Five Pillars of Islam
Allah is Great

1) Faith "Shahada" Testifying to God's One-ness
There is no god worthy of worship except God and Muhammad is His messenger. This declaration of faith is called the Shahada, a simple formula which all the faithful pronounce. In Arabic, the first part is la ilaha illa Llah - 'there is no god except God'; ilaha (god) can refer to anything which we may be tempted to put in place of God - wealth, power, and the like. Then comes illa Llah: 'except God', the source of all Creation. The second part of the Shahada is Muhammadun rasulu'Llah: 'Muhammad is the messenger of God.' A message of guidance has come through a man like ourselves.

2) Prayers
Salat is the name for the obligatory prayers which are performed five times a day, and are a direct link between the worshipper and God. There is no hierarchical authority in Islam, and no priests, so the prayers are led by a learned person who knows the Quran, chosen by the congregation. These five prayers contain verses from the Quran, and are said in Arabic, the language of the Revelation, but personal supplication can be offered in one's own language. Because shalat is transliterated from arabic word, so it has multiple english spellings such as salat, salah, sholat, sholah or shalah.Some peoples also called shalat as namaz

Prayers are said at dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset and nightfall, and thus determine the rhythm of the entire day. Although it is preferable to worship together in a mosque, a Muslim may pray almost anywhere, such as in fields, offices, factories and universities. Visitors to the Muslim world are struck by the centrality of prayers in daily life.

Aside from the five formal prayers each day, Muslims begin and complete every activity with Allah ever-present in their minds. The words "Bismillah" (In the name of Allah) precede every action, and "Alhamdilillah" (Thanks be to Allah) completes it. Muslims also make private supplications, and words in praise of Allah fall constantly off one's lips.

3) The Zakat
One of the most important principles of Islam is that all things belong to God, and that wealth is therefore held by human beings in trust. The word zakat means both 'purification' and 'growth'. Our possessions are purified by setting aside a proportion for those in need, and, like the pruning of plants, this cutting back balances and encourages new growth.

Each Muslim calculates his or her own zakat individually. For most purposes this involves the payment each year of two and a half percent of one's capital.

A pious person may also give as much as he or she pleases as sadaqa, and does so preferably in secret. Although this word can be translated as 'voluntary charity' it has a wider meaning. The Prophet said 'even meeting your brother with a cheerful face is charity.'

The Prophet said: 'Charity is a necessity for every Muslim. ' He was asked: 'What if a person has nothing?' The Prophet replied: 'He should work with his own hands for his benefit and then give something out of such earnings in charity.' The Companions asked: 'What if he is not able to work?' The Prophet said: 'He should help poor and needy persons.' The Companions further asked 'What if he cannot do even that?' The Prophet said 'He should urge others to do good.' The Companions said 'What if he lacks that also?' The Prophet said 'He should check himself from doing evil. That is also charity.'

4) Fasting
"O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may learn self-restraint. Fast for a fixed number of days....Ramadan is the month in which was sent down the Qur'an, as a guide to mankind, and clear signs for guidance and judgment between right and wrong. So every one of you who is present at home during that month should spend it in fasting....Allah intends every facility for you; He does not want to put you to difficulties. He wants you to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance you shall be grateful" (Qur'an 2:183-185).

Every year in the month of Ramadan, all Muslims fast from first light until sundown, abstaining from food, drink, and sexual relations. Those who are sick, elderly, or on a journey, and women who are pregnant or nursing are permitted to break the fast and make up an equal number of days later in the year. If they are physically unable to do this, they must feed a needy person for every day missed. Children begin to fast (and to observe the prayer) from puberty, although many start earlier.

Although the fast is most beneficial to the health, it is regarded principally as a method of self purification. By cutting oneself off from worldly comforts, even for a short time, a fasting person gains true sympathy with those who go hungry as well as growth in one's spiritual life.
5) Pilgrimage (HAJJ)
The annual pilgrimage to Makkah - the Hajj - is an obligation only for those who are physically and financially able to perform it. Nevertheless, about two million people go to Makkah each year from every corner of the globe providing a unique opportunity for those of different nations to meet one another. Although Makkah is always filled with visitors, the annual Hajj begins in the twelfth month of the Islamic year (which is lunar, not solar, so that Hajj and Ramadan fall sometimes in summer, sometimes in winter). Pilgrims wear special clothes: simple garments which strip away distinctions of class and culture, so that all stand equal before God.

The rites of the Hajj, which are of Abrahamic origin, include circling the Ka'ba seven times, and going seven times between the mountains of Safa and Marwa as did Hagar during her search for water. Then the pilgrims stand together on the wide plain of Arafa and join in prayers for God's forgiveness, in what is often thought of as a preview of the Last Judgment.

In previous centuries the Hajj was an arduous undertaking. Today, however, Saudi Arabia provides millions of people with water, modern transport, and the most up-to-date health facilities.

The close of the Hajj is marked by a festival, the Eid al-Adha, which is celebrated with prayers and the exchange of gifts in Muslim communities everywhere. This, and the Eid al-Fitr, a feast-day commemorating the end of Ramadan, are the main festivals of the Muslim calendar.
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Islam
"Thus have We made of you a community justly balanced..."
(Qur'an, Al-Baqarah:143).

