Five Pillars of Islam
The Five Pillars of Islam (Arabic: أركان الإسلام) are five basic acts in Islam, considered mandatory by believers and are the foundation of Muslim life. They are summarized in the famous hadith of Gabriel. The Five Pillars are as follows.
Shahada
The Shahada (Arabic: الشهادة, "the testimony") is the Islamic creed, declaring belief in the oneness of God (tawhid) and the acceptance of Muhammad as God's prophet. It is recited in the daily prayer (salat) and upon declaring conversion to Islam.
Salah
Salah (Arabic: صلاة, "prayer") is the practice of ritual prayer in Islam. The ritual serves as a way to remember God and the Islamic prophet Muhammad, as well as a method of supplication for Muslims. It consists of five daily prayers, which are considered mandatory.
Zakat
Zakat (Arabic: زكاة, "that which purifies") is a form of almsgiving in Islam. It is a religious obligation, considered one of the Five Pillars of Islam. It is a mandatory charitable contribution, typically 2.5% of a Muslim's savings and business assets annually.
Sawm
Sawm (Arabic: صوم, "fasting") is the practice of fasting in Islam. It is a significant part of the Islamic faith and involves abstaining from eating, drinking, and sinful behavior from dawn until sunset during the month of Ramadan.
Hajj
The Hajj (Arabic: حج, "pilgrimage") is an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, the holiest city for Muslims, and a mandatory religious duty for Muslims that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime by all adult Muslims who are physically and financially capable of undertaking the journey.
These five pillars are considered the foundation of a Muslim's life and practice, and adherence to them is essential for all believers.