5 Commandments of Islam

Muslim prayer is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.

The five commandments in the Islamic faith are most commonly referred to as the Five Pillars of Islam. These are the five moral codes pertaining to Allah, Arabic for "god," who decrees what is right and what is wrong. By conforming to these codes, submission to Allah is shown.

Shahadah

Shahadah, or the confession of faith, is the first pillar. It states that the purpose of life is to believe in, serve and obey Allah by following the teachings of Mohammad, the last prophet at the voice of Allah in Islam. This pillar has a simple saying that is the first thing said to a newborn and the last thing said to someone on their deathbed: "There is no God but God and Muhammad is the Messenger of God."

Salat

The second pillar is Salat, or prayer. This is the act of physically praying, which occurs five times during the day: at dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset and nightfall. It is encouraged to pray in a mosque as part of a group, but they can be said anywhere while facing Mecca. These prayers are spoken in Arabic. By praying, a Muslim is directly connecting to Allah, as Islam does not have any priests or equivalent persons acting as intermediaries as in some other religions.

Zakat

Zakat, or charity, states that everything belongs to Allah and that human beings should give charity if they are able to. Muslims are urged to give 2.5 percent of their income to the community. This is distributed to the poor or used to build libraries, soup kitchens and the like. Those with immediate needs, those who collect and distribute alms, and debtors unable to meet financial obligations are exempt from this requirement. Wealthier individuals are encouraged to give more.

Saum

Ramadan is the ninth month in the Muslim calendar and is considered the holiest month. During this time, Muslims practice Saum, or fasting. From dawn to sundown every day during Ramadan, Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, having sexual relations and smoking. This to show self-restraint and self-discipline. It is also to purify the individual and to show gratitude for provisions provided by Allah.

Hajj

The Hajj is a pilgrimage to Mecca taken at least once in a lifetime by every Muslim who is physically and financially able to do so. This trip is taken during the first five days of the 12th month of the Muslim calendar, Dhu'l-Hija. Ceremonies occur at Mecca and at Arafat, a plain 12 miles east of Mecca, where an event known as The Great Feast lasts for three or four days.

References

• PBS: Five Pillars
• Washington State University: The Five Pillars of Religion

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Muslim Voices: Muslim Prayer -- How Dow Muslims Pray?