A Muslim is considered true by fulfilling five basic tasks.
1- Al-Shahada --- The Belief --- Imaan
The first pillar and objective is the 'Shahada' (pronounced as Sha-Ha-Dah) or as it can also be called the belief. The belief of a human towards his creator. The belief that there is one and only almighty God (Allah) and that Prophet Mohammed (Peace be upon him) is Allah's prophet and messenger. The belief includes that no one to be worshiped other than Allah and that his Prophet Mohammed (Peace be upon him) is Allah's messenger and a human made out of flesh and bones like other humans.
"The belief (Imaan): That there is no God to be worshipped except Allaah (the one God) and that Muhammad (peace and blessings of God be upon him) is His Messenger."
2- Al-Salaat --- Prayers
Every Muslim must perform five (5) prayers/ 'salaat' (prounounded as Sa-Lat) every day. The first prayer of the day is 'Salaat Al-Fajr' or dawn prayer. This prayer takes place when the sun rise. The second prayer is 'Salaat Al-Dohr' and it is performed at noon. The third prayer is 'Salaat Al-Asr' and it is performed after noon. The fourth prayer is 'Salaat Al-Magrib' and it is performed at sun-set. The fifth and last prayer for the day is 'Salaat Al-Ishaa' and it is performed at night. Those are the basic rules of the five prayers every day. Prayer timings vary depending on each country and its sun times. In addition, prayers can have more in-depth rules that 'inshallah' (hopefully) shall be discussed in the future.
"Performing the prescribed prayers (Salaat): five times a day."
3- Siyaam --- Fasting Ramadhan
Every year the holy month of Ramadhan (pronounced as Ra-Ma-Dan) is witnessed by the world where Muslims have to fast for an entire month continuous from sunrise to sunset (every day). Fasting is not only by not eating or drinking but also by concentrating the self towards Allah than anything else. Fasting throughout the month proves not only religiously but scientifically as well that it cleans the stomach and improves the circulation of the blood around the body. This spiritual act proves that Islam is not only a religion, but a medicine. Fasting Ramadhan is compulsory except for those with reasonable excuses.
"Fasting (Siyaam): Once a year, from sunrise to sunset throughout the entire month of Ramadhan."
4- Zakaat --- Charity
'Zakaat' (pronounced as Za-Kat) is an act of spending a small amount of your money to pay those in need. In other words, it is the charity towards those unfortunate poor people in need of the money, item, object, etc. 'Zakaat' should be performed at least once a year by those fortunate and capable or performing it. There is no specific time for 'Zakaat' but there are times when a Muslim is encouraged to perform it to please Allah like in Ramadhan.
"Charity (Zakaat): Which is paid to the poor and needy once every year."
5- Hajj --- Visiting The Ka'aba
It is compulsory for a Muslim to visit Allah's house (Al-Ka'aba) in Makkah (some spell it as Mecca) in Saudi Arabia at least one time in his life and during the Hajj month. However, if the Muslim is incapable financially or due to health problems then he is excused and Allah knows better. The experience visiting Al-Ka'aba is phenomenal and can not be described in words. So to avoid any confusion, there is a specific month in a year that Muslims can perform Hajj in and if a Muslim visits the house of Allah any other time then it is considered as Omrah.
"Hajj: Which is the pilgrimage to Makkah once in a lifetime if one is physically able and can afford it financially."
In conclusion, the five points explained above were the main basics of Islam. A Muslim should first believe that Allah is the one and only God and that Mohammed (Peace be upon him) is his messenger. A Muslim should also perform the five prayers everyday and fast throughout Ramadhan unless he/ she has health problems, etc. Furthermore, a Muslim should give charity to the poor when capable of doing so and last but not least, a Muslim should perform Hajj at least once in his life if capable of doing so.
Note* Sentences in Italics style is from IslamWay to provide reliable evidence.
Written & assembled by Odali --- 16th February 2006
