The Five Pillars of Sunni Islam

The Five Pillars of Sunni Islam

Shahada (Faith)

• The Shahada is the Muslim declaration of faith.
• It states “There is no god but Allah, Muhammad is the messenger of Allah”.
• It needs to be said with certainty and understanding of its meaning to become a Muslim.
• By reciting the Shahada, a Muslim testifies to the monotheism of Allah and the prophethood of Muhammad.

Salat (Prayer)

• Salat is the name for the obligatory prayers that are performed five times a day.
• These prayers are a direct link between the worshipper and Allah.
• The prayers include postures such as standing, prostrating, and sitting.
• The specific times for prayer are at dawn, midday, afternoon, sunset, and night.

Zakat (Charity)

• Zakat is the compulsory giving of a set proportion of one’s wealth to charity.
• It is usually about 2.5% of an individual’s total savings and wealth above a minimum amount known as nisab.
• It acknowledges that everything comes from Allah and everything belongs to Him.
• It is given to the poor and the needy.

Sawm (Fasting)

• Sawm is a fast that is carried out during the month of Ramadan.
• Muslims fast from dawn until sunset.
• During this time they abstain from food, drink and certain other activities.
• It is considered a time of worship and contemplation.

Hajj (Pilgrimage)

• The Hajj is the pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca that every Muslim is expected to make at least once in their life, if they can afford it and are physically able.
• The festival of Eid ul-Adha occurs at the end of the Hajj.
• Rituals include the Tawaf, which is circling the Ka’ba seven times, and the Sa’i, running between the hills of Safa and Marwa.