Pillars of Islam
On the practical side, muslims are instructed to apply the following five basics of Islam, called pillars. In Islam there are five pillars, namely:
1-Declaration of belief (Shahada): this is the initial act of faith, expressed in a simple statement which testifies to one's commitment to following the straight path of God's guidance upon which Muslims seek to live their lives;
"I bear witness that there its no god but God; I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and His Prophet. "
2- Prayers (Salat): Salah is the name for the obligatory prayers that are performed
five times a day, and are a direct link between the worshipper and God. There is no hierarchical authority in Islam and there are no priests. Prayers are led by a learned person who knows the Qur'an and is generally chosen by the congregation.
offered five times a day, has the effect of reminding the faithful that "remembrance of God is indeed the greatest virtue", and helps them adhere to the path of righteousness, and to restrain from indecency and evil.
3- The financial obligation upon Muslims. (Zakat): The word zakah means both "purification" and "growth." Our possessions are purified by setting aside a proportion for those in need and for the society in general. Like the pruning of plants, this cutting back balances and encourages new growth. This is an annual payment of a certain percentage of a Muslim's property, which is distributed among the poor or other rightful beneficiaries.
4- Fasting (Saum): Fasting is total abstinence from food, liquids and intimate intercourse (between married couples) from dawn to sunset during the entire month of Ramadan.
5- Pilgrimage (Hajj): The pilgrimage to Makkah (the hajj) is an obligation only for
those who are physically and financially able to do so. The performance of pilgrimage to Makkah is required once in a lifetime if means are available. Hajj is in part in memory of the trials and tribulations of Prophet Abraham, his wife Hagar and his eldest son Prophet Ishmael.
Other beliefs include:
1- God did not have a son.
2-Jesus (pbuh) is a prophet, born of the Virgin Mary. They regard the Christian concept of the deity of Jesus (pbuh) to be blasphemous; it is seen as a form of polytheism.
3-Jesus (pbuh) was not executed on the cross. He escaped crucifixion and was taken up into Paradise.
4-The existence of Satan drives people to sin.
5-Muslims who sincerely repent and submit to God return to a state of sinlessness.
6-All people are considered children of Adam. Islam officially rejects racism.
7- all children are born on Al-Fitra (a pure, natural state of submission to Islam). His parents sometimes make him Christian, Jewish, etc.
8- when a child reaches puberty an account of their deeds is opened in Paradise. When the person dies, their eventual destination (Paradise or Hell) depends on the balance of their good deeds (helping others, testifying to the truth of God, leading a virtuous life) and their bad deeds.
9- Alcohol, illegal drugs, eating of pork, etc. are to be avoided.
10-Gambling is to be avoided.