What is Islam?

What is Islam? Islam is one of the world’s major monotheistic religions, founded in the 7th century CE in the Arabian Peninsula. It is based on the belief in one God (Allah in Arabic) and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, who is considered the final messenger of God in Islam.

What is Islam? #

The term “Islam” means “submission” or “surrender” to the will of God, and a follower of Islam is called a Muslim, meaning one who submits to God.

Core Beliefs of Islam #

1. Monotheism (Tawhid): The central belief in Islam is the oneness of God (Allah). Muslims believe that there is no god but Allah, who is the creator and sustainer of the universe. This belief is encapsulated in the Shahada, the Islamic declaration of faith: “There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.”
2. Prophethood: Muslims believe that throughout history, God has sent prophets to guide humanity. These prophets include figures from Jewish and Christian traditions, such as Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus. Muhammad is believed to be the final prophet, through whom God revealed the last and complete message to humanity.
3. The Qur’an: The Qur’an is the holy book of Islam, believed to be the literal word of God as revealed to Muhammad through the angel Gabriel. It is written in Arabic and is considered the final and most complete revelation, guiding Muslims in all aspects of life, including morality, law, and worship.
4. Five Pillars of Islam: These are the fundamental acts of worship and practice that define a Muslim’s faith and actions:
   • Shahada (Faith): The declaration of faith in the oneness of God and Muhammad as His prophet.
   • Salat (Prayer): Muslims are required to pray five times a day facing Mecca.
   • Zakat (Charity): Muslims are obligated to give a portion of their wealth to those in need, typically 2.5% of their savings.
   • Sawm (Fasting): During the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs.
   • Hajj (Pilgrimage): Muslims who are physically and financially able are required to perform the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lifetime.
5. The Afterlife: Muslims believe in the Day of Judgment, when all individuals will be resurrected and judged by God for their actions in life. Those who have followed God’s guidance will be rewarded with paradise (Jannah), while those who have rejected faith and committed evil deeds will face punishment in hell (Jahannam).

Major Sects of Islam #

Islam is divided into two main sects: Sunni and Shia. While both share the core beliefs and practices of Islam, they differ in certain theological and political issues, particularly regarding the rightful succession of leadership after the death of the Prophet Muhammad.

1. Sunni Islam: The largest branch of Islam, Sunnis make up about 85-90% of the global Muslim population. They believe that the leadership of the Muslim community should be based on consensus and that the first four caliphs were the rightful successors of Muhammad.
2. Shia Islam: Shia Muslims, who comprise about 10-15% of the global Muslim population, believe that leadership should have passed through Muhammad’s family, specifically to his cousin and son-in-law, Ali. Shia Islam has various sub-sects, the largest of which is Twelver Shia.

Islamic Law (Sharia) #

Sharia is the moral and legal code that governs the lives of Muslims. It is derived from the Qur’an and the Hadith (the sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad), as well as from interpretations by Islamic scholars. Sharia covers all aspects of life, including personal conduct, family matters, finance, and criminal justice. While Sharia is a religious guideline, its application as law varies across different countries and cultures.

Islamic Civilization #

Islam has contributed significantly to global civilization in areas such as science, medicine, mathematics, architecture, and literature. During the Golden Age of Islam (8th to 13th centuries), Islamic scholars preserved and expanded upon knowledge from previous civilizations, influencing the Renaissance in Europe and the development of modern sciences.

Islam Around the World #

Islam is the second-largest religion in the world, with over 1.9 billion followers. Muslims are found across the globe, with large populations in the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. Indonesia is the country with the largest Muslim population, followed by Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh.

Islam continues to shape the cultural, political, and social landscapes of many countries. Muslims maintain a deep sense of community (Ummah) that transcends national boundaries, uniting them in their shared beliefs and practices.

Islam is a monotheistic religion centered on the belief in one God (Allah) and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. It emphasizes submission to God’s will, prayer, charity, fasting, and pilgrimage. With a rich history and diverse cultural expressions, Islam has a profound influence on the lives of its followers and the world at large.

References #

1. A Brief Illustrated Guide To Understanding Islam: This colorful book is for non-Muslims who would like to understand Islam, Muslims, and other facets of Islam.
2. Discover Islam and Muslims: Learn about Islam and Muslims through this amazing alise show.
3. Islam FAQ by Islamic Education & Services Institute:
4. Islam In Focus (html) by Hammudah Abdalati: This is by far the best book out there to explain islam to non muslims who want more than the basic information about Islam.
5. Islam in Focus (pdf) by Hammudah Abdalati:
6. ISLAM: Explained by ahmad Sakr:
7. The True Religion by Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips:
8. This Is Islam by Islamic Education & Services Institute: A very nice presentation about islam in English, video and audio in a SWF format.
9. Understand Islam Islamic Flash by Islamic Education & Services Institute:
10. What is Islam Islamic Flash by Islamic Education & Services Institute: A simple introduction to Islam.

Brochures to Teach About Islam #

1. 30 Facts About Islam by Islamic Education & Services Institute:
2. 30 Facts About Islam by MeccaCentric:
3. AL-QURAN: AT A GLANCE:
4. Concept of god in Islam by WAMY:
5. Concept of worship by WAMY:
6. Fundamentals of Islam WAMY series by WAMY:
7. Hijab Unveiling the Mystery by Saulat Pervez:
8. Human rights in Islam by WAMY:
9. Introducing Islam by Ahmad Sakr:
10. Islam at a glance by WAMY:
11. Islam is Your Birthright by WAMY:
12. Islamic Celebrations by WAMY:
13. Islamic virtues from the Quran by Mecca Centric Dawa Group:
14. Living together by Ahmad Sakr:
15. MACOM X From Darkness to Light:
16. Moral system in Islam by WAMY:
17. Muslims Contributions to civilization by Moustafa Kattih:
18. Muslims in America by Islamic Education & Services Institute:
19. Non Muslims in the Muslims history by Ahmad Sakr:
20. Prophet hood in Islam by WAMY:
21. Ramadan by WAMY:
22. Sword of Islam by WAMY:
23. The question of Hijab by Mary Ali:
24. What Did Islam Say about Jihad by Ahmad Sakr:
25. What did they say about Islam by WAMY:
26. What did they say about Muhammad by WAMY:
27. What They Say About The Qur’an by WAMY:
28. Who practices polygamy by Mary Ali:
29. Woman liberation through Islam by WAMY: