Lecture 1.1: The pillars of Islam

•The Messenger of Allah stated that Islam is based on five (things):

•1. The Shahadah (testimony): Lâ ilâha illa-Allah, Muhammadur Rasulullah (None has the right to be worshipped but Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah).

•2. Iqamat-as-Salát (to offer the compulsory congregational prayers properly and punctually).

•3. To pay Zakat (Zakât is mandatory charity. When a Muslim owns 85 grams of gold or its equivalent in cash, 2.5% must be paid after possessing this quantity for a year. Zakâtis also due on other forms of property).

•4. Hajj (the greater pilgrimage to the House of Allah in Makkah) for whoever is able to do so.

•5. To observe Sawm (fasting during the month of Ramadhân): [With the intention to abstain from the start of dawn until sunset from food, drink and everything else which breaks (invalidates) the fast].