The word Islam comes from an Arabic word that means purity, acceptance and commitment to the teachings and guidance of God. There are five main articles of faith that, regardless of the Islamic sect to which one belongs, are the basis of Islamic faith and practice. There is no God but Allah and Mohammed is his prophet. The absolute monotheism of Islam is a core principle. It is difficult for Muslims to conceive of the Trinity.
Prayer is both praise and supplication.
Charity is at the heart and core of Islamic living. A portion is allocated to the poor, another to maintaining a wide range of facilities such as educational institutions and places of worship. During the month of Ramadan, Muslims are expected to fast during the daylight hours, eating only after sunset. This is a time of reflection, it teaches discipline, it underscores dependency on God by showing human frailty and it teaches them to appreciate their own needs thereby challenging them to respond to the needs of others. While Muslims are expected to fast during this period, like our Jewish brothers and sisters on Yom Kippur and other fast days, human compassion overrides any concept of theological necessity.