What is Islam?
Islam is a monotheistic faith based on the belief in One God (Allah). The word 'Islam' comes from the Arabic root 'S-L-M' which means peace, submission, and obedience. A Muslim is one who submits to the will of Allah.
Islam is not a new religion but a continuation and culmination of the same message revealed to all prophets — from Adam, Nuh, Ibrahim, Musa, and Isa to the final Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
The Five Pillars of Islam
1. Shahada (Declaration of Faith): 'There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His Messenger.' 2. Salah (Prayer): Five daily prayers connecting the believer to Allah. 3. Zakat (Charity): Annual obligation to give 2.5% of wealth to those in need. 4. Sawm (Fasting): Fasting during the month of Ramadan from dawn to sunset. 5. Hajj (Pilgrimage): Once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage to Makkah for those able.
The Six Articles of Faith
1. Belief in Allah — the One and Only God 2. Belief in the Angels — created beings of light 3. Belief in the Revealed Books — Torah, Psalms, Gospel, and Quran 4. Belief in the Prophets — from Adam to Muhammad ﷺ 5. Belief in the Day of Judgment — accountability for deeds 6. Belief in Divine Decree (Qadr) — Allah's knowledge and will
The Quran
The Quran is the literal word of Allah, revealed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ through Angel Jibril (Gabriel) over 23 years. It is preserved in its original Arabic language, unchanged for over 1,400 years. The Quran contains 114 Surahs (chapters), covering guidance on all aspects of life — faith, worship, morality, law, and stories of previous prophets.