Muslims do not live this life selfishly, with complete disregard for God. Nor do they neglect the world to devote themselves solely to worship.Muslims strike a balance by fulfilling the obligations of and enjoying this life, always mindful of their duties to Allah and to others.Extremity in either direction is frowned upon.

God-fearing people should be the best in morals and manners. Islam forbids any action which infringes on the rights of others or harms oneself. Forbidden to Muslims are: dishonesty, theft, murder, suicide, bribery, forgery, interest and usury, gambling, lottery, consumption of alcohol or pork, backbiting, gossiping, slandering, hoarding, destruction of property, cruelty to animals, adultery, fornication, etc.

While forbidding these things, Islam enjoins upon mankind the use of all clean, healthy and useful things, and asks us not to deprive our bodies of clean food and healthy recreation. Islam also encourages marriage and stable family life, modesty, generosity, hospitality, respect for parents, honorable treatment of women, helping those in need, etc.

The law of Islam forbids public nudity and orders Muslims to use decent and dignified dress. Muslims are called upon to practice moderation in this area as well. One of Muhammad's companions once said, "Eat what you wish and wear what you wish if you can avoid two things: extravagance and conceit." In dress and behavior, Muslims are to be modest.
"Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty;
that will make for greater purity for them; and Allah is Well-Acquainted with
all that they do. And say to the believing womenthat they should lower their
gaze and guard their modesty; that they should no display their beauty and
ornaments..." (Qur'an, An-Nur:30-31).

According to the Prophet's tradition, no man should expose his body from the navel to the knees, nor should a woman expose any part of her body except her face and hands while in public. This is called "covering" and to keep these parts covered is the religious duty of every man and woman.Through this directive, Islam cultivates in its followers a deep sense of modesty, purity and respect.

Islam enjoins mankind to control and regulate sexual desires and seek its fulfillment only within the bonds of marriage. Marriage is a solemn contract, and the basis of a stable family and society. The Qur'an describes husband and wife as comforts for and protectors of one another.Divorce, while frowned upon, is permitted in cases where the marriage is irrevocably damaged.

Throughout our lives, we must always be respectful of our parents.They suffer and make sacrifices for us throughout our lives. Muhammad (peace be upon him) once said that "Heaven lies under the feet of mothers," so high are they in respect and admiration. Our duties to our parents come second only to our duties to Allah, and the majority of Muslim families have close extended family ties.
"Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him, and that you be kind
to parents. Whether one orboth of them attain old age in your life, say not to them
a word of contempt, nor repel them, but address themin terms of honor. And,
out of kindness, lower to them the wing of humility, and say, My Lord! Bestow on
them Your Mercy, even as they cherished me in childhood."
(Qur'an, Al-Israa:23-24).

There is no place in a Muslim's heart for racial, national, gender, or other prejudices. There is One Creator, and we are all His creation.The diversity of human life is one of the Signs of Allah, part of the beauty of His creation, and something to be admired and respected.
"And among His Signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the variations
in your languages and your colors; verily in that are Signs for those who know"
(Qur'an, Ar-Rum:22).

Righteousness is the only distinguishing factor among people.
"O mankind! We have created you from a male and a female, and made you into
nations and tribes sothat you may know one another.Verily, the most honored among
you in the sight of Allah is the one whois the most righteous.Indeed, Allah is
All-Knowing, All-Aware" (Qur'an, Al-Hujurat:13).

In dealing with non-Muslims, the believers are instructed not to be intolerant or narrow-minded. We must not abuse or speak ill of other religious leaders, nor say anything insulting.
"Invite all to the Way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and
argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious. For thy Lord knows best
who have strayed from His path, and who receive guidance"
(Qur'an, An-Nahl:125).


We must not seek dissention unnecessarily, but live in peace and amity.Nor can a Muslim pass judgment on whether someone will be to Heaven or Hell - only Allah is the Judge.
"Those who believe in the Qur'an, and those who follow the Jewish scripture, and
the Christians and the Sabians - any who believe in Allah and the Last Day, and
work righteousness - shall have their reward with their Lord. One them shall be
no fear, nor shall they grieve" (Qur'an, Al-Baqarah:62).


There is a special place in a Muslim's heart for Christians and Jews, whom the Qur'an calls "People of the Book," meaning people who have received previous scriptures. Muslims are encouraged to seek good relations especially with them, as they have more in common to us than that with the pagans or atheists.
"...nearest among them in live to the believers will you find those who say, We are Christians,' because among them are men devoted to learning, and men who
have renounced the world, and they are not
arrogant" (Qur'an, Al-Maidah:82).

When arguments or debates arise, Muslims are to treat them with kindness, try to find common ground, and if differences persist, to simply say, "Well, to you be your way, and to me mine."

Muslims are absolutely forbidden from forcing their faith on others; this negates the very idea of free will and choice. The Qur'an says,
"There is no compulsion in religion..." (Qur'an, Al-Baqarah:256).

It is up to each individual to investigate religion, and personally make a decision as to its validity and their faith in it. Muslims are not in a position to force anything on anyone - the job of guidance belongs to Allah alone.
"If it had been your Lord's Will, they would all have believed, all who are on
earth! Will you then compel mankind, against their will, to believe?! No soul
can believe, except by the Will of Allah".
(Qur'an, Al-Yunus:99).
 
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