Five fundamental tenets of Islam believers

Firstly, professing the faith - Shahada

Professing th faith - the Shahada aims to affirm each believer’s faith in their religion, in Allah, and in Muhammad - the last messenger of God. The complete Shahada states: “I acknowledge that there is no god but Allah and I testify that Muhammad is His messenger”. The Shahada testimony is the sole and necessary condition for a person to become a Muslim or convert to Islam.

This testimony is uttered five times a day, during the prayers of every Islam believer. Shahada is the first thing communicated to a newborn child and the last thing said to a dying person.

Secondly, praying - Salah

Before performing the prayer ritual, every Islam believer must cleanse themselves by washing their hands, face and feet. Praying should be offered five times a day, at the following times: before sunrise, at noon after the sun has passed its zenith, in the afternoon before sunset, after sunset and in the evening.

Islam believers can practice prayer anywhere, such as at work, school,… However, mosques remain the preferred places of prayer for Islam believers because they are considered suitable for performing religious acts.

Thirdly, giving alms - Zakat

Every Islam believers is required to set aside a portion of their wealth to help the Muslim community, the poor and the destitute in society. Zakat is a mandatory obligatory practice for all believers capable of fulfilling it, at the same time it is also a personal responsibility of each Muslim in the effort to eliminate wealth inequality and injustice from society.

Fourthly, fasting - Sawm

Fasting takes place throughout the month of Ramadan, a fasting period according to the Islamic calendar. Islam believers will fast from before sunrise until sunset. During this period, Islam believers are not allowed to put anything in their mouths (including eating, drinking, smoking, or even speaking ill of others) and they must absolutely avoid sexual acts.

The fasting process serves to remind Muslims that all people are blessed by Allah and that there are less fortunate people in society who need their help. The month of Ramadan is a time for Muslims to strengthen their religious faith, perform acts of charity and confess their sins.

Fiftly, pilgrimage - Hajj

In their lifetime, every Islam believer, if able, they will undertake a pilgrimage to Mecca during the 12^th month of the Islamic calendar. When visiting Mecca, male pilgrims are only allowed to wear simple robes, while female pilgrims wear more modest clothing than their everyday attire. This is said to be a reminder that all people are equal before Allah.

After making their way to Mecca, these Islam believers are referred to as Hajj (for men) and Hajja (for women) to signify that they have completed the pilgrimage.

Throughout their lives, the Cham people in An Giang province have always adhered to these five fundamental tenets as a core part of their Islamic faith, with the aim of expressing reverence and obedience to Allah, seeking guidance, forgiveness and blessings in life./.