Curious Christian

If you know nothing else about Islamic ritual and practice make sure you know the five pillars of Islam. They are the core obligations and foundational practices of Muslim life:

Shahadah: (Faith) Declaring that there is no god except God and that Muhammad is God’s Messenger. One becomes a Muslim by reciting this phrase with conviction.

Salat (Prayer): Performing ritual prayers five times a day while facing Mecca.

Zakat (Charity): Giving a fixed proportion of one’s savings (often 2.5%) to the poor and needy.

Sawm (Fasting): Fasting from dawn to dusk during the month of Ramadan to practice self-control and purification.

Hajj: (Pilgrimage): Pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in a lifetime if one is able.