2) Prayer: Muslims perform five prayers a day. Each prayer does not take more than a fewminutes to perform. Prayer in Islam is a direct link between the worshipper and God. There are no intermediaries between God and the worshipper. In prayer, a person feels inner happiness, peace, and comfort, and that God is pleased with him or her. The Prophet Muhammad said: { Bilal, call (the people) to prayer, let us be comforted by it. }1 Bilal was one of Muhammad’s companions who was charged to call the people to prayers. Prayers are performed at dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset, and night. AMuslimmay pray almost anywhere, such as in fields, offices, factories, or universities. (Please visit www.islam-guide.com/prayer for more information on prayer in Islam.)2 3) GivingZakat (Support of the Needy): All things belong to God, and wealth is therefore held by human beings in trust. The original meaning of the word zakat is both ‘purification’ and ‘growth.’ Giving zakat means ‘giving a specified percentage on certain properties to certain classes of needy people.’ The percentage which is due on gold, silver, and cash funds that have reached the amount of about 85 grams of gold and held in possession for one lunar year is two and a half percent. Our possessions are purified by setting aside a small portion for those in need, and, like the pruning of plants, this cutting back balances and encourages new growth. A person may also give as much as he or she pleases as voluntary alms or charity. Chapter 3 General Information on Islam A Brief Illustrated Guide To Understanding Islam What Are the Five Pillars of Islam? 66 (1) Narrated inAbu-Dawood, #4985, andMosnad Ahmad, #22578. (2) Or refer to the book entitledA Guide to Prayer in Islamby M. A. K. Saqib. For a copy, please visit the web page mentioned above.
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