What is Islam?

The first pillar of Islam is testifying that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah (God) and that Muhammad (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 is the second essential tenet of Islam. Muslims are to pray 5 daily prayers: Fajr (at dawn), Dhur (around noon), Asr (middle of the day), Maghrib (sunset), and Isha (at night). Prayer is a Muslim's daily worship that keeps them grounded and focused on what is important — 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 or verses are recited.

Muslims also have a Friday sermon and prayer (Jumuah), which takes place every Friday and replaces the Dhur prayer for that day. Muslims listen to a reminder from the speaker followed by a short prayer. Jumuah is required for men and considered "extra credit" for women.

Fasting in the month of Ramadan (following the Islamic lunar calendar) is required for every Muslim who has reached puberty, is in good health and sound mind, unless exempt for health reasons. This includes mothers who are pregnant or nursing if they feel it may harm the baby or milk supply, women on their menses, or older individuals who are too weak.

Fasting is observed from sun-up to sun-down for 29 or 30 days. The main purpose of fasting is to build God-consciousness through discipline — abstaining from things we love most, even if they are normally lawful (like food and intimacy).

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 throughout the year to help those who need it most.

Zakaat is mentioned in the Qur'an 32 times, and generosity is a highly commendable and emphasized trait in Islam.

Hajj is required at least once in a person's life. It is performed yearly during the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah in the city of Mecca, and lasts for about 5 to 6 days. During 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 filled with quiet reflection, supplication, and a great deal of patience and humbleness.