The “pillars” or “main actions” of Islam. In Sunni Islam (and also recognised in Shi’a Islam) there are five basic actions that Muslims should undertake:

• Shahadah: the declaration of faith in Arabic, which says, “there is no god except Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah”;
• Salat (or salah): prayer;
• Zakat (or zakah): giving to charity;
• Sawm: fasting during the 9th month of the Muslim calendar (called Ramadan) from just before dawn until sunset. No food or drink (including water) are allowed, and no smoking or sexual relations;
• Hajj: the annual pilgrimage to Makkah which all healthy Muslims should complete at least once in their life.

There are variations of basic beliefs and practices across the Muslim world, but these five pillars feature in most Muslims’ lives.