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ISLAM 101

إِنَّ الدِّينَ عِندَ اللّهِ الإِسْلاَمُ

Behold, the only [true] religion in the sight of God is [man's] self-surrender unto Him;  (Qur'an 3:19)

What is Islam?

Islam is not a new religion, but the same truth that God revealed through all His prophets to every people. For a fifth of the world’s population, Islam is both a religion and a complete way of life. Muslims follow a religion of peace, mercy and forgiveness and the majority have nothing to do with the extremely grave events which have to come to be associated with their faith.

What does Islam mean?

The Arabic work ‘Islam’ simply means ‘submission’ and derives from a word meaning ‘peace’. In a religious context it means complete submission to the will of God. ‘Muhammadanism’ is thus a misnomer because it suggest that Muslims worship Muhammad rather than God. ‘Allah’ is the Arabic name for God, which is used by Arab Muslims and Christians alike.

Who are the Muslims?

One billion people from a vast range of races, nationalities and cultures across the globe are united by their common Islamic faith. About 18% leave in the Arab world; the worlds largest Muslim community is in Indonesia; substantial parts or Asia and most of Africa are Muslim, while significant minorities are to be found in Russia, China, North and South America and Europe.

What do Muslims believe?

Muslims believe in One, Unique, Incomparable God; in the angels created by him; in the prophets through whom His revelations where brought to mankind; in the day of judgment and individual accountability for actions; in Gods complete authority over Human destiny and in-life after death.

Muslims believe in a chain of prophets starting with Adam and including Noah, Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Job, Moses, Aaron, David, Solomon, Elias, Jonah, John the baptist and Jesus, peace be upon them. But Gods final message to man a reconfirmation to the eternal message and a summing-up of all that has gone before was revealed to the prophet Muhammad through Gabriel.

What are the five pillars of Islam?

The five pillars of Islam are the framework of the Muslims life: faith, prayers, concern for the needy, self-purification and the pilgrimage to Mecca for those who are able.

What are commonalities and differences between Sunni and Shia Islam? 

Sunni and Shia Muslims share the most fundamental Islamic beliefs and articles of faith and are the two main sub-groups in Islam. They do differ, however, and that separation stemmed initially, not from spiritual distinctions, but •over question of Leadership: Who was to take over the leadership of the Muslim nation? Over the centuries, these political differences have spawned a number of varying practices and positions which have come to carry spiritual significance.  For further information click: Sunni and Shia Islam: Commonalities and Differences.  

 

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