The 5 pillars of Islam are a lifestyle for a believer to share with the rest of the Muslim community worshiping God. But, like any other religions, one practices in their own unique way and may not follow each of these pillars exactly how they are written to be followed.
Shahada
There is no God but Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of God.
Within this phrase, there are two different ideas proclaimed. One being the belief that there is only one god and that God is Allah. The second is the belief that Muhammad was God's way of sharing his words and teachings to humans. This statement, if spoken with true faith, signifies one's joining with the larger community and is required of anyone who desires to convert to the religion.
Salat
The prayers are done facing Mecca where the Kaaba is. Prayers are celebrated in the morning when the sun rises (Fajr), noon (Dhuhr), midafternoon (Asr), while the suns going down (Maghrib) and lastly, after dark (Isha). During the prayers, there is a routine of movements that one completes. While Muslims can practice their prayer anywhere, some may prefer the mosque because of the community.
A picture of a community of Muslims praying.
Zakat
The amount donated by the believer is 2.5% of income and/or assets. It is used for the good of the community, and not necessarily just the immediate community of the giver. If someone doesn't have the finances for a payment, he or she can volunteer or help others to fulfill the zakat. Giving zakat continues to build the importance of community in the believers life.
Sawm for Ramadan
For one month, the ninth month of the Muslim calendar, one fasts from sunrise to sunset. Fasting involves cutting out all food and drink as well as other pleasures one may desire. This is completed in order to be able to relate to the suffering of the poor and remind one of the desire to help the less fortunate. It is also for the purification of the body for God.
The Hajj
The Hajj is to be completed before the end of a believer's life if health and funds support the trip to the city Mecca in Saudi Arabia, during the twelfth month of the Muslim calendar. The Kaaba, a holy place of worship, is in Mecca. On arrival for the pilgrimage, every person changes attire so that all pilgrims look the same regardless of wealth, title, race, etc. Then, as a community, they complete various rites. The Hajj is a much more arduous trip than many may suspect looking from the outside in including long trips on foot to the various sacred tasks, including drinking water from the Zamzam well and throwing rocks at pillars representing the pilgrims fighting the devil out of their lives.
This is an amazing picture of the millions of people that come from all around the world to participate in the pilgrimage. They circumambulate the Kaaba in prayer.
A fun, catchy song to learn more about the 5 pillars and remember them!
Sources:
salat image: https://images.app.goo.gl/8XCHfF8uEmpP4Afi8
hajj image: https://images.app.goo.gl/M4YpZrkT5rtjkkaT7