Islam, the religion of over 1.2
billion in the world, provides humankind with a unified view about the purpose
of our creation and existence, our ultimate destiny and our place among other creatures.
It is a way of life that is in complete conformance with nature, and with
reason, logic and science.
The Arabic word,‘Islam’, means voluntary surrender to the will of Allah and
obedience to His commands.‘ Allah’ is the Arabic word that Muslims
use for God. A person who freely and consciously accepts the Islamic way of
life and sincerely practices it is called a ‘Muslim’.
ONENESS OF GOD (TAWHID)
This is the most important Islamic belief. It implies that everything in
existence originates from the one and only Creator, who is also the Sustainer
and the sole Source of Guidance. This belief should govern all aspects of human
life. Recognition of this fundamental truth results in a unified view of
existence that rejects any divisions of life into the religious and the
secular. Allah is the sole source of Power and Authority and therefore entitled
to worship and obedience from mankind. There is no scope for any partnership
with the Creator. Tawhid teaches man that Allah is
not born, nor is anyone born of Him. He has no son or daughter. Human beings,
like the rest of creation, are His subjects.
PROPHETHOOD (RISALAH) or Messengership.
Since the creation of the first human, Allah has revealed His guidance to
mankind by sending prophets, who all called to the belief of One God. The
prophets who received books from Allah are called messengers. Whenever the
teachings of a prophet were distorted by people Allah sent another prophet to
bring human beings back to the Straight Path. The chain of Risalah
began with Adam, included Noah, Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac,
The revealed books from Allah are: the Torah (Tawrah),
the Psalms (Zabur), the Gospel (Injeel)
and the Qur’an. The Qur’an was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)1, as the final book of
Guidance. Among all these books, it is only the Qur’an that remains
unchanged, in its original revealed form.
LIFE AFTER DEATH (AKHIRAH)
This belief has a profound impact on the life of a believer by making them
accountable to Allah. On the Day of Judgment we will be judged according to how
we lived our lives. One who obeys and worships Allah will be rewarded with a
permanent place of happiness and bliss in
FIVE PILLARS OF ISLAM
Acting correctly and sincerely on the five pillars transforms a Muslim’s
life into one that is in harmony with nature and thus in conformity with the
will of the Creator.It inspires one to work towards
the establishment of justice, equality and righteousness in society, and the
eradication of injustice, falsehood and evil.
1. TESTIMONY (Shahadah), the first of the five basic
foundations, is the declaration,knowingly
and voluntarily, of: La ilaha illal
lahu Muhammadur rasulul lah. “There is no
god except Allah, Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah”.This
declaration is the basis of all actions in Islam, and the other basic duties
follow this affirmation.
2. COMPULSORY PRAYER (Salah) is offered five times a
day. It is a practical demonstration of faith, and keeps a believer in touch
with their Creator.The Salah
develops in a believer the qualities of self-discipline, steadfastness and
obedience to the Truth, leading one to be patient, honest and truthful in the
affairs of their life.
3. CHARITY (Zakah) is a compulsory payment from a
Muslim’s annual savings. It can only be spent on helping the poor, the
needy, and the oppressed, and for the general upliftment
of society. Zakah is one of the fundamental
principles of Islamic economy, which ensures an equitable society where
everyone has a right to contribute and share.
4. FASTING (Sawm) is the annual obligatory fasting
during each day of the month of Ramadan - the ninth month of the Islamic
calendar. One must refrain from eating, drinking, smoking, and sex, from dawn
to sunset. Sawm develops a believer’s moral and
spiritual standard and keeps them away from selfishness, greed, extravagance
and other vices. Sawm is an annual training program
that increases a Muslim’s determination to fulfill their obligation to
the Almighty Lord.
5. PILGRIMAGE (Hajj) is an annual event, obligatory on those Muslims who can
afford to undertake it, at least once in their lifetime. It is a pilgrimage
(journey) to the “House of Allah” (Al-Ka’bah)
in
THE QUR’AN
The Qur’an is the final Book of guidance from Allah, revealed to Prophet
Muhammad (pbuh) through the angel Gabriel (Jibra’il). Every word of the Qur’an is the word
of Allah. The Qur’an is unrivaled in its recording and preservation.
Unlike other scriptures that were corrupted with human interpolations and
omissions, the Qur’an has remained unchanged, even to a letter, for over
1400 years.The Qur’an
is the last and final revelation to mankind and covers all aspects of human
life, and its relation to the life after death.
THE HADITH
The Hadith is the collection of sayings, actions and
silent approvals of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). It
explains the Qur’an, and how to practice it. The Hadith
were recorded meticulously by the Prophet’s companions.
PROPHET MUHAMMAD
Muhammad (pbuh), the final messenger of Allah,was born in
The Prophet (pbuh) organized the early Muslims and
preached the message of Allah with patience and profound wisdom. Eventually
Islam was established in the whole of
MARRIAGE AND FAMILY LIFE
Marriage is the basis of family life in Islam. It is a solemn yet simple
contract between a consenting man and a consenting woman. Islam does not allow
the free mixing of men and women; nor does it allow sex before marriage.
Extra-marital sex is severely punishable. No discrimination is made on the basis
of sex. Husband and wife are equal partners of the family and play their part
in their respective fields.
DIET
Muslims are encouraged to eat what is good for them. Islamic law requires an
animal to be slaughtered while invoking the name of Allah. All varieties of
alcoholic drinks are prohibited. Pork and blood are also forbidden.
DRESS
Muslims must cover their bodies properly and decently. When it comes to
dressing-up, simplicity and modesty are encouraged. No particular dress is
recommended, however, men must cover their body from navel to the knees.Women must cover their whole body except the face and
hands.Any dress that is suggestive, transparent,
skin-tight or half-naked may send wrong signals to others; signals that are
contrary to Islam’s teachings. Pure silk and gold are not allowed for
men.
SOCIAL MANNERS
Islam teaches decency, humility and good manners. Keeping promises,
truthfulness, justice, fair play, helping the poor and needy, respect for
parents, teachers and elders, love for children and good relations with
neighbors and relatives are the most valued virtues of a Muslim. Islam condemns
enmity, back-biting, slander, blasphemy, ridicule, use of offensive names,
suspicion and arrogance.
1. (p) here stands for “peace be upon him”