FIVE PILLARS OF ISLAM The framework of the muslim life is known as five pillars of islam; they are Shahada, salat or prayer, zakat as a concern for the needy , fast for self-purification, and the pilgrimage to Makkah for those who are able. The first one, Shahada, is a declaration of faith, that there is no God worthy of worship except Allah and Muhammad is His Messenger. Second is salat, the obligatory prayers which are performed five times a day, and are a direct link between the worshipper and God. Prayers are performed at dawn. Noon, mid-afternoon, sunset and nightfall, and this determine the rhytim of the entire day. Although it is preferable to worship togheter in a mosque, a muslim may pray almost anywhere, such as in fields, offices, factories, and universities. The third one is zakat or alms giving, i.e. the giving of a small percentage of one’s income to charity. The word zakat means both purification and growth. Our possessions are purified by setting aside a proportion of our wealth for those in need, and like the pruning of the plants, this cutting back balances and encourages new growth. Each Muslim calculates his or her own zakat individually. For most purposes this involves the payment each year of two and a half percent of one’s capital. The fourth is fasting in the month of Ramadhan, all Muslims fast from the first light until sundown , abstaining from food, drink and sexsual relations. Those who are sick, elderly or on a journey, and woman who are pregnant or nursing are permitted to break the fast and make up an equal number of days later in the year. Despite the fact that fasting is most beneficial to human health, such as detoxification effect, it is mainly regarded as a method of self-purification. A fasting person also gains true sympathy with those who go hungry as well as strength in one’s spiritual life. The fifth is the annual pilgrimage to Makkah-the Hajj. This is an obligation only for those who are physically and financially able to perform it Nevertheless , about two million people go to Makkah each year from every corner of the globe providing a unique opportunity for those of different nations to meet another . Pilgrims wear special clothes, i.e. simple garments which strip away differences of class and culture , so that all stand equal before God