Five Pillars

1.     The Shahadah is the profession of faith. It proclaims the practice of monotheism and it also validates Muhammad and the books he transmitted.

2.     During salat, Muslims are on the ground facing Mecca, the holiest city in Islam. They are lying in a fetal position to take up the least amount of space because they don’t compare to Allah and they want to be reborn. Mentally you have to remember to say the prayers correctly and at the right times of day.

3.     Zakat is giving to the poorer members of the community so that they can all be equal. The Muslim community believes in giving because of need purposes not because the religion says so.

4.     Sawn is fasting. It is hard to fast for long periods of time, physically and mentally because our body needs food and nutrients. By fighting against this temptation we are growing closer to Allah.

5.     Hajj is a trip to Mecca and it brings the religion full circle. You are going to the city that every Muslim prays in the direction of and you are also walking in the footsteps of Muhammad the Prophet. Every religion has a sacred area such as Jerusalem for Judiasm and Christianity.

6.     The world in many ways is against you. They might tempt you into turning away from Allah, by not practicing salat or sawm. Money can restrict you from going on the hajj or it can make you greedy so you don’t practice zakat.