Five Pillars (2)

Zakat

Zakat is an obligatory levy given to the poor. Once a year all eligible Muslims pay two and a half percent Zakat on their savings. Zakat is given to those who are in need, it can be paid in money or in kind. Those people who cannot afford to pay Zakat are exempted from it and would instead receive it, thus creating a balance in wealth and preventing poverty. Zakat can be paid at any time during the year.

Sawm (Fasting)

Fasting is done during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, called Ramadan. Muslims all over the world fast from first twilight till sunset, not eating or drinking during the daylight hours. Whilst it is only obligatory on adults, children usually also like to observe the fast with their families. This is done for the whole month. There are many benefits of fasting, this includes health and self control, while a Muslim fasts they must refrain from anger and any form of aggression. More time must be spent worshiping and reciting from the Qur'an.

During this month special prayers are held every night called Tarawih, during which time a lot of Qur'an is recited. Tarawih prayers can be held in Mosques or at home.

During the last ten nights, there is one special night called Laylat-ul-Qadr (The Night of Power). On this night Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was meditating in the cave of Hira when the first verses of the Qur'an were revealed to him by the angel Jibreel. From this day on over the next twenty-three years the prophet was receiving the revelations.

Muslims try to worship all night if possible, it is mentioned in the Qur'an :

1. We revealed it on the Night of Power.
2. Ah, what will convey onto thee what the Night of Power is!
3. The Night of Power is better than a thousand months.
4. The angels and the Spirits descend therein,
5. By the permission of their Lord, with all decrees.
6. (That night is) Peace until the rising of dawn.

Surah 97

At the end of Ramadan Muslims all over the world celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr (see festivals).