This simple declaration of faith is called the Shahadah, a simple formula that all the faithful pronounce. Prayer is the second pillar of faith. Salah is the name of the obligatory prayers that are performed five times a day, and are a direct link between the worshipper and God. There is no hierarchical authority in Islam and there are no priests. Prayers are led by a learned person who knows the Qur'an and is generally chosen by the congregation.
Prayer times vary according to sunrise and sunset and are listed in the daily newspapers.
An important principle of Islam is that everything belongs to God and that wealth is therefore held by human beings in trust. The work Zakat means both purification and growth . Our possessions are purified by setting aside a proportion for those in need and for the society in general. Like the pruning of plants, this cutting back balances and encourages new growth. Each Muslim calculates his or her own Zakat individually.