They are called the Five Pillars of Islam, and they give specific rules for action.

1. Muslims must accept and repeatedly state that “There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is his Prophet.”
2. Five times a day, Muslims must face the holy city of Mecca and pray.
3. Muslims must be generous to the poor.
4. During the holy month of Ramadan, (which is the ninth month in their calendar), Muslims may not eat or drink from sunrise to sunset.
5. Every Muslim, if physically and financially able, must make a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their life.

Muhammad had a special concern for orphans, widows, homeless people, women, and others in need. He felt it was so important to help people that this became one of the Pillars of Islam. There are many people from all cultures and religious backgrounds who feel just as strongly about the importance of reaching out to others who need assistance.