Islam—practices

What are the Five Pillars?

Shahadah, Salah, Zakah, Sawm and Hajj.

What is Shahadah?

The declaration of faith: “There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.”

What is Salah?

The five daily prayers.

Why is Salah important?

It allows Muslims to worship and communicate with Allah and demonstrates submission.

What is Zakah?

Obligatory charitable giving, traditionally 2.5% of qualifying wealth.

Why is Zakah important?

It supports people in need and purifies wealth.

What is Sawm?

Fasting during Ramadan from dawn until sunset.

Why do Muslims fast during Ramadan?

To develop self-discipline, worship Allah and understand the experiences of those who are poor.

What is Ramadan?

The ninth month of the Islamic calendar, when Muslims fast.

What is Laylat-ul-Qadr?

The Night of Power, when Muslims believe the first revelation of the Qur'an came to Muhammad.

What is Hajj?

The pilgrimage to Makkah.

Who must perform Hajj?

Muslims who are physically and financially able should perform it at least once.

What is Id-ul-Fitr?

The festival marking the end of Ramadan.

What is Id-ul-Adha?

The festival commemorating Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son and connected with Hajj.

What is Jihad?

Striving in the way of Allah.

What is greater Jihad?

The personal struggle to live according to Islam and overcome wrongdoing.

What is lesser Jihad?

Struggle or fighting in defence of Islam under specific conditions.

What is Ashura?

A significant day with different meanings for Sunni and Shi'a Muslims; for Shi'a Muslims it commemorates Husayn's martyrdom at Karbala.