Islam is a major world religion that is based on the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad and is characterized by five pillars. These pillars are the profession of faith, prayer, fasting, almsgiving, and pilgrimage. The profession of faith is the belief in one God and the acceptance of Muhammad as his messenger. Prayer is the practice of worshipping God five times a day. Fasting is abstaining from food and drink during the daylight hours of the month of Ramadan. Almsgiving is the practice of giving to those in need. Finally, pilgrimage is the journey to Mecca at least once in a lifetime for all able-bodied Muslims.