Saturday, 1 April 2023

What is Islam?

Islam is a monotheistic religion that revived in the 7th century CE in the Arabian Peninsula. It is based on the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who received revelations from Allah (God) through the angel Gabriel. The core beliefs and practices of Islam are outlined in the Quran, which is considered the holy book of Islam.

Muslims adhere to the Five Pillars of Islam, which are the foundational acts of worship and obedience to Allah. These pillars are:

  1. Shahada: The declaration of faith, which states, "There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His messenger." By reciting the Shahada with sincerity, one becomes a Muslim.

  2. Salah: The performance of five daily prayers at specific times, facing the Kaaba in Mecca. Muslims engage in physical and spiritual purification before offering their prayers.

  3. Zakat: The giving of obligatory charity to support the poor and needy. Muslims are required to donate a portion of their wealth to help those less fortunate.

  4. Sawm: Fasting from dawn to sunset during the month of Ramadan, which involves abstaining from food, drink, and certain behaviors. It is a time of spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and increased devotion to Allah.

  5. Hajj: The pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. It is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for those who are physically and financially able. During Hajj, Muslims perform specific rituals that commemorate the actions of Prophet Abraham and his family.

In addition to these pillars, Muslims are guided by the teachings and principles of the Quran and the Hadith (sayings, actions, and approvals of Prophet Muhammad). Islam encompasses a comprehensive system of ethics, morality, and guidance for personal conduct, family life, social interactions, and governance.

Muslims believe in the oneness of Allah, His attributes, and His absolute sovereignty over the universe. They affirm the prophet-hood of Muhammad as the final messenger and acknowledge the previous prophets, such as Abraham, Moses, and Jesus (peace be upon them).

Islam emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge, pursuing justice, showing compassion, and promoting the well-being of individuals and society. It encourages Muslims to lead a balanced life, fulfilling their responsibilities to Allah, themselves, their families, and their communities.

Muslims believe in the concept of the Hereafter, which includes the Day of Judgment when individuals will be held accountable for their actions in this worldly life. The ultimate goal in Islam is to attain closeness to Allah and eternal paradise through righteous deeds and submission to His will.

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