The Five Pillars of Islam

FIRST PILLAR; Shahada: "I witness that there is no God but God and Muhammad is the Messenger of God": This is the profession of faith and is repeated when Muslims wake in the morning and before they go to sleep. Muslims believe that the Prophet Muhammad was the last in a long line of prophets which included Abraham, Moses and Jesus.
SECOND PILLAR; Salat: Pray 5 times a day, See Call to Prayer: Prayers are obligatory at dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset and nightfall. Performing daily prayers is an act of communication between humans and God. Although it is permissible to pray at home, at work or even outdoors, it is recommended that Muslims perform Salat in a Mosque if it is conveniently possible.
THIRD PILLAR; Sawm: Abstain each day in the Holy Month of Ramadan: Abstain from all bodily pleasures between sunrise and sunset. Not only is food and water forbidden, but also smoking, chewing gum, any sexual activity and they should also not think or do anything evil. Sawm helps Muslims develop self-control, gain a better understanding of God's gifts and greater compassion towards the deprived.
FOURTH PILLAR; Zakat: Giving alms to the poor: Compulsory gift of 2.5% of one's capital each year. Zakat is in addition to any charitable gifts a Muslim makes.
FIFTH PILLAR; Hajj: The pilgrimage to Mecca/Makkah, See Mecca/Makkah: Muslims should make the pilgrimage to Mecca/Makkah at least once in their life if they are physically and financially able to do so. After completing the Hajj you are as when you were born, sin free.

The Five Pillars of Islam

The Five Pillars of Islam provide a framework for the Muslim way of life in Saudi Arabia.