1. The Profession of Faith—The Shahada

The Profession of Faith, the shahada, is the most fundamental expression of Islamic
beliefs. It simply states that “There is no God but God and Muhammad is his
prophet.” It underscores the monotheistic nature of Islam. It is an extremely
popular phrase in Arabic calligraphy and appears in numerous manuscripts and
religious buildings.

2. Daily Prayers—Salat

Muslims are expected to pray five times a day. This does not mean that they need to attend
a Masjid to pray; rather, the salat, or the daily prayer, should be recited
five times a day. Muslims can pray anywhere; however, they are meant to pray
towards Mecca. The faithful pray by bowing several times while standing and then
kneeling and touching the ground or prayer mat with their foreheads, as a
symbol of their reverence and submission to Allah. On Friday, many Muslims
attend a Masjid near midday to pray and to listen to a sermon, khutba.

3. Alms-Giving—Zakat

The giving of alms is the third pillar. Although not defined in the Qu’ran, Muslims
believe that they are meant to share their wealth with those less fortunate in
their community of believers.

4. Fasting during Ramadan—Saum

During the holy month of Ramadan, the ninth month in the Islamic calendar, Muslims are
expected to fast from dawn to dusk. While there are exceptions made for the
sick, elderly, and pregnant, all are expected to refrain from eating and
drinking during daylight hours.Hundreds throng around the Kaaba at the start of
Hajj (photo: Al Jazeera English, CC BY-SA 2.0)

Hundreds throng around the Kaaba at the start of  (photo: Al Jazeera English, CC
BY-SA 2.0)

5. Pilgrimage to Mecca—Hajj

All Muslims who are able are required to make the pilgrimage to Mecca and the surrounding
holy sites at least once in their lives. Pilgrimage focuses on visiting the
Kaaba and walking around it seven times. Pilgrimage occurs in the 12th month of
the Islamic Calendar.