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** Origianlly joined YouTube in June 2006 -- (Formerly Bryan760) **
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شهد أن لا إله إلاَّ الله و أشهد أن محمد رسول الله

The 5 pillars of Islam:

Shahada, the testimony of faith is the most important and the First pillar of Islam. Said with conviction one may become Muslim:

"'aڑhadu 'al-lā ilāha illā-llāhu wa 'aڑhadu 'anna muħammadan rasūlu-llāh" -- "I bear witness that there is no deity (none truly to be worshiped) but, Allah, and I bear witness that Mohammad is the messenger of Allah"

Allah - glory be to Him - is the only true God, Who alone deserves to be worshiped, since He is the Giver of life and Sustainer and Nourisher of mankind and all creation with His unlimited bounties. Man must worship Allah, Who alone is worthy of worship.

It is not sufficient for anyone to only utter this testimony (shahada) orally either in private or in public but rather he/she must believe with the whole heart, a firm conviction, and unshakable faith. If one is truly sincere and complies with the teachings of Islam in all his life, he will find himself a new born person.

The other 4 pillars of Islam are as follows:

Salah -- Prayer:

It is obligatory upon all Muslims to pray the 5 daily prayers. (I would also add that missed prayers can be made up.) These prayers comprise of the morning prayer, mid-day, afternoon, sunset, and evening prayers.

Zakat -- Charitable contributions:

It is important to give of what we have to those who are less fortunate. We must remember that this is between "us", Allah, and to whom we are contributing to. We must never boast about what we give. Each Muslim calculates his or her own Zakat individually. For most purposes this involves the payment each year of two and a half percent of one's capital.

Sawm -- Fasting:

Every year during the month of Ramadan, all Muslims fast from sunrise until sunset. This means abstaining from food, drink, and relations with ones spouse. (Note: there are also other days during the year that Muslims must fast. Those who are sick are not required to take part in the fast, but must make up an equal number of days when they are able.)

Hajj -- Pilgrimage to Makkah:

"The rites of the hajj, which are of Abrahamic origin, include going around the Ka'bah seven times, and going seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa as did Hagar (Hajir, Abraham's wife) during her search for water. The pilgrims later stand together on the wide plains of 'Arafat (a large expanse of desert outside Makkah) and join in prayer for God's forgiveness, in what is often thought as a preview of the Day of Judgment."

During Haj we duplicate what our Messenger (pbuh) did out of reverence and respect for our Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham). (Note: The Hajj is not a requirement for those who are sick, or for financial reasons can not make this journey.)

I would like to note that what I have explained here is a much abbreviated version of the 5 Pillars of Islam. In actuality, it would take many pages to explain what I have tried to explain here. I would encourage those who would like to learn more to contact their local Mosque, or many of the valuable resources which are available online.

It is most important to realize that Allah did not give to us a way of life and a religion that is too hard for us to follow. He does allow exceptions for circumstances beyond our control. Those who follow the 5 pillars of Islam will find that they lead a more happy and productive life, and a oneness with Allah (God) that can not be achieved in any other way.

Remember our brothers and sisters in Palestine!

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "The relationship of the believer towards the people of faith is like that of the head to the body. The believer feels the pain of the people of faith just as the body feels the pain of the head."