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What is Islam?
Islam is one of the world’s major religions, followed by over 1.9 billion people globally. It is a faith based on the principles of monotheism, the belief in one Allah, and was revealed to the world through the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in the 7th century. The religion Islam originated in Mecca, Arabia and Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was the messenger who spent all his life delivering the word of god to all of humanity. Today, Islam is considered as the fastest spreading religion in the world.
What do Muslims believe?
The basic Islam beliefs of Oneness of Allah and Prophethood of Muhammad ﷺ are the same for Muslims around the world. However, there are other important beliefs as declared in the Holy Quran. So, to be a Muslim one has to hold a set of core beliefs. These include:
- Belief in one God (Allah).
- Belief in angels.
- Belief in the revealed books (including the Quran, Torah, and Bible).
- Belief in the prophets, from Hazrat Adam عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ to Hazrat Muhammad ﷺ.
- Belief in the Day of Judgment and the life after death.
- Belief in divine decree, meaning Allah’s knowledge and control over all things.
What are the Five Pillars of Islam?
The holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ based Islam religion on five basic pillars. These can also be called the Foundations of Islam. These pillars are the foundation of Muslim worship and practice, fostering a sense of community and discipline. Since, the Five Pillars of Islam are the core practices, every Muslim is required to follow them.
- Shahadah (Faith)
- The declaration that “there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah and Muhammad ﷺ is His messenger.” This declaration testifies that Allah Almighty exists and that none is worthy of worship but Him. The Shahadah also testifies that the beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is among the prophets علیھم السلام who conveyed Allah Almighty’s revelation to humankind.
- Salah (Prayer)
- Performing five daily prayers from dawn to dusk facing the Kaaba. Salah was performed in some form or the other throughout history by all Prophets علیھم السلام and their followers as an essential part of Almighty Allah’s religion. However, Islam considers it crucial. So, a Muslim is required to pray five times a day within specific periods as taught by the Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
- Zakah (Charity)
- The word Zakah means purification and growth. In Islam, an important principle is giving to the poor. This amount donated is called zakah. Giving a fixed portion of one’s wealth as decreed by the sharia to help those in need. Zakah is only due on Muslims that have the minimum required amount which varies with the type of wealth. Zakah is a major source to cleanse your heart from greed, selfishness and the love of temporary world.
- Saum (Fasting)
- Allah Almighty has instructed Muslims to observe the fast dawn to sunset during the holy month of Ramadan. The Islamic way of fasting involves abstinence from eating, drinking, smoking and sexual intercourse, etc. The is observed throughout the daylight hours of the lunar month of Ramadan. Also, fasting is not a retreat from life, it is a supplement to the Muslims’ ordinary activities.
- Hajj (Pilgrimage)
- The annual pilgrimage to Mecca is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation. That means undertaking a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in a lifetime is mandatory for every Muslim – if physically and financially able. Millions of Muslims journey to the Sanctified city of Makkah each year from all corners of the globe. This provides a unique opportunity for people of various nations to meet one another as guests of Allah. Moreover, a person that has completed hajj comes out with a fresh outlook on life, with a purified soul and blessings from Allah.
