Introduction To Islam
What is Islam?
The name of the religion is
Islam, which comes from an Arabic root word meaning "peace" and
"submission." Islam teaches that one can only find peace in one's life
by submitting to Almighty God (Allah) in heart, soul and deed. The same
Arabic root word gives us "Salaam alaykum," ("Peace be with you"), the
universal Muslim greeting.
Who is a Muslim? A person who believes in and consciously
follows Islam is called a Muslim, also from the same root word. So, the
religion is called "Islam," and a person who believes in and follows it
is a "Muslim."
How Many and Where?
Islam is a major world
religion, with over 1 billion followers worldwide (1/5 of the world
population). It is considered one of the Abrahamic, monotheistic
faiths, along with Judaism and Christianity. Although usually
associated with the Arabs of the Middle East, less than 10% of Muslims
are in fact Arab. Muslims are found all over the world, of every
nation, color and race.
You can visit: Muslim Population of the World
Who is Allah?
Allah is the proper name for
Almighty God, and is often translated merely as "God." Allah has other
names that are used to describe His characteristics: the Creator, the
Sustainer, the Merciful, the Compassionate, etc.
Muslims believe that since Allah alone is the Creator, it is He alone
that deserves our devout love and worship. Islam holds to a strict
monotheism. Any worship and prayers directed at saints, prophets, other
human beings or nature is considered idolatry.
You can visit: Allah In Islam, Names Of Allah
What do Muslims believe about God, prophets, the afterlife, etc.?
The basic beliefs of Muslims fall into six main categories, which are known as the "Articles of Faith":
- Faith in the unity of God
- Faith in angels
- Faith in prophets
- Faith in books of revelation
- Faith in an afterlife
- Faith in destiny/divine decree
The "five pillars" of Islam: In
Islam, faith and good works go hand-in-hand. A mere verbal declaration
of faith is not enough, for belief in Allah makes obedience to Him a
duty.
The Muslim concept of worship is very broad. Muslims consider
everything they do in life to be an act of worship, if it is done
according to Allah's guidance. There are also five formal acts of
worship which help strengthen a Muslim's faith and obedience.
They are
often called the "Five Pillars of Islam."
- Shahadah (Testimony of faith )
- Salaah (Prayer)
- Zakaat (Almsgiving)
- Sawm (Fasting)
- Hajj (Pilgrimage)