What is Islam
>Islam is a one-God (Muslim) monotheistic Abrahamic religion that is all about obeying and worshipping one God called Allah. It is the second-largest world religion, with over 1.8 billion adherents. Muslims believe that Islam is the last and complete revelation of God’s guidance to mankind, entrusted to humanity through the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
2. WHO IS THE PROPHET MUHAMMAD? (peace be upon him)
>Islam believes the last prophet is our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). He was born in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, in 570 C.E. 40 years later, Allah sent the first Wahi to him through the Jibreel (Angel Gabriel). Muslims consider the teachings of their prophet Muhammad, preserved in the Quran, to provide guidance for all aspects of life, spiritual and practical. Muslims of all stripes see him as the archetype of moral and ethical behavior.
What is the Quran?
>It is the holy book of Islam, which Muslims believe to be the literal word of God (Allah) through the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) over 23 years. It was revealed in Arabic and is regarded as divine guidance's last and complete divine guidance. Islam gives guidance to everybody through the Quran and the Sunnah, or the actions of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
What Are the Five Pillars of Islam?
>There are five central acts of worship and practice in a Muslim’s life. They are:
Shahada (Faith): The statement of faith that says: "There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is His messenger.
Salah (Prayer): Muslims must pray five times a day, facing the Kaaba in Mecca.
Zakat (Charity): Muslim is required to donate a percentage of their wealth to help needy people, usually 2.5% of their savings every year
Sawm (Fasting): In the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast between dawn and sunset, abstaining from food, drink, as well as other physical necessities.
Hajj (Pilgrimage): Muslims who are physically and financially able must undertake the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lifetime.
what is the meaning of "Allah"?
>The Arabic term for God is "Allah." In Islam, Allah is the sole deity and divinity that the practitioners of Islam worship. Muslim belief holds that Allah is not only the one and only God, but also that He is beyond human comprehension. Allah is known, according to Muslims, through His many attributes and names, some of which are mentioned in the Quran.
What is the concept of Tawhid in Islam?
>The concept of the oneness of Allah is known as Tawhid in the Islamic world. It forms the bedrock of what is believed in Islam, asserting that there is no god but Allah, and that in His essence, attributes, and actions, He is singular, without parallel. Tawhid is the sure rejection in Islam of any polytheism or associating partners with Allah. The unqualified oneness of Allah is the absolutely central article of faith in Islam.
What is the importance of the Hadith?
>The Hadith is a collection of sayings, actions, and approvals of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It serves as a supplementary guide to the Quran, providing explanations and examples for how to live according to Islamic teachings. The Hadith is used by scholars to interpret Islamic law and ethics, alongside the Quran.
What is the significance of Ramadan?
>Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is considered the holiest month in Islam. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset, refraining from eating, drinking, smoking, and engaging in impure thoughts and actions. Fasting during Ramadan is seen as a way to increase self-discipline, empathy for the poor, and closeness to Allah. It is also a time for increased prayer, reading of the Quran, and charitable deeds.
What is the concept of Jihad in Islam?
>Jihad in Islam refers to the struggle or effort in the path of Allah. It has both spiritual and physical meanings. The greater Jihad is the internal struggle to live a righteous life, to fight against one’s own desires, and to uphold justice. The lesser Jihad refers to the defense of Islam and the protection of the community against external threats. Jihad is not synonymous with violence, and many scholars emphasize its non-violent spiritual and moral dimensions.
What is the role of women in Islam?
>Islam recognizes the dignity, equality, and essential role of women in society. Women are considered spiritual equals to men, with the same obligations and opportunities for worship and rewards from Allah. However, Islam acknowledges the complementary roles of men and women in the family and society. Women have the right to education, work, own property, and participate in public life. Modesty and the concept of Hijab (covering) are also emphasized, but these practices are personal choices rooted in faith.
How does Islam view other religions?
>Islam acknowledges the existence of other Abrahamic religions, including Judaism and Christianity. Muslims believe that these religions were revealed by Allah to earlier prophets. However, they hold the belief that Islam is the final and complete religion, as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The Quran teaches that Muslims should treat people of all faiths with respect and kindness, and Islam promotes peaceful coexistence with people of different beliefs.
What is the concept of the afterlife in Islam?
>Muslims believe in life after death. The soul continues to exist after physical death and is judged by Allah on the Day of Judgment. Those who have followed Allah’s guidance and lived righteous lives will be rewarded with eternal paradise (Jannah), while those who have rejected faith and committed sinful acts without repentance will face punishment in Hell (Jahannam). Belief in the afterlife serves as a motivating factor for Muslims to lead a life of righteousness and to seek forgiveness from Allah.
What is the importance of the Kaaba in Islam?
>The Kaaba is a sacred structure located in the center of the Grand Mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is considered the most important site in Islam. Muslims face the Kaaba during their five daily prayers (Salah) as a sign of unity and direction. During Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, Muslims are required to perform several rituals around the Kaaba, including walking around it seven times in a counterclockwise direction (Tawaf). The Kaaba symbolizes the oneness of Allah.
What is Zakat (Charity) and why is it important?
>Zakat is the obligatory charity that Muslims are required to give, usually 2.5% of their annual savings and assets, to help those in need. It is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is intended to promote social justice by redistributing wealth to the poor and needy. Zakat purifies wealth and is a means of fulfilling one's social responsibility to help others.
What is the significance of the Friday Prayer (Jumu'ah)?
>Jumu'ah is the congregational Friday prayer, which is considered a special act of worship in Islam. It replaces the regular Duhr prayer on Fridays, which is performed in a mosque. The Jumu'ah prayer is followed by a sermon (Khutbah), where the imam addresses the congregation on spiritual and social matters. It is a time for the Muslim community to come together, reflect on faith, and seek forgiveness and guidance from Allah.
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