The Five Pillars of Islam (Sunni and 厂丑颈鈥檃 Islam)
The Five Pillars of IslamThe five observances which must be followed by all practising Muslims, eg Salah - to pray five times a day. are five duties that Muslims of all branches of Islam must follow:
- ShahadahA declaration of faith that consists of the statement is the Muslim declaration of faith. All Muslims know the words of the Shahadah and it is repeated multiple times during the day.
- Salah is prayer. It is compulsoryRequired by law or rule. for Muslims to pray five times a day.
- Zakah (also spelt Zakat), or charitable giving, encourages generosity and compassion.
- Sawm is the obligation to fast during RamadanThe month of fasting and prayer in Islam, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar., which teaches Muslims self-discipline. This self-discipline brings them closer to Allah.
- Hajj is the pilgrimage to Makkah (Mecca)City where the Prophet Muhammad was born, and where the Ka鈥檅ah is located - often spelt Mecca.. It is compulsory for Muslims to make the trip at least once in their lifetime, as long as they are fit and healthy and can afford to go.
SunniMuslims who believe in the successorship of Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman and Ali as leaders of the Muslim community after the Prophet Muhammad. Muslims specifically set the duties out clearly and see them as pillars holding up the religion. The pillars keep faith strong, so Sunni Muslims try to keep all five to make them better Muslims and support the religion fully.
Shi'aMuslims, or Shi鈥檌tes, who believe in the Imamah, leadership of Ali and his descendants after the Prophet Muhammad. Muslims, on the other hand, add further duties. These, along with four of the Five Pillars, are known as the Ten Obligatory ActsTen compulsory actions that are followed by 厂丑颈鈥檃 Muslims, combining the four of five pillars of Islam in addition to Jihad (which applies to all Muslims)..