Understanding Islam

What is Islam ?

 

Islam is a monotheistic religion, restricting worship to one God, the Originator and Creator of the universe and source of all peace. Islam teaches that God (Allah in Arabic) is the source of all creation and that human beings are the best of His creation. Followers of Islam, Muslims, are inspired towards goodness through Prophets who deliver Allah’s message.

 

Muslims believe that the first Prophet was Adam followed by a long chain of Prophets to guide humanity with Muhammed ﷺ being the final prophet. The Qur’an, according to Muslim belief, is the word of Allah revealed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

 

There are six key articles of faith, the first of which is belief in one God. The second is the belief in Angels as the messengers and worshipers of God. The third is the five known scriptures and texts that document revelations to five different Prophets, as stated in the Qur’an, and the fourth, belief in the Prophets as role models for all Muslims. The Fifth is belief in the Day of Judgement and the sixth, belief in Divine Predestination (qadr), that only Allah knows his creation’s actions even before they do them.

 

Islam has five primary obligations, or pillars of faith, that each Muslim must fulfil in his or her lifetime. They are; Shahadah, recital of the creed “There is no God but God and Muhammad is the Messenger of God.” Salah or prayer, which reinforces individual’s direct relationship with God. In addition to Friday prayer, Muslims around the world turn individually and collectively to Makkah, Islam’s holiest city, to offer five daily prayers at dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset and evening. Group prayer in the Mosque is welcomed although Salah can he performed alone, at home, work and outdoors.

 

The third pillar is Zakat, which enshrines a duty of social responsibility by prescribing payment of fixed proportions (2.5%) of a Muslim’s possessions for the welfare of the entire community and in particular for its neediest members.

 

Fasting or Sawm during Ramadan is the fourth pillar. Fasting enables Muslims to be closer to God and to exercise self-control. Ramadan, the month during which the Holy Qur’an was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, begins with the sighting of the new moon, after which abstention from eating, drinking and other sensual pleasures is obligatory from dawn to sunset. Ramadan is also joyful as Muslims break their fast at sunset with a special meal, iftaar, perform additional worship and prayer culminating in a celebration feast of Eid Al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan.

 

Hajj is the fifth pillar and the most significant manifestation of Islamic faith and unity. For Muslims who are physically and financially able to make the journey to Makkah, Hajj is a once in a lifetime duty that is the peak of their religious life.