Islam is a monotheistic religion — Allah (God) is the sole god, the creator, sustainer, and restorer of the world. The overall purpose of humanity is to serve Allah, to worship Him alone, and to construct a moral lifestyle. The Five Pillars of Islam were set down as the anchor for life as a Muslim. A Muslim should express belief in them and uphold them in daily life.

The five pillars are:

• Profession of faith. There is no God, but God; Muhammad is the prophet of God. Sometimes a variation is used: There is no God, but God and Muhammad is his prophet.

• Prayer. A Muslim must pray five times a day facing Mecca: before sunrise, just after noon, later in the afternoon, immediately before sunset, and after dark.

• The Zakat. Each Muslim must pay a zakat (an obligatory tax paid once a year) to the state government.

• Fasting. A Muslim must fast for the month of Ramadan (the ninth Muslim month). Fasting begins at daybreak and ends at sunset. During the fasting day eating, drinking, smoking, and sexual intercourse are forbidden.

• Hajj. “Hajj” means “pilgrimage.” A Muslim must make a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in his lifetime, provided he is physically and financially able.