Proclaim your faith in Allah by saying "There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is his messenger." This profession of faith, called Shahadah, is the first pillar of Islam. Anyone who recites this statement out loud and with total sincerity in front of witnesses has fulfilled the requirements to become a Muslim.

Pray five times per day at the prescribed intervals: before sunrise, midday, late afternoon, just after sunset and evening. This ritual prayer, called Salat, is the second pillar of Islam. Learn how to perform Salat by attending a mosque with other Muslims and watching what they do. You must complete ritual washing, called wudhu, before beginning prayer.

Donate 2.5 percent of your total wealth each year to benefit the poor. Zakat, or giving alms, is the third pillar. Muslims practice Zakat as a way to contribute to the social good, give thanks to Allah for the riches he has given and recognize that people should not cling to material possessions.

Fast during daylight hours for the entire holy month of Ramadan to practice the fourth pillar of Islam. Fasting, called Sawm, facilitates a state of deep worship for Muslims and offers the opportunity to improve self-discipline. Follow the principles of Sawm by avoiding all food and drink, smoking and sexual activity between sunrise and sunset during Ramadan.

Make a pilgrimage to Mecca to achieve the fifth pillar of Islam. Pilgrimage, known as Hajj, manifests the unity of Islamic faith. All adults who have the ability to travel are required to go to Mecca at least once in their lives. During Hajj, Muslims worship and renew their relationship with Allah. When going on the pilgrimage, wear simple white clothes called Ihram. Do not attempt to enter Mecca if you are not Muslim, for it is not permitted.

Eliminate all alcohol and pork from your diet. In addition to practicing the five pillars, these dietary restrictions are an important part of the Muslim faith. The Quran reads: “They ask you regarding wine and gambling. Say, in both of them is major sin." Muslims believe intoxication clouds the mind and harms your relationship with Allah and with one another. The Quran also forbids eating pork: "Forbidden to you are: dead meat, blood, the flesh of swine...."


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