Each Muslim should pray five times a day: in the morning, at noon, in the afternoon, after sunset, and early at night. These prayers can be said anywhere, prayers that are said in the company of others are better than those said alone.

Another pillar is the fast (sawm) kept each year in the ninth month in the lunar Muslim calendar, Ramadan. While the fast lasts, neither food nor drink may be taken from sunrise to sunset, but they are allowed at night.

The third pillar is the giving of alms, or a special tax, to the needy (zakat).  Traditionally, this tax is paid in conjunction with the large celebration held when the month of fasting is over.

At least once in his or her lifetime, every Muslim whose health and finances permit should make the pilgrimage to Mecca to carry out various rituals, including walking seven times around the Kaaba.