Indroduction
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."
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."
Daily life as a Muslim:
While
often seen as a radical or extreme religion, Muslims consider Islam to be the
middle road. Muslims do not live life with complete disregard for God or
religious matters, but nor do they neglect the world to devote themselves solely
to worship and prayer. Muslims strike a balance by fulfilling the obligations of
and enjoying this life, while always mindful of their duties to Allah and to
others.
- Morals
and manners
- Business
ethics
- Modesty
in dress and behavior
- Dietary
rules
- Marriage
- Care
of children and elderly
- Racism
and prejudice
- Relations
with non-Muslims
"Now if God were to take men [immediately] to task for all the evil that they do [on earth], He would not leave a single living creature upon its face. However, He grants them respite until a term set: but when the end of their term approaches, they can neither delay it by a single moment, nor can they hasten it".
-Quran (16:61)
Warfare is ordained for you, though it is hateful unto you; but it may happen that ye hate a thing which is good for you, and it may happen that ye love a thing which is bad for you. Allah knoweth, ye know not. (2:216)