The Five Pillars of Islam

1. 1

   Reciting the shahadah (declaration of faith)

   Ashhadu an la ilaha illallah wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan 'abduhu wa rasuluh.

   It is to believe with the heart and declare with the tongue that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is His servant and messenger. It is the gateway into Islam and the foundation of all other acts of worship. Affirmation in the heart and declaration with the tongue must go together.

2. 2

   Performing prayer (salah)

   Performing the five daily prayers is obligatory (fard) for every sane Muslim who has reached puberty. “Indeed, prayer is an obligation upon the believers at fixed times.” (an-Nisa 103) Prayer is the first deed for which the servant will be called to account on the Day of Resurrection. You can learn it step by step in the How to Pray section of this app.

3. 3

   Fasting

   It is to refrain from eating, drinking and marital relations during the month of Ramadan, from the time of imsak (dawn) until the evening call to prayer. “O you who believe! Fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you.” (al-Baqarah 183) Those who are ill or travelling make it up later.

4. 4

   Giving zakat

   It is for a Muslim who owns wealth reaching the nisab amount, over which a full year has passed, to give one fortieth (2.5%) of that wealth to those in need. Zakat is not a favor; it is the right of the poor in one’s wealth. You can calculate it in the Zakat Calculator section of the app.

5. 5

   Performing Hajj

   It is for a Muslim whose journey is safe and whose health and financial means are sufficient to visit the Kaaba once in a lifetime and perform the Hajj. “Performing Hajj to the Kaaba is a right that Allah has over people, for those who are able to make their way there.” (Al 'Imran 97) It is not obligatory for those who are unable.

For how to pray, see How to Pray Salah; for zakat, see the Zakat Calculator. The articles of faith: Amantu.