The Five Pillars of Islam are the five religious duties expected of every {article504|Muslim}. These pillars are:
- {article1359|Shahada (profession of faith)}. Sincere verbal declaration that "there is no God but God and {article624|Muhammad} is the Prophet of God."
- {article986|Salat (ritual prayers)}. Ritual prayer and worship five times each day, most importantly on {article3692|Friday}.
- {article608|Zakat (alms tax)}. Pay 2.5% of assets and income to the Muslim community.
- {article105|Sawm (fasting during Ramadan)}. Abstain from food and drink during daylight hours for the month of {article301|Ramadan}.
- {article1308|Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca)}. Pilgrimage to the {article109|Ka'ba} shrine in {article937|Mecca}, Saudi Arabia, at least once if physically and financially able.
Follow links for more details on each pillar.
Sectarian Differences
The pillars are acknowledged and observed by all sects of Muslims, including the largest sect of Sunni Islam, although Shias add further obligatory duties, including: jihad, payment of the imam's tax, the encouragement of good deeds and the prevention of evil.