In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Islam is a monotheistic Abrahamic religion revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) over 1400 years ago in Arabia. The word "Islam" means "submission to the will of God" and its followers are called Muslims, meaning "those who submit."
Core Concept: Tawhid
The most fundamental concept in Islam is Tawhid - the Oneness and Uniqueness of God (Allah in Arabic). Muslims believe in absolute monotheism, that God has no partners, no equals, and no children. This pure monotheism distinguishes Islam from other faiths.
قُلْ هُوَ اللَّهُ أَحَدٌ
"Say, He is Allah, [who is] One" (Quran 112:1)
The Five Pillars of Islam
The foundation of Muslim life is built upon these five pillars which are essential practices that Muslims follow.
The declaration of faith: "There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah." This statement affirms Islam's monotheistic essence and acceptance of Muhammad as the final prophet.
Prayer performed five times daily at prescribed times (Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha). Muslims face the Kaaba in Mecca during prayer, which involves recitations from the Quran and physical movements.
Obligatory charity comprising 2.5% of one's accumulated wealth annually for those who meet the necessary criteria of wealth. It purifies wealth and helps redistribute resources to the needy.
Fasting during the month of Ramadan from dawn until sunset. Muslims abstain from food, drink, and marital relations to develop self-discipline, gratitude, and empathy for the less fortunate.
Pilgrimage to Mecca that every Muslim must make at least once in their lifetime if physically and financially able. Performed during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah, it symbolizes unity and equality before God.
The Six Articles of Faith
In addition to the Five Pillars of practice, Islam has Six Articles of Faith that represent the core beliefs of Muslims:
Muslims believe in the absolute Oneness of God, who is the Creator, Sustainer, and Sovereign of the universe.
Belief in the existence of angels created by God to carry out His commands and record human deeds.
Belief in the original revelations including the Quran (revealed to Muhammad), Torah (to Moses), Psalms (to David), and Gospel (to Jesus).
Belief in all prophets from Adam to Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and finally Muhammad (peace be upon them all).
Belief in life after death and accountability before God on the Day of Judgment, when all will be resurrected and judged according to their beliefs and deeds.
Belief that everything good or bad comes from God's will and decree, while humans still have free will and responsibility for their choices.
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the final messenger in Islam, born in Mecca in the year 570 CE. He received his first revelation from God through the Angel Gabriel at the age of 40. Over the next 23 years, he taught the Quran and set an exemplary model for ethical living, compassion, and social justice.
Key aspects of his life and message include:
- Emphasis on monotheism (Tawhid) - worship of the one God
- Establishing rights for women, orphans, and the vulnerable
- Promoting education and seeking knowledge
- Emphasizing mercy, forgiveness, and good character
- Establishing a just society based on Quranic principles
- Promoting environmental stewardship and animal rights
Timeline of Prophet Muhammad's Life
Note: This is a brief summary. For comprehensive study, consult trusted Islamic sources and scholars.
The Quran
The Quran is the holy book of Islam, believed by Muslims to be the literal, unchanged word of God as revealed to Prophet Muhammad over a period of 23 years. It consists of 114 chapters (surahs) and is written in classical Arabic.
Divine Preservation
Muslims believe the Quran is unique among religious scriptures in that it has been perfectly preserved in its original language since its revelation, with no changes, additions, or deletions. It has been memorized in its entirety by millions of Muslims throughout history.
The Quran covers various aspects of life, including:
- Theology and belief in one God
- Moral guidance and ethical principles
- Stories of previous prophets and nations
- Legal principles and social justice
- Signs of God's creation in the universe
- Life after death and accountability
- Guidance for personal development and society
Important Guidance from Hadith
"The best of you are those who learn the Quran and teach it."
"None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself."
"The strong is not the one who overcomes the people by his strength, but the strong is the one who controls himself while in anger."
"Seeking knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim."
"The world is green and beautiful, and God has appointed you as His stewards over it."
Islamic Values & Etiquette
Islam emphasizes moral character and ethical conduct in all aspects of life. Some key values include:
Compassion
Showing mercy to all creation, including humans, animals, and the environment.
Justice
Standing for fairness and justice even against oneself or loved ones.
Honesty
Being truthful in speech, transactions, and all dealings.
Respect
Honoring parents, elders, and all people regardless of background.
Modesty
Maintaining humility in behavior, speech, and dress.
Generosity
Giving freely to those in need without expectation of return.
Key Islamic Concepts
Halal & Haram
Islam distinguishes between what is permissible (halal) and what is forbidden (haram). This applies to food, drink, behavior, business practices, and all aspects of life. For example, Muslims are prohibited from consuming pork, alcohol, and engaging in usury (interest-based transactions).
Akhirah (Hereafter)
Belief in life after death is central to Islamic teachings. Muslims believe that this worldly life is a test, and that after death, everyone will be resurrected and held accountable for their beliefs and actions. Based on this accountability, people will enter Paradise or Hell.
Ummah
Islam emphasizes the concept of a global community of believers (Ummah) transcending national, ethnic, and racial boundaries. Muslims are encouraged to support and care for one another regardless of background.
Islam Today
With approximately 1.8 billion followers, Islam is the world's second-largest religion. Muslims come from diverse ethnic, cultural, and geographical backgrounds, with the majority living in Asia and Africa.
Despite misconceptions, Islam teaches:
- Respect for all prophets including Jesus, Moses, and Abraham
- Protection of religious minorities in Muslim societies
- Women's rights to education, property, and dignity
- Condemnation of terrorism and extremism
- Environmental stewardship as a religious duty
This overview provides basic information about Islam. For deeper understanding, we recommend studying with knowledgeable teachers and referring to authentic sources.