Religion Fact of the Day

The Five Pillars of Islam are the foundation of the faith. They are:

1) Shahadah - This is reciting the basic creed of Islam. "There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is his prophet."

2) Salah - Prayer five times a day at fixed times. The Muslim must face Mecca as he or she prays.

3) Sawm - This is fasting which is most commonly ritual fasting as during the month of Ramadan but can also be done as penance or for ascetic reasons.

4) Zakah - Giving charity to the poor.

5) Hajj - At least once in their lifetime, all Muslims of able body must make a pilgrimage to Mecca.