(First Pillar) There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is the prophet of Allah. This is the Shahada, which is the first pillar of the Islamic faith. In order to become a Muslim, one must say these words. Even though, I am Muslim, I say the Shahada many times a day. I say it because my mom told me to say this whenever I feel sad, angry, or depressed. The reason being because during times or hardship when one remembers Allah, Allah will remember him. I believe, and it is the truth, that the Shahada is the basis and underlaying foundation of Islam. One cannot practice Islam or call himself Muslim if he does not believe in God AND that Muhammad is the messenger of God. The Shahada is of much significance of my faith, hence this is why it is the number one Pillar in Islam.
(Second Pillar) The Second Pillar of Islam is Prayer or Salat in Arabic. Prayer is the Second Pillar because in the Qu'ran it is the Pillar that is recognized the most and is believed to be the only Pillar that was ordered directly from God. I believe Salat is extremely important because I look at the five daily prayers as certain appointments that you have with God. During this time, you have a direct relationship to God to tell him anything you want and to praise him. I feel Salat is very important also because it is an active physical form of worship. I like this because unlike most other religions, Christianity for example, all you have to do is accept Jesus as your savior and try to be the best Christian you can be. Islam does not work like this. When you pray-you must prostrate so your head (the highest part of your body), touches the ground. This signifies love for God and humbleness. It shows that you are nothing but a creature that God made and he has power. You recognize this power and show your humbleness and modesty by putting your head to the ground to show that your heart, body, and mind are with him and that all the things going on in the world at that moment do not mean a thing.
