**Salāh** (صلاة), the second pillar of Islam, is the obligatory ritual prayer performed five times a day. It is a direct and structured form of communication with God (Allah). It acts as a spiritual bridge and a continuous reminder of God’s presence.

The prayer involves a sequence of specific postures and recitations (**Rak’ah** or units), including standing (Qiyām), bowing (Rukū‘), and prostrating (Sujūd), symbolizing total physical and spiritual submission.

The Five Daily Prayers:

The number of compulsory Rak’ah (units of prayer) for each time period:

Each prayer starts with a formal declaration of intention (**Niyyah**) and facing the **Qibla** (direction of Mecca).

Muslims pray facing the direction of the **Kaaba** (Ka‘bah) in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. This direction is called the **Qibla** (قِبلَة).

The Reason for the Qibla:

1. **Symbol of Unity:** Facing a single point ensures that Muslims worldwide, regardless of their location, stand united in prayer. It eliminates confusion and reinforces the communal bond of the global Muslim nation (**Ummah**).
2. **Fulfillment of Command:** God commanded Prophet Muhammad to face the Kaaba, the House of God rebuilt by Prophets Abraham and Ishmael, which serves as the physical center of Islamic worship.
3. **Focus, Not Worship:** It is vital to understand that Muslims **do not worship the Kaaba** itself. The Kaaba merely serves as a practical, unified marker—a focus point to gather the attention and intention of the worshippers toward the One God.

The command to face the Qibla is detailed in the Qur’an: **”So turn your face toward Al-Masjid Al-Haram (the Kaaba in Mecca)… and wherever you are, turn your faces toward it.”** (Quran 2:144)

**Zakāh** (زكاة), the third pillar, means “that which purifies.” It is an obligatory annual levy on specific forms of wealth that have reached a minimum threshold (**Niṣāb**) and have been held for one lunar year. It is a fundamental economic pillar that ensures social justice and purifies the wealth of the giver.

Mechanism and Rate:

Zakāh is typically calculated at **2.5%** of a Muslim’s net savings, gold, silver, and business inventory. It is not voluntary charity (which is called **Ṣadaqah**); it is a due right of the poor in the wealth of the rich.

Recipients (The Eight Categories):

The Qur’an mandates that Zakāh funds must be distributed to the following eight categories (Quran 9:60): [Image of the eight categories of Zakāh recipients]

1. The poor (**Fuqarā’**)
2. The needy (**Masākīn**)
3. Those employed to collect and administer the funds
4. Those whose hearts are to be reconciled (new converts)
5. To free captives and slaves
6. Those in debt
7. For the cause of God
8. The wayfarer (travelers stranded and in need)

This system ensures money is perpetually circulated to those who need it most, purifying the wealth of the giver and the community from economic stagnation.

**Sawm** (صوم), or fasting, is the fourth pillar of Islam, observed annually during the entire lunar month of **Ramadan**. It is an act of spiritual discipline commanded by God.

Rules of the Fast:

• **Timing:** Abstinence begins at the break of dawn (**Fajr**) and continues until sunset (**Maghrib**).
• **Abstinence:** Complete avoidance of food, drink, smoking, and sexual relations during the fasting hours.
• **Intention:** A sincere intention (**Niyyah**) must be made to fast for the sake of God before dawn.
• **Exemptions:** Those who are ill, elderly, traveling, or women who are pregnant, nursing, or menstruating are exempted, but must make up the missed days later.

The purpose is to cultivate **Taqwā** (God-consciousness), develop self-control, and feel empathy for the poor. The month is also marked by increased recitation of the Qur’an and extra night prayers.

The **Ḥajj** (حج) is the fifth and final pillar of Islam, the major annual pilgrimage to Mecca, which is obligatory once in a lifetime for every Muslim who is physically and financially capable.

Key Elements of the Hajj:

• **Ihrām:** Entering a sacred state marked by wearing two seamless white sheets, symbolizing equality before God.
• **Ṭawāf:** Circling the Kaaba seven times.
• **Sa’ī:** Walking/running seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah, re-enacting Hagar’s search for water.
• **Arafat:** The most crucial ritual is standing in prayer and supplication on the plain of Mount Arafat, symbolizing the Day of Judgment.
• **Stoning:** Symbolically stoning the devil (**Ramy al-Jamārāt**).

Hajj takes place over five days in the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah, concluding with the global celebration of Eid al-Adha. It is the ultimate display of global Muslim unity and a powerful act of spiritual purification.

**Umrah** (عمرة) is often referred to as the “minor pilgrimage.” It shares several rituals with Hajj but is distinct in its timing, length, and legal status.

Key Differences:

Muslims often perform Umrah outside the Hajj season, sometimes multiple times, to seek rewards, but it never replaces the obligatory Hajj. [Image of the stages of Umrah and Hajj compared]

Friday (**Yawm al-Jumu‘ah** or Day of Congregation) is considered the most sacred day of the week in Islam, often called the “master of the days.”

Jumu’ah Prayer (**Ṣalāt al-Jumu‘ah**):

• **Obligation:** The noon prayer (**Dhuhr**) on Friday is replaced by the Jumu’ah prayer, which is a **congregational obligation** for all adult, free, and resident Muslim men. Women and travelers are exempt but may attend.
• **The Khutbah (Sermon):** The prayer is preceded by a two-part sermon delivered by the Imam (prayer leader). This sermon is a vital part of the worship, providing weekly reminders, guidance, and community announcements.
• **Spiritual Reward:** The day is considered especially blessed, and the Prophet Muhammad taught that there is an hour on Friday when supplications (**Du‘ā’**) are readily accepted.

The Qur’an encourages believers to cease business and rush to the remembrance of God when the call to Jumu’ah is heard.

**Wuḍū’** (وضوء), or ablution, is the ritual washing required before performing Salāh (prayer) or touching the Qur’an. It is an act of purification known as **minor ritual purity** (**Ṭahārah**).

Steps and Significance:

1. **Intention (Niyyah):** Making the conscious intention to perform Wudu for the sake of God.
2. **Washing:** Specific washing of the face, hands up to the elbows, wiping the head (including the ears), and washing the feet up to the ankles, typically three times each.
3. **Spiritual Cleansing:** The Prophet taught that sins leave the body with the drops of water during Wudu, symbolizing a dual physical and spiritual cleansing.

If a state of **major impurity** exists (e.g., after sexual activity), a full ritual bath known as **Ghusl** is required instead of Wudu. Purity is a precondition for standing before God in prayer.

Islamic dietary laws are based on two categories: **Ḥalāl** (حلال) meaning “permissible” or “lawful,” and **Ḥarām** (حرام) meaning “forbidden” or “unlawful.” These laws govern all aspects of a Muslim’s diet.

Key Forbidden Items (**Ḥarām**):

• **Pork:** All swine products are strictly forbidden.
• **Alcohol:** All intoxicants, including alcoholic beverages and drugs, are forbidden.
• **Carrion:** Meat of animals that die of natural causes, disease, or by means other than ritual slaughter.
• **Improperly Slaughtered Meat:** Meat from an animal on which God’s name was not pronounced at the time of slaughter, or which was slaughtered incorrectly.

Permissible Items (**Ḥalāl**):

Virtually all plant-based foods, seafood, and properly slaughtered livestock (like cattle, lamb, and poultry) are considered Halal. For meat to be Halal, it must be slaughtered according to the specific method of **Dhabīḥah** (ritual slaughter), which ensures the animal is treated humanely, the name of God is invoked, and the blood is drained completely.