________________
The Principles and Practices of Islam According to Islamic doctrine, every individual [the follower of Islam) must have faith in Almighty Allah and his prophets. It is believed that a day of judgment will come when Allah will hold each human being accountable for his actions. On that day people will be judged according to their good or evil deeds.
The Five Pillars of Islam
There are five obligatory practices that are foundational to the Islamic faith. These are known as the five pillars:
1. Kalimai Taiyab or Shahada: This is the proclamation and confession that Allah is the one and only true God, and that Muhammad Sahab is the prophet of God. It is expected to be a public testimony of commitment made by each Muslim. This is also called Kalima, and it corresponds with the Vedic term dharma mantra.
2. Namaj (also referred to as Salat or Ritual Prayer): Five times each day there is obligatory prayer. This is preceded by ritual purification of the body by washing with water. The followers of Islam must go to a mosque every Friday to perform the afternoon prayers.
3. Roza or Sawm: This is the daily fast during the holy month of Ramajan (Ramadan). It is believed that the Divine
234
