Which term names the act of declaring faith for Islam?

Which term names the act of declaring faith for Islam?

• A. Shahadah
• B. Zakat
• C. Salat
• D. Sawm

Answer: (A)

The key idea here is naming the act of declaring faith in Islam. That act is the Shahadah, the testimony that there is no deity but God and that Muhammad is the messenger of God. This declaration expresses belief in the oneness of God and the prophethood of Muhammad, and it marks entry into Islam as well as ongoing affirmation of faith. In Arabic it’s usually recited as “La ilaha illallah, Muhammadur rasulullah.”

Zakat refers to almsgiving, a pillar involving giving a portion of wealth to those in need. Salat is the ritual prayer performed five times a day. Sawm is fasting during the month of Ramadan. These are important practices, but they are not the act of declaring faith itself.