​The Five Pillars of Islam

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Shahada

Shahada - is the Islamic testimony of faith. We believe there is only One Creator who is responsible for everything created; seen and unseen, known and unknown. And we believe that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is His final messenger.

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Salaat

Prayer - concrete action that is practiced to develop the human being inside and out. It is through conscious reciting of the Words of G_d from His Holy Book, that human beings begin to shape their character and to plug into His Word throughout the day. 

This process assists the human being with his ability to live in this world but not be fully of this world.

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Zakat

Charity - in many forms reminds us that we are have a share in this material world.  The poor man must continue to strive to increase his efforts for his share, and the wealthy man must come to terms when he has more than his share.  It is a mindset which reminds us to see are poverty and our wealth through the eyes of a believer.

 

Sawm

Fasting - especially in the month of Ramadan, the month when Mohammed the prophet, (Peace and Blessing of G_d upon him) first received revelation from G_d's Angel Jibril.  Fasting is a prescription from overindulgence even in that which is permissible.  It provides discipline and creates a bond with fellow fast participants.  We pray together more, eat together more, and work together to provide more charitable activities to those who have less than we do.  We are taught it is done for G_d.  But as with all practices, the one who does the practice always benefits.

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Hajj

Pilgrimage - Called Hajj.  This is a return to the first house dedicated to the worship of the One True G_d.  This house was build by Prophet Ibrahim and his son, Ismael (On them be Peace). Muslims are required to visit this house once in their life time if they are able.  This picture we see in the Hajj is a picture of a family reunion of sorts where people are viewed as one family.  This model of behavior is created to inspire the desire for the whole world to interact in a similar fashion no matter their faith, social economic status, education, or ethnicity.