1. Shahada: the Muslim profession of faith

2. Salat: a prayer ritual performed five times a day by all Muslims older than 10.

Salat is very different from praying on the inspiration of the moment. A precise ritual is followed at 5 separate times of day that are set aside for devotion:

* Between first light and sunrise * After the sun has passed the middle of the sky * Between mid-afternoon and sunset * Between sunset and the last light of the day * Between darkness and dawn

Having specific times each day to be close to Allah helps Muslims remain aware of the importance of their faith, and the role it plays in every part of life.

3. Sawm: abstaining each day during Ramadan, the ninth Muslim month

Sawm is usually described as fasting, but it actually involves abstaining from all bodily pleasures between dawn and sunset. Not only is food forbidden, but also things like smoking, chewing gum, and any sexual activity.

Muslims must also make sure that they do not do or think anything evil.

Sawm is said to help Muslims develop self-control and gain a better understanding of God’s gifts and greater compassion towards the deprived.

4. Zakat: giving alms to the poor.

This is a compulsory gift of 2.5 percent of one’s savings each year in addition to any charitable gifts a Muslim makes.

Giving in this way is intended to free Muslims from the love of money. It reminds them that everything they have really belongs to God.

5. Hajj: the pilgrimage to Mecca that each physically able Muslim should make at least once in his or her life. Mecca is the most holy place for Muslims.

Source: bbc.co.uk