FIve Pillars of Islam

Islam was founded by Muhammad (Corrick 88). The Qu'ran is the bible of the Islamic belief. The Muslims have what are called the five tenets, or pillars, of Islam.


The first pillar is to declare the faith of Islam, "There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is his prophet."(Source). This is called the Shahada, which is the declaration of the Islamic faith. The Shahada is the acceptance of Allah, Muhammad, his prophet, and all of Islam.


The next pillar of Islam is prayer. The Muslims pray five times a day, before the sun rises, right after the noon, in the middle of the afternoon, when the sun sets, and before night time. The payer is known as Salah.


The third pillar of Islam is giving alms, which is also called Zakah. Muslims believe that when they give charity the things they have are made clean. They must give two and a half percent of what they have.


Muslims must also fast during Ramadan, which is during the lunar year. The fasting would also be known as the Sawm. The Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, and will not eat, drink or be sexually involved with their husband or wife.


Lastly the Muslims believe that they must go on a pilgrimage or Hajj to Mecca. Those who travel to Mecca don't wear expensive clothing so they appear to be all equal. When they journey to Mecca they walk seven times around the Kaba. However, only the able are required to go on the hajj.


Islam was founded by Muhammad (Corrick 88). Muhammad passed away in 632 (Pirenne 148). However, while he lived he founded the Islamic religion (Corrick 88). Five of the tenets or pillars of Islam are the Shahadah, Salat, or prayer, giving alms to the poor, fasting and the Hajj.
(I don't support the religion of Islam. This is merely an assignment.)

Corrick, A. James. World History Series: The Early Middle Ages. Lucent Books: San Diego, 1995.

Pirenne, Henri. Mohammed and Charlemagne. Barnes & Noble Inc., 1992.