The Five Pillars of Islam

1. Shahada — the declaration of faith

The Shahada is the testimony that there is no god but Allah, and that Muhammad ﷺ is His messenger. To say it sincerely is to enter Islam, and it is the belief the other four pillars are built upon.

2. Salah — the five daily prayers

Five times a day, a Muslim turns from the world to stand before Allah in prayer: Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib and Isha. It is the rhythm of the faith. Read the guide to the five prayers, or see today's prayer times.

3. Zakat — obligatory charity

Those with wealth above a threshold give a fixed share, 2.5%, to those in need each year. It purifies wealth and binds the community together. Work out your Zakat, or read how to calculate it.

4. Sawm — fasting in Ramadan

Through the month of Ramadan, Muslims who are able fast from dawn until sunset, abstaining from food, drink and other needs. It is a month of patience, gratitude and closeness, ending in the celebration of Eid al-Fitr.

5. Hajj — the pilgrimage

Once in a lifetime, every Muslim who is physically and financially able makes the pilgrimage to Makkah. Millions gather in the same simple garments, from every corner of the Earth, in one of the most powerful sights in the world.

Islam is built upon five: the testimony of faith, establishing prayer, giving Zakat, the pilgrimage, and fasting Ramadan.