5 PILLARS OF ISLAM
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TAUHEED (SHAHADAH)
It means there is only one God who is the sole creator of this universe and the only one to be worshipped. The belief in the oneness of Allah is the first and most important pillar of Islam.
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NAMAZ (SALAT/PRAYER)
The second pillar of Islam is Salat which means prayers. It is offered five times every day. Namaz teaches us discipline, submission to Allah and unity as Muslims stand shoulder to shoulder in the leadership of one imam (leader of the prayers).
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ZAQAT (FINANCIAL HELP FOR NEEDY)
The third very important pillar of Islam is the Zaqat which deals with the social life of Muslims. Every Muslim is bound to pay zaqat i.e the surplus amount of money from his basic needs for the help of poor and needy people. This zaqat system ensure the equal distribution of wealth among the people in a society.
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SAUM (FASTING IN THE HOLY MONTH OF RAMADAN)
The fourth pillar of Islam is Saum which means to fast in the holy month of Ramadan and abstain from the materialistic needs of ourselves. Ramadan teaches to have control on ourselves and keep ourselves from evil doings. This is basically an exercise repeated every year to remind us of the virtuous path and make us firm on it.
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HAJ (PILGRIMAGE)
The last element in the pillars of Islam is Haj which means pilgrimage, that is a religious ritual performed every year in Saudi Arabia. Thousands of Muslims perform Haj every year. Haj is important because it shows the unanimity of Muslim world. Muslims from all over the world unite in Makkah to perform pilgrimage. However it is not obligatory on every Muslim only those who can afford it must perform Haj in his life.
Also listen to this beautiful voice praising the Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H).
