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Faith, Prayer, Charity, Fasting, and Pilgrimage

What are Muslims required to do?

Roots of Islam: Main Idea Web

Complete the Main Idea Web graphic organizer as you read pages 6–7.

Teacher's Guide

Editable Activity

Muslims follow five core practices, called the Five Pillars of Islam . They are
faith, prayer, charity, fasting, and pilgrimage.

Faith, or Shahadah

Muslims are required to proclaim their faith by saying, “There is no god but
God, and Muhammad is his prophet.” In this brief sentence, they proclaim
their belief in one God and in Muhammad’s teachings, because Muhammad is
the prophet of God. The shahadah is an integral part of Islamic life. Parents
whisper it into their children’s ears at birth. The shahadah also proclaims the
centrality of God to each Muslim’s life. A common phrase spoken by Muslims
is “Insha’Allah,” or “if God wills”:

Will you be home for dinner?

Yes, Insha’Allah.
When will we get to Grandma’s house?

In three hours, Insha’Allah.

Prayer, or Salat

The second pillar is called salat. Muslims are required to pray five times a
day. Muslims may pray by themselves, but in Muslim communities, they try to
gather at the mosque . There, they wash their faces, hands, and feet to be
clean before God. Muslims form lines behind the prayer leader and follow his
lead as they face Mecca and stand, kneel, and prostrate themselves on the
floor. The prayer leader punctuates the prayers with the phrase “Allah u
akbar!,” or “God is great!” On Fridays, many Muslims gather together for
Friday afternoon prayer and a sermon from the imam , or leader of the
mosque.

Charity, or Zakat

The third pillar is charity. Muhammad told his followers to take care of the
orphans and the poor. According to the teachings of Islam , Muslims are
required to share a portion of their wealth with their poorer neighbors. Some
Muslims give this amount directly to the poor. Others donate it to a religious
organization that then distributes the money. Zakat helps with everything,
including offering shelter to the poor, caring for orphans, ensuring access to
clean water, and providing schooling.

Fasting, or Siyam
During the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Muslims are required to fast.
This month is called Ramadan and, according to Islamic teachings, it is when
Muhammad first received a revelation from God. From sunrise to sundown,
most Muslims do not eat or drink, although children, the elderly, sick or
injured people, travelers, and pregnant women are not expected to fast.
During the month of Ramadan, Muslims rise before the sun to eat breakfast.
After fasting all day, they then break their fast with a small snack,
traditionally dates, and then perform the sunset prayer. After the prayer, they
gather with friends and family for a large meal. Ramadan is also a time for
giving charity. Fasting helps Muslims to realize what it is like to be hungry.
Wealthier Muslims will often provide Ramadan feasts for others. At the end
of Ramadan, Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr with gifts and feasts.

Pilgrimage, or Hajj

All Muslims who are able are required to travel to Mecca once in their
lifetimes on pilgrimage. Muslims usually travel to Mecca during the
celebration of Eid al-Adhah. This holiday celebrates the prophet Abraham’s
willingness to obey God, even when asked to sacrifice his son, Ishmael. Just
before Abraham was about to commit the act of sacrifice, God stopped him,
letting him kill a ram instead.