There are five simple but essential observances that all practicing Muslims accept and follow. These Pillars of Islam represent the core that unites all Muslims. 1) The Declaration of Faith A Muslim is one who testifies that none deserves worship but Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah. This declaration is known as the shahada (witness, testimony). Allah is the Arabic name for God, just as Yahweh is the Hebrew name for God. By making this simple proclamation one becomes a Muslim. The proclamation affirms Islams absolute belief in the oneness of God, His exclusive right to be worshipped, as well as the doctrine that associating anything else with God is the one unforgivable sin as we read in the Koran: God does not forgive anyone for associating something with Him, while He does forgive whomever He wishes to for anything else. Anyone who gives God partners has invented an awful sin. (Quran 4:48) The second part of the testimony of faith states that Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, is a prophet of God like Abraham, Moses and Jesus before him. Muhammad brought the last and final revelation. In accepting Muhammad as the seal of the prophets, Muslims believe that his prophecy confirms and fulfills all of the revealed messages, beginning with Adams. In addition, Muhammad serves as the role model through his exemplary life. A believers effort to follow Muhammads example reflects the emphasis of Islam on practice and action. 2) The Prayer (Salah) Muslims worship five times a day: at daybreak, noon, mid afternoon, sunset, and evening. It helps keep believers mindful of God in the stress of work and family. It resets the spiritual focus, reaffirms total dependence on God, and puts worldly concerns within the perspective of the last judgment and the afterlife. The prayers consist of standing, bowing, kneeling, putting the forehead on the ground, and sitting. The Prayer is a means in which a relationship between God and His creation is maintained. It includes recitations from the Quran, praises of God, prayers for forgiveness and other various supplications. The prayer is an expression of submission, humility, and adoration of God. Prayers can be offered in any clean place, alone or together, in a mosque or at home, at work or on the road, indoors or out. It is preferable to pray with others as one body united in the worship of God, demonstrating discipline, brotherhood, equality, and solidarity. As they pray, Muslims face Mecca, the holy city centered around the Kaaba - the house of God built by Abraham and his son Ishmael. 3) The Compulsory Charity (Zakah) In Islam, the true owner of everything is God, not man. People are given wealth as a trust from God. Zakah is worship and thanksgiving to God by supporting the poor, and through it ones wealth is purified.. It requires an annual contribution of 2.5 percent of an individuals wealth and assets. Therefore, Zakahis not mere charity, it is an obligation on those who have received their wealth from God to meet the needs of less fortunate members of the community. Zakahis used to support the poor and the needy, help those in