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5 Pillars of Islam:

Testimony of faith (Kalima)- Muslims repeat the following saying: "There is no god but Allah, and Mohammad is the prophet (or messenger) of Allah." In other words, Muslims are monotheistic. They believe in only one God, and Mohammad was the greatest of the prophets.

Prayer (Salat) - Muslims pray five times a day in the direction of Mecca. Mecca is considered the holiest city in Islam.

Fasting (Sawm) - Each year, the followers of Mohammad devote an entire month in daytime fasting. They observe fasting during the month of Ramadan.

Almsgiving (Zakat) - Muslims give a percentage of their annual savings to the poor. It is known as zakat.

Pilgrimage (Hajj) - Muslims practice of the Muslim holiday "Eid al-Adha" (the Festival of Sacrifice), which follows the annual Islamic pilgrimage (Hajj). Muslims are required to complete the pilgrimage at least once.

Differences between Islam and Christianity:

1. Muslims believe in the worship of one god; however, Christians believe in one god in three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Muslims believe that Christians are polytheistic.

2. According to Islam, Jesus Christ is one of the prophets. Christians believe that Jesus is a prophet, but they also acknowledge Jesus as the eternal Son of God.

3. The two faiths have two different holy books. The Quaran (or Koran) and the Bible. The books are organized differently and the Bible is longer.

4. Christianity began six centuries before Islam. Christianity is an older religion.

5. Christians trace the lineage of Jesus through Isaac. Muslims trace their spiritual leaders through Ishmael.

6. Christians follow the Ten Commandments and Muslims follow the Five Pillars of Islam.

7. Christianity focuses on grace for salvation, and Islam concentrates on the importance of obedience to Allah.

Sources:
http://islam.abo ut.com/od/basicbeliefs/p/intro .htm
www.religioustolerance.org /isl_intr.htm
www.islamfortoday .com/beliefs.htm

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