The Islamic religion is based on 5 essential tenets/pillars. The first pillar of Islam is Shahadah, it states that you must have faith in Allah and believe in his ability to obtain "oneness". In order to show that they believed in the "oneness" of Allah, Muslims are required to recite the creed ("There is no God but God and Muhammad is the Messenger of God"). Reciting the creed shows a Muslims' commitment and acceptance to Islam.
The second pillar of Islam is Salaat, which means prayer. Islamic religion is based on the idea that people have a direct relationship with God. Therefore, Muslims pray directly to God. Muslims are required to pray five times a day. While they pray, they are to face Makkah,the holiest city in Islam.
"The traditional times of prayer in Islam are dawn, noon, mid afternoon, and evening. The exact times depend on the movement of the sun and vary according to the season. At prayer time, the muezzin calls the faithful to prayer from the top of the minaret (tower) of the mosque. Muslims face Makkah when they pray because this is where the Ka’aba is. The Ka’aba is a shrine that Muslims believe was first built by Abraham and dedicated to the worship of the one true God. It contains the sacred Black Stone, revered as a remnant of Abraham’s original structure."(source)
The third pillar of the Islamic religion requires Muslims to give alms to the poor, as well as children and widows. There are two different types of alms giving, legal and voluntary. Social responsibility is part a Muslim's duty to God. Muslims give most generously during Ramadan, the holy month, as well as on holidays.
The fourth pillar of Islam is fasting. Muslims are required to fast during the holy month of Ramadan. Fasting during Ramadan is an act of deep, personal worship, in which Muslims strive to obtain a better perception of God. Fasting is also an exercise of self-control. Muslims celebrate Ramadan because they believe that is the month in which the holy Quran was revealed to Muhammad.
The fifth and final pillar of Islam is the pilgrimage to Makkah, also known as The Hajj. The Kaaba is what the Muslims are to visit while they were in Makkah. The Kaaba is a black stone, possibly a meteorite, that is said to be the one of the oldest structures in the world, built by Abraham and Ishmael. If possible, at least once in their lifetime, Muslims are to visit the Kaaba. The pilgrimage that Muslims make to the Kaaba is the same pilgrimage that Muhammad made the last time he was in Makkah.
Gordon, Matthew S. Islam:World Religions. New York: Facts on File Inc, 1991.
Wilkinson, Philip. Islam. New York: DK, 2002
