Introduction to Islam: A Comprehensive Guide to its Beliefs

Islam is not merely a religion but a complete way of life (Deen) followed by over two billion people across the globe. It is the world’s second-largest religion and the fastest-growing major faith. The word “Islam” is derived from the Arabic root s-l-m, which means peace, submission, and surrender. In a spiritual context, Islam means achieving peace through voluntary submission to the Will of God (Allah). A person who follows this path is a “Muslim.”

The Core Concept: Tawhid (The Oneness of God)

At the heart of any introduction to Islam is the concept of Tawhid. This is the absolute, uncompromising monotheism that defines the faith. Muslims believe that Allah is the Unique, Eternal, and All-Powerful Creator who has no partners, no children, and no equals. This belief shifts a person’s focus from the creation to the Creator, providing a direct relationship between the individual and God without the need for intermediaries or clergy.

The Six Articles of Faith (Arkan al-Iman)

To understand the Muslim worldview, one must look at the six pillars of faith that every Muslim must believe in:

1. Belief in Allah: Recognizing Him as the only Deity worthy of worship.
2. Belief in the Angels: Created from light, angels like Gabriel and Michael are celestial servants who carry out Allah’s commands.
3. Belief in the Revealed Books: Muslims believe Allah sent guidance through scriptures, including the Torah (Taurat), the Psalms (Zabur), and the Gospel (Injeel). However, the Quran is seen as the final, perfectly preserved word of God.
4. Belief in the Prophets: Islam acknowledges a chain of 124,000 prophets, including Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus. Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the final Messenger.
5. Belief in the Day of Judgment: The conviction that every soul will be resurrected and held accountable for their deeds on Earth.
6. Belief in Divine Decree (Qadar): The understanding that Allah has knowledge of all things, past and future, while still granting humans the free will to choose their actions.

The Five Pillars of Islam (Arkan al-Islam)

While faith resides in the heart, it is expressed through five foundational practices. These pillars provide the framework for a Muslim’s life:

1. Shahada (Declaration of Faith)

The entry point into Islam is the testimony: “La ilaha illa Allah, Muhammadur Rasulu Allah” (There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah). This simple sentence is the foundation of the entire Islamic identity. It is also known as a Gate-way to Islam.

2. Salah (The Five Daily Prayers)

Muslims perform five prayers at specific times throughout the day: Dawn (Fajr), Noon (Dhuhr), Afternoon (Asr), Sunset (Maghrib), and Night (Isha). Prayer serves as a spiritual “reset,” allowing the believer to disconnect from worldly stresses and reconnect with the Divine.

3. Zakat (Obligatory Charity)

Islam mandates that those who possess wealth above a certain threshold (Nisab) give 2.5% of their annual savings to the poor and needy. This is not seen as “charity” in the Western sense but as a “purification” of one’s wealth and a fundamental right of the poor.

4. Sawm (Fasting during Ramadan)

Every year, during the lunar month of Ramadan, healthy adult Muslims abstain from food, drink, and intimacy from dawn until sunset. Fasting fosters self-discipline, empathy for the hungry, and spiritual rejuvenation.

5. Hajj (The Pilgrimage to Mecca)

For those who are physically and financially able, the pilgrimage to the Kaaba in Mecca is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation. It is the largest annual gathering of humanity, where millions of people from every race and social class stand side-by-side in white garments, symbolizing the equality of all humans before God.

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The Holy Quran: The Final Revelation

The Quran is the primary source of guidance for all Muslims. Revealed to Prophet Muhammad over a period of 23 years, it consists of 114 chapters (Surahs). Unlike previous scriptures, the Quran has remained unchanged for over 1,400 years. It provides guidance on everything from legal systems and social justice to personal hygiene and the nature of the soul.

Complementing the Quran is the Sunnah—the lived example of Prophet Muhammad. His sayings and actions, recorded in books of Hadith, provide the practical application of Quranic principles.

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH): The Exemplar

Born in Mecca in 570 CE, Muhammad was known for his honesty and integrity long before he received his first revelation at age 40. He did not come to start a “new” religion but to restore the original monotheistic faith of Abraham. His life is a blueprint for Muslims on how to be a fair leader, a kind husband, a loyal friend, and a devout servant of God.

Islam’s Impact on Modern Society

Islam is frequently misunderstood in the modern era, yet its core values are deeply aligned with universal human rights.

• Equality: The Prophet famously stated in his final sermon that no race is superior to another.
• Science and Knowledge: The first word revealed in the Quran was “Iqra” (Read). This sparked the Islamic Golden Age, leading to massive advancements in algebra, medicine, and astronomy.
• Environmental Stewardