The Bare Essentials of Islam

This is a topic of considerable intimidation to most people I know, myself included. But when I was asked in my history class if I knew the fundamental pillars of Islam or the major differences between Muslim sects, I was rather embarrassed to reply largely in the negative. For this reason, and because I feel it is vitally important for us as both Americans and Christians to understand at least the basics of Islam (although it is to my shame I haven't undergone this study previously), I've decided to learn a few valuable facts about this religion. So please, I'd love to have you come along and study with me, if you will.

Here are the Five Pillars of Islam. These would be the essential practices a Muslim must perform in order to be allowed in paradise after death.

1. Belief in God and his prophet Muhammad. This would mean that Allah is the Creator of everything, and Muhammad is his last messenger.
2. Prayer. Muslims are required to pray 5 five times a day, with the first at dawn and the last after sunset. These reverent, obligatory prayers include facing east toward Mecca, saying select Arabic recitations, and bowing to the ground. Extra prayers consist of praying for things like daily needs, protection, health, etc. and earn followers more rewards in paradise. If a scheduled prayer is missed, a Muslim is allowed to make it up at another time.
3. Fasting during the month of Ramadan. Islamic believers fast from food and drink sun up to sun down during Ramadan, but are allowed to break the fast while the sun is down.
4. Giving of alms to the poor. Charity is considered a form of worship.
5. Pilgrimage to Mecca. All Muslims who are able to are required to travel to Mecca and perform worship and ritual sacrifice. If, for possibly economic or health reasons, a Muslim is not able to make the pilgrimage, another Muslim can do it in his place.