayer n Where: Muslims stop to pray 5 times a day n When: five times a day -On Fridays all adult males are expected to go to the Mosque § § § In the morning Midday Afternoon Dusk Before bed

Performing Salat

n How: In Muslim countries, a man announces the time for prayer from the minaret of a mosque – Muslims remove their shoes and wash in a special way – Kneel on a prayer rug and turn towards Mecca

A Mosque with Minarets

Pillar Three: Zakat n Who: All Muslims n What: alms or giving to the poor n Where: Muslims are encouraged to give part of their income to help their community n When: A part of your regular paycheck is given up to charity n How: Money collected is called zakat & kept in a community fund- even poor Muslims are expected to contribute by performing charitable acts should help those in need-the poor & the sick

Pillar Four: Sawm n Who: all Muslims except young children, pregnant women& the elderly n What: Fasting n Where: In Muslim homes all over the world n When: Fasting takes place from sunrise to sunset during the ninth month of the Muslim calendar called Ramadan – Ramadan is the month Muslims believe Allah’s word was revealed to Muhammad

Pillar Four: Sawm (Continued) n How: Muslims must not eat, drink, or smoke during the daylight hours of Ramadan.

Pillar Five: Hajj n Who: All adult Muslims who are well & can afford the trip n What: Pilgrimage to Mecca n Where: Pilgrimage is made to the city of Mecca- particularly to the Kabah n When: Expected to make once in your lifetime

n How: the Hajj is only made during the 12 th month of the Islamic calendar – Pilgrims stay in the Middle East for 2 -3 weeks although the actual events only take several days – Pilgrims usually dress in white robes to show equality

Circling the Kabah

The Arabian Peninsula GENERALLY SPEAKING MORE SPECIFICALLY

Where are we? Recognize any of this?