The Shahādah (The profession of faith) is the most fundamental expression of Islamic beliefs. The Shahada is the Arabic term for
the declaration of faith in one God (Allah, Almighty) and His Messenger Muhammad (PBUH)
It must be recited by new Muslim's reverts, aloud, correctly, and purposively, with a full understanding of its meaning and with
an assent of the heart.
Muslims repeat SHAHADA at least 10 times daily during the five-time praying.
Salah (salat) is the second of the five Pillars of Islam. Salah or Salat is the Arabic term for the ritual prayer that is obligatory for Muslims to perform five times a day.
Muslims pray five times a day, with their prayers being known as Fajr (before dawn), Dhuhr (afternoon), Asr (late afternoon), Maghrib (after sunset), and Isha (nighttime), always facing towards the Kaaba.
A Muslim can pray anywhere and does not need to attend a mosque to pray.
Zakat (The giving of the mandatory alms) is the third of the five Pillars of Islam. Zakat is a mandatory
charitable donation that applies to all adult Muslims who meet the Nisab (the minimum amount that a Muslim must have before
being obliged to zakat) threshold. The Zakat money will be given mainly to needy people.
There is more to learn about Zakat and Muslims need to consult a Zakat-knowledgeable imam or shaikh.
Sawm (fasting of the month of Ramadan) is the fourth of the five Pillars of Islam. Ramadan is 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, travelling,
and during pregnancy, all are expected to refrain from eating and drinking during daylight hours.
The pilgrimage, known as the Hajj, is the fifth pillar of Islam. All Muslims, who are able, are required
to make the pilgrimage to Mecca and the surrounding holy sites at least once in their lives.
The Hajj becomes obligatory when a Muslim reach all the conditions set for the Hajj, that is to be an adult be healthy to perform
the Hajj, and have the financial ability to cover the expenses of traveling and staying in Mecca. For more information on Hajj,
speak to Masjid Imam or an Islamic scholar in your area. The pilgrimage occurs in the twelfth month of the Islamic Calendar.
Hajj and its rites were first ordained by Allah in the time of the Prophet Ibrahim [Abraham] and he was the one who was ordered by Allah to build the Kaaba along with his son Ismail [Ishmael] in Mecca
