What is Islam?

Testimony (shehada)

The is the first pillar of islam is testifying that there is no deity worthy of worship accept Allah (God) and that Muhammed (peace be upon him) is His final servant and messenger. This is the statement that you would say when you first become Muslim, and Muslims say it multiple times a day when they do their prayers.

Prayer (Salah)

Prayer is the second essential tenet of Islam. Muslims are to pray 5 daily prayers, Fajr (at dawn), Dhur (around noon), Asr (middle day), Maghrib (sunset), and Isha (at night).  Prayer is a Muslim’s daily worship that keeps Muslims grounded and focused on what is important, and that is worshipping and remembering God throughout the day and in all we do. Each prayer averages between 4 to 10 minutes depending on which Quranic chapter/verses are recited.

Muslim’s also have Friday sermon and prayer (Jumuah), that takes place every Friday and replaces dhur prayer for that day. Muslims listen to a reminder from the speaker followed by a short prayer. Jumuah is required on men and “extra-credit” for women.

Fasting in Ramadan

Fasting in the month of Ramadan (following the Islamic lunar calendar) is required on every Muslim that is past puberty, in good health and mind, unless exempt for other health reasons ( mothers who are pregnant or nursing if they feel it will harm the baby or milk, and women on their menses, older folks who are too weak, etc).  Fasting is from sun-up to sun-down for 29/30 days. The main purpose of fasting is to build God-Consciousness through discipline (abstaining from things we love most even if lawful–food and intimacy).

Charity (Zakaat)

Muslims around the world partake in a yearly alms to the poor, called Zakaat in which they donate 2.5% of their disposable income to those in need. Though 2.5% is the minimum, Muslims are encouraged to give as much as they can all year round to help those who need it most. Zakaat is mentioned in the Quraan 32 times, and being generous is a very commendable and emphasized trait in Islam.

Pilgrimage (Hajj)

Hajj is required at least once in a person’s life. Hajj is performed yearly at the same time in the Islamic month Dhul Hijaah in the city Mecca, and lasts for about 5 to 6 days. over those days, worshippers perform rituals that hold deep symbolic meaning. Some of which honor significant historical figures like Hagar (the wife of Abraham peace be upon them both) and Abraham himself. Millions of people from every corner of the earth make the trek to mecca for Hajj every year. It is a life changing event that is filled with quiet reflection, supplication, and a lot of patience and humbleness.