Hajj

Hajj is the fifth and final pillar of faith. It is a pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca that every Muslim is expected to make at least once in their lifetime.
First, the pilgrims walk counter-clockwise seven times around the Ka'bah, either kissing or touching the stone. Next, they run seven times between the hills of As-Safa and Al-Marwah. This action is symbolic of Hagar's search for water and the miracle of the well, Zamzam. After spending the night at the village of Mina, pilgrims take the next step, the wakuf, together. They meet at the plain of Arafat, about six miles from Mecca. From noon to sunset, they pray quietly. Next, they climb a small mountain called the Mount of Mercy, and they ask God's forgiveness for their sins. They spend the night at Muzdalifah.
Afterwards, they return to the village of Mina where the ritual of "stoning the devil" takes place. Followers gather pebbles which they throw at three pillars. This is symbolic of Abraham throwing stones at the Devil who had disturbed his prayers. On the tenth day, animal sacrifices - sheep or goat - are carried out. Finally, the pilgrimage again goes seven times around the Ka'bah. (Credit to http://www.waupun.k12.wi.us/Policy/other/dickhut/religions/31%20Five%20Pillars%20of%20Islam.html for those two paragraphs)
After the pilgrimage is complete, a 4 day festival is conducted.

People gathered in Mecca

Sawm

Sawm is the fourth pillar of faith. Sawm tells people to fast during the Arabic month of Ramadan. During Ramadan, people may not eat or drink from dawn until sunset. After sunset, only light snacks are allowed. At the end of Ramadan, a big festival is held, in which parties are thrown and gifts are given to friends and family members. It is considered by some to be the most demanding pillar of Islam.

Food and Drinks are not allowed during Sawm

Zakat

Zakat (also spelled as Zakzt) is the third pillar of faith. Also known in English as Almsgiving, it shows one's caring for others by giving food, clothes and other necessities to the less fortunate, such as the poor or sick. This shows kindness towards other people.

Salat

Salat is the second pillar of faith. It is a prayer that is said 5 times daily: at dawn, noon, afternoon, evening and sunset. When saying the prayer, the person faces toward the city of Mecca. Each prayer has different positions in which it is said. People can pray alone or in groups.

People praying in Salat

Shahada

Shahada is a brief prayer. It proclaims one's faith in God. It simply states that Allah is the only God, and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah. Children learn to memorize Shahada at a young age.

Shahada in Arabic text

Overview

The 5 Pillars of Faith (Also known as the 5 Pillars of Islam) are five obligations that represent the duties of a Muslim. Read on for more information.