Islam is a religion of peace and submission to God’s will. The word “Islam” comes from the Arabic root for peace and surrender. Muslims, the followers of Islam, believe in one God, whom they call Allah. This belief is the foundation of their faith.
At the heart of Islam is the belief in a series of prophets sent by God.
Muslims believe that Islam was first revealed over 1,400 years ago in Mecca, Arabia, through a man named Muhammad. He is deeply respected and is considered the last and final prophet of God (Allah). It is a common sign of reverence for Muslims to say “peace be upon him” whenever his name is mentioned.Muslims believe that God sent these prophets—including familiar figures like Jesus (Isa), Moses (Musa), and Abraham (Ibrahim)—to guide humanity and teach them how to live in accordance with His divine law.
The Five Pillars of Islam are the core beliefs and practices that guide a Muslim’s life.
Think of them as the five essential foundations that help Muslims build a strong and responsible life based on faith and community. These pillars are:
The Declaration of Faith (Shahada): This is the foundation of Islam. It is the sincere statement that “there is no god but God, and Muhammad is the Messenger of God.” Saying this with conviction is what makes a person a Muslim.
Daily Prayers (Salat): Muslims pray five times a day, facing the Kaaba in Mecca. This practice is a way for Muslims to connect directly with God, seek guidance, and remember their purpose in life throughout the day.
Giving to Charity (Zakat): This is the practice of giving a fixed portion of one’s wealth to those in need. It’s not just about charity; it’s a way to purify one’s wealth and to ensure that the community looks after its most vulnerable members.
Fasting during Ramadan (Sawm): During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset. Fasting is a time for self-discipline, spiritual reflection, and empathy for the poor and hungry.
The Pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj): Every Muslim who is physically and financially able is required to make a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lifetime. This journey symbolizes unity among Muslims from all over the world and is a profound spiritual experience.
The holy book of Islam is the Qur’an.
Muslims believe it is the direct word of God (Allah), revealed to Prophet Muhammad over 23 years. The Qur’an serves as the ultimate source of guidance, containing laws, moral principles, and stories of previous prophets.In addition to the Qur’an, Muslims are guided by the Sunnah. The Sunnah is the collection of traditions, actions, and sayings of Prophet Muhammad. Think of it as a practical guide that shows how to apply the principles of the Qur’an to daily life. Together, the Qur’an and Sunnah are the two primary sources of Islamic law and teaching.
Muslims worship in a building called a mosque (masjid in Arabic).
The most important prayer service of the week is held on Friday at noon, where the community gathers for congregational prayer. When Muslims pray, they face the Kaaba in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, the holiest site in Islam. The direction of prayer is known as the qibla. While praying, some Muslim men may wear a small cap called a taqiyah as a sign of respect and cleanliness.
Mosques
also known as masjids, are places of worship for Muslims globally. They are not just buildings for prayer; they serve as community centers for education, social gatherings, and spiritual reflection.When visiting a mosque, there are a few simple rules of etiquette. It is a sign of respect to remove your shoes before entering the main prayer hall to keep the area clean. Visitors are also asked to dress modestly, covering their shoulders and knees, as this is considered a respectful way to appear before God.
An Imam is
the spiritual leader of a mosque and an important figure in the Muslim community. The word “Imam” literally means “leader” in Arabic.An Imam’s role goes beyond leading prayers; they also provide religious guidance, teach the Qur’an and Islamic traditions, and offer counseling and advice on life matters to their community members.
Makkah is
the holiest city in Islam, revered as the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad and the site where the first revelations of the Qur’an were received.The city is the destination for the Hajj, a major annual pilgrimage that brings millions of Muslims from across the globe. All Muslims who are physically and financially able are obligated to perform the Hajj at least once in their lifetime.
The Qur’an is
the central religious text of Islam. Muslims believe it’s the final and complete word of Allah (God), revealed to Prophet Muhammad through the Angel Gabriel (Jibreel).The Qur’an serves as the ultimate source of guidance, containing principles for a moral life, historical accounts of past prophets, and a clear explanation of God’s nature and existence. It is considered a divine scripture that has been preserved without change since its revelation.
Salah (Prayer)or daily prayer,
is a foundational pillar of Islam and a direct way for Muslims to connect with God.Muslims pray five times a day at specific times—dawn, noon, afternoon, sunset, and night—each prayer serving as a moment of spiritual reflection and devotion. During prayer, all Muslims around the world face the Kaaba in Makkah, a direction known as the qibla, which symbolizes unity in worship.