Book excerpt: The Five Pillars of Islam is a comprehensive and practical manual on the fundamental beliefs and practices of a Muslim and provides an understanding of the true spirit of worship in Islam. Written by a noted Muslim scholar and educationist with a contemporary Muslim audience in mind, this is an invaluable reference for every home and classroom. Musharraf Hussain, PhD, is the director of the Karimia Institute in the United Kingdom. In 2009 he was awarded the Order of the British Empire for his services to community relations in Britain.