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What are the five pillars of Islam?
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Islam
Abu Darweesh Mosque in Amman, Jordan.
The Five Pillars of Islam (arkÄn al-IslÄm) are the foundational duties incumbent upon every Muslim, serving as the core of the community's religious and social life. These practices are particularly central to the theology of Sunni Muslims.12
The five pillars are:
- ShahÄdah: The profession of faith, stating, "There is no god but God; Muhammad is the Prophet of God." It must be recited with understanding and sincerity.32
- į¹¢alÄt: The performance of five daily ritual prayers at prescribed intervals, preceded by ablution.42
- ZakÄt: The mandatory alms tax, where a portion of one's wealth is donated to support the poor and needy.2
- į¹¢awm: Fasting from food and drink from dawn to sunset during the month of Ramadan.2
- įø¤ajj: The pilgrimage to Mecca, which every adult Muslim is expected to perform at least once in their lifetime if they have the financial and physical means.2