What are the major teachings and practices of the Islam religion?

The Arabic word 'Islam' means peace, submission and obedience. The religion of Islam is the complete acceptance of the teachings and guidance of Allah Ta'ala as revealed to His Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam). A Muslim is one who believes in Allah and strives to arrange his life according to His orders according to teachings of Muhammad (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam).

There are five pillars of Islam which are the fundamental tenets of Islam: 1. The declaration of faith: To bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) is His messenger to all human beings till the day of Qiyaamat.
2. Prayers: Daily prayers are offered five times a day as a duty towards Allah. They strengthen and enliven the belief in Allah and inspire man to a higher morality. They purify the heart and prevent temptation towards wrong doings and evils.
3. Fasting in the month of Ramadhaan: During the month of Ramadhaan (ninth month of the lunar calendar) abstain from food and drink and sexual intercourse from dawn to sunset. It teaches love, sincerity and devotion. It develops a sound social conscious, patience, unselfishness and willpower. 4. Zakaat: For one who has the required amount of wealth to pay annually 2.5% of one's net saving on which a year has passed as a religious duty and purifying same to be spent on poorer sections of the community. 5. Pilgrimage to Makkah: It is to be performed once in a life time if one can afford it financially and physically.

and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best

Mufti Ebrahim Desai
FATWA DEPT.