What are the major teachings and practices of the Islam religion?

The Arabic word 'Islam' means peace, submission and obedience. The religion%0D%0Aof Islam is the complete acceptance of the teachings and guidance of Allah%0D%0ATa'ala as revealed to His Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam). A Muslim is%0D%0Aone who believes in Allah and strives to arrange his life according to His%0D%0Aorders according to teachings of Muhammad (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam).%0D%0A%0D%0AThere are five pillars of Islam which are the fundamental tenets of Islam:%0D%0A1. The declaration of faith: To bear witness that there is none worthy of%0D%0Aworship except Allah and that Muhammad (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) is His%0D%0Amessenger to all human beings till the day of Qiyaamat.%0D%0A2. Prayers: Daily prayers are offered five times a day as a duty towards%0D%0AAllah. They strengthen and enliven the belief in Allah and inspire man to a%0D%0Ahigher morality. They purify the heart and prevent temptation towards wrong%0D%0Adoings and evils.%0D%0A3. Fasting in the month of Ramadhaan: During the month of Ramadhaan (ninth%0D%0Amonth of the lunar calendar) abstain from food and drink and sexual%0D%0Aintercourse from dawn to sunset. It teaches love, sincerity and devotion. It%0D%0Adevelops a sound social conscious, patience, unselfishness and willpower.%0D%0A4. Zakaat: For one who has the required amount of wealth to pay annually%0D%0A2.5% of one's net saving on which a year has passed as a religious duty and%0D%0Apurifying same to be spent on poorer sections of the community.%0D%0A5. Pilgrimage to Makkah: It is to be performed once in a life time if one%0D%0Acan afford it financially and physically.%0D%0A%0D%0Aand Allah Ta'ala Knows Best%0D%0A%0D%0AMufti Ebrahim Desai%0D%0AFATWA DEPT.