Islamic Basics

Basic Facts about Islam

• • Islam is the second largest religion in the world after Christianity. It is the youngest of the three Monotheistic, belief in one God, or Abrahamic religions which includes Judaism and Christianity.
  • The word ISLAM means “submission to God” and is derived from the root world “slm” which means peace.
  • ALLAH is the word used by Muslims to refer to God. The cornerstone of this Abrahamic faith is that there is no one worthy of worship other than God.
  • MUSLIMS (followers of Islam) believe in one God, His prophets and messengers, His angels, in the Day of Judgment and life after death, and in God’s authority over destiny.
  • The QUR’AN is a preserved record of the exact words revealed by God through the Angel Gabriel to the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) more than 1400 years ago. It is the principal source of a Muslim’s faith and practice.
  • PROPHET MUHAMMAD, peace be upon him, was born in 570 A.D. in Makkah, now part of Saudi Arabia. At the age of 40 he received his first revelation from God. For the next 23 years, the Prophet recited and taught the words that were revealed to him. The Prophet’s life and example, known as the Sunnah, is the second source of knowledge about Islam.
  • The concept of WORSHIP IN ISLAM is everything a Muslim does that pleases God. The required acts of worship are known as the Five Pillars of Islam.

The Five Pillars of Islam

• • SHAHADA: declaring one’s belief in one God and his last messenger, Prophet Muhammad
  • SALAT: praying five times a day
  • SIYAM: Fasting occurs during the month of Ramadan
  • ZAKAT: giving alms for the poor
  • HAJJ: a pilgrimage to Makkah– for those who are financially and physically able

To learn more about Islam and American Muslims, contact us and sign up to take a tour of our Islamic Center. We welcome people of all faiths and backgrounds.