PILLARS OF FAITH At a glance

Islam has five key components that called its five pillars:
Faith: The declaration of faith is called Shahada. Muslims declare there is no god except God and Muhammad is the messenger of God.
Salat, or prayer: The obligatory prayers are performed five times a day. The prayers contain verses from the Koran and are said in Arabic. Prayers are said at dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset and nightfall. Muslims do not need to worship together in a Mosque for daily prayers.
Zakat or charity: Each year, if financially able, Muslims give about 2 percent of their assets to charity.
Fast: Each year during the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from first light until sundown. Those who are sick elderly or woman who are pregnant or nursing are not required to fast.
Pilgrimage: The annual pilgrimage to Mecca, or the Hajj, is an obligation for those Muslims who are physically and financially able to visit Saudi Arabia.