The Five Pillars of Islam are the fundamental religious obligations that are mandatory for all adult Muslims to fulfill. These pillars are:
- Shahada: The declaration of faith in Islam, which involves bearing witness that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is his messenger.
- Salah (Namaz): The performance of five daily prayers at specific times of the day, which involves reciting specific verses from the Quran and making physical movements in a specific sequence.
- Zakat: The giving of alms or charity to those in need, which is typically a small percentage of an individual’s income or wealth.
- Sawm: The observance of fasting during the month of Ramadan, which involves abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs during the daylight hours.
- Hajj: The pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, which is mandatory for all Muslims who are physically and financially able to make the journey at least once in their lifetime.
These pillars are the foundation of Islamic faith and practice, and they provide a framework for Muslims to live their lives in accordance with their religious beliefs.