1. SHAHAADAH - TO DECLARE THE FAITH

1.1 The Shahaadah is: "There is no god but Almighty Allah, Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is the Messenger of Almighty Allah."
1.2 It is also called the "Kalimah Tayyibah."
1.3 Shahaadah is the first duty of a Muslim.
1.4 To be a Muslim, one must read and believe in the Shahaadah.
1.5 When we recite the Kalimah, we declare that Almighty Allah is our Maker and our Lord.
1.6 We must do everything that Almighty Allah has commanded us to do.
1.7 It is Almighty Allah who has created us and the entire world.
1.8 We also declare, when we recite the Shahaadah, that our Nabi Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is our leader and the most perfect example to follow.
1.9 He is the final and greatest Messenger of Almighty Allah.
1.10 We cannot obey Almighty Allah if we do not follow what our Nabi Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) has taught us.
1.11 A Muslim who reads and believes in the Shahaadah must do good deeds and keep away from bad deeds.

2. SALAAH - TO READ THE FIVE DAILY SALAAH

The second most important duty of a Muslim is Salaah.
Salaah is the five daily prayers which a Muslim must perform.

2.1 Why do we Read Salaah?
2.1.1 Salaah helps us to remember Almighty Allah.
2.1.2 It reminds us that we are Almighty Allah's servants.
2.1.3 Salaah brings us closer to Almighty Allah.
2.1.4 It helps us to obey Almighty Allah.
2.1.5 Salaah helps us to be good Muslims.
2.1.6 Salaah helps us to do good deeds.
2.1.7 It saves us from bad deeds.
2.1.8 Salaah helps us to build up a good character.
2.1.9 You cannot be a proper Muslim if you do not read your Salaah.

2.2 What are the Names of the Five Daily Salaah?
The names of the five daily Salaah are:
2.2.1 Fajr Salaah
2.2.2 Zohar Salaah
2.2.3 Asar Salaah
2.2.4 Maghrib Salaah
2.2.5 Esha Salaah

3. ZAKAAH - TO GIVE THE WELFARE DUE TO THE POOR

Zakaah is the third pillar of Islam.

3.1 What is Zakaah?
3.1.1 Just as Salaah is an act of Ibaadah (worship), so is Zakaah an act of Ibaadah.
3.1.2 Zakaah is to give part of your wealth to your fellow Muslim brothers and sisters who are poor, needy, hungry and cannot manage.

3.2 Why must we give Zakaah?
3.2.1 The word "Zakaah" means "to clean". Zakaah cleans our wealth and our hearts.
3.2.2 Zakaah makes us think about the poor Muslims.
3.2.3 It prevents us from being greedy and selfish.
3.2.4 When we give Zakaah, we come closer to Almighty Allah.
3.2.5 We remember that all our wealth belongs to Almighty Allah.
3.2.6 It teaches us that money must be used for the good of other Muslims too.
3.2.7 Zakaah brings the rich closer to the poor.

3.3 Who must give Zakaah?
3.3.1 Those Muslims who have more money than they can spend must give Zakaah.
3.3.2 Zakaah is given every year.

4. SAUM - FASTING IN THE MONTH OF RAMADAAN

Saum is the fourth pillar of Islam.

4.1 What is Saum?
Saum is fasting in the Month of Ramadaan.

4.2 What do we do when we keep Fast?
We do not eat or drink during the day. We also be at our best behaviour.

4.3 When does Fasting begin?
Fasting begins at daybreak and ends at sunset. We must fast each day in the Month of Ramadaan.

4.4 Why must we keep Fast?
4.4.1 Fasting is a Blessing from Almighty Allah.
4.4.2 It makes us remember Almighty Allah.
4.4.3 It helps to make us better Muslims.
4.4.4 Fasting helps us to think about the poor and hungry people.
4.4.5 Fasting will protect us from the Fire of Hell.

4.5 What else is Special about the Month of Ramadaan?
4.5.1 We have a meal before dawn called "Sehri."
4.5.2 We have "Iftaar". Iftaar is to eat when the sun has set.
4.5.3 After the Esha Salaah we read a special Salaah called "Taraweeh Salaah."
4.5.4 "Laylatul Qadr" is a very special night given to us by Almighty Allah. It comes in the Month of Ramadaan.
4.5.5 This is a great night, full of Blessings from Almighty Allah and is better than a thousand months.
4.5.6 Muslims should stay awake the whole night and read special Salaah.
4.5.7 During this night, we must read the Holy Quran and ask forgiveness from Almighty Allah.

4.6 What Festival follows the Month of Ramadaan?
4.6.1 The festival after the Month of Ramadaan is called "Eid-ul-Fitr."
4.6.2 This is a day of great joy and happiness.
4.6.3 We thank Almighty Allah for Blessing us with the Month of Ramadaan.
4.6.4 We ask Almighty Allah to guide us and keep us good Muslims in all the other months of the year.
4.6.5 On Eid day we wear new clothes and go to the masjid.
4.6.6 The children receive presents and gifts from their parents and elders.
4.6.7 On this day, we must also think of the poor and the needy.
4.6.8 We meet and visit friends and relatives.

5. HAJJ - PILGRIMAGE TO MAKKATUL MUKARRAMAH

Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam.

5.1 What is Hajj?
Hajj is to visit the Holy Kaaba in the city of Makkatul Mukarramah. Hajj is to make special Ibaadah.

5.2 When do Muslims go for Hajj?
5.2.1 Muslims go for Hajj during the Islamic Month of Zil Hajj.
5.2.2 Those Muslims who can afford it must go for Hajj at least once in their life-time.

5.3 What does Hajj teach us?
5.3.1 Hajj is an act of Ibaadah and makes us think about Almighty Allah and our Nabi Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).
5.3.2 It teaches us to give up our comforts, our time and our wealth for the sake of Almighty Allah.
5.3.3 During Hajj, Muslims from all over the world meet each other. Hajj teaches us that all Muslims are equal.

5.4 What is "Baitullah"?
5.4.1 The Holy Kaaba is also called "Baitullah" or "The House of Almighty Allah."
5.4.2 Muslims face the Holy Kaaba when they are reading their Salaah.

5.5 Which other city do Muslims visit when on Hajj?
5.5.1 Muslims also visit Madinatul Munawwarah which is the City of our Nabi Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).
5.5.2 They visit Masjid-un-Nabi and send Salaams to our Nabi Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).

5.6 When is "Eid-ul-Adha" celebrated?
5.6.1 The festival of "Eid-ul-Adha" is also celebrated during Hajj.
5.6.2 On this day, Muslims all over the world offer "Qurbani" or "Sacrifice" of an animal, which is the Sunnah of Nabi Ebrahim (alayhis salaam) and Nabi Isma'il (alayhis salaam).