Islam is a monotheistic religion founded on the belief in one God (Allah in Arabic) and revealed through the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as the final messenger. It is the second-largest religion in the world, with over 1.9 billion adherents, known as Muslims. Islam emphasizes submission to the will of Allah, compassion, justice, and moral responsibility.
Core Beliefs of Islam:
- Tawhid (Oneness of God): The belief in the absolute unity and uniqueness of Allah. Muslims believe that Allah has no partners, offspring, or equals.
- Prophets: Muhammad is the final prophet in a line that includes Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus (peace be upon them all). They were all chosen to deliver Allah’s message to humanity.
- Holy Books: Muslims believe in the divine scriptures, including the Quran (revealed to Muhammad), Torah (to Moses), Psalms (to David), and the Gospel (to Jesus), though the Quran is considered the final and unaltered word of God.
- Angels: Spiritual beings who carry out Allah’s commands. Gabriel (Jibril) is the angel who conveyed the Quran to Muhammad.
- Day of Judgment: Belief in the afterlife, resurrection, and accountability for one’s deeds.
- Divine Decree (Qadar): Acknowledging Allah’s control over all that happens, balanced with human free will.
Pillars of Islam:
Islamic practices are centered around five pillars that structure a Muslim’s life:
- Shahada (Faith): Declaration of faith that there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His messenger.
- Salah (Prayer): Performing five daily prayers facing the Kaaba in Mecca.
- Zakat (Charity): Obligatory giving to support the needy, usually calculated as 2.5% of one’s savings.
- Sawm (Fasting): Observing fasting during the month of Ramadan, refraining from food, drink, and immoral behavior from dawn to sunset.
- Hajj (Pilgrimage): Undertaking a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in a lifetime, if physically and financially able.
Holy Text and Language:
- The Quran: The central religious text of Islam, believed to be the literal word of Allah, revealed in Arabic.
- Hadith: Collections of sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad, which provide guidance on how to apply Quranic teachings.
Places of Worship:
- Mosques: Places where Muslims gather for prayers, especially on Fridays for congregational prayers (Jumu’ah).
Festivals:
- Eid al-Fitr: Celebrated at the end of Ramadan, marking the breaking of the fast.
- Eid al-Adha: Commemorates the willingness of Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim) to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah.
Islam teaches principles of equality, justice, and compassion. Its moral and ethical guidelines encourage modesty, honesty, and community service. If you’d like to explore any aspect in more detail, feel free to ask!