Describe the Five Pillars of Islam History and Beliefs of Islam
The religion of Islam plays a major role in the history of the Middle East. More than one billion people worldwide practice Islam. It is one of the fastest growing major religions. About 15 percent of Muslims (followers of Islam) live in countries in the Middle East. Many Muslims live in Asia and Africa, as well. In fact, Muslims live in nearly every country in the world.

Early Life of Muhammad
Muhammad, the leader who established Islam, was born in 570 CE in Mecca. Today that city is in Saudi Arabia. After the deaths of his parents, he was raised by his grandfather and uncle. As a teenager, Muhammad worked on trade caravans. He carried goods to trade centers. He was known for his good character and trustworthiness. In his twenties, Muhammad married Khadija, a wealthy merchant for whom he had worked. They had six children together.

Origins of Islam
Muhammad was unhappy with the greediness of the people in Mecca. He did not like the way those living in poverty were treated. He also disliked the idol-worshipping religion being practiced in the region. He began to go out into the countryside to meditate. One day in 610 CE, when he was meditating, a figure came to him and asked to recite. To Muhammad’s surprise, he began to speak words unfamiliar to him. Muhammad believed that the figure was an angel. After several more visits from the angel, Muhammad began preaching to people in Mecca. He shared the words that had come to him. These words were later recorded in the
Qur’an, the holy book of Islam.

Many people in Mecca didn’t want to hear Muhammad’s message. He preached about one god, Allah, instead of the many idols that the people were used to worshipping. In 622 CE, Muhammad and his followers left Mecca. They traveled to another city that eventually was renamed Medina. The name means “city of the prophet.” Here, he spread the word of the religion that was named Islam.

Before Muhammad’s death in 632 CE, many people living in the Arabian Peninsula had become Muslims. The religion slowly spread across the Indian subcontinent, northern Africa, Europe, and other parts of the world. Today, there are several different branches of Islam.

The Five Pillars of Islam
Muslims express their faith by following the Five Pillars of Islam. These are religious practices and rituals. The first pillar is the Declaration of Faith, also called the shahada. During their daily prayers, Muslims repeat this statement: “There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is his messenger.” Prayer, or salat, is the second pillar. Muslims pray five times a day. As they pray, they face in the direction of Mecca. The third pillar is charity, or zakat. Muslims are required to give a portion of their income to people who are living in poverty.

Fasting, or sawm, is the fourth pillar. Muhammad’s meetings with the angelic figure began during the month of Ramadan. This is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar. So, during this month, Muslims fast, or refrain from eating. They do not eat any food or drink any liquid from dawn to sunset. They also abstain from negative thoughts or actions. They spend time reading from the Qur’an.

The fifth pillar of Islam is the pilgrimage to Mecca, or hajj. At least once in their lives, Muslims are expected to travel to Mecca if they are physically and financially able. The hajj usually lasts for five days. It occurs during the tenth month of the Muslim calendar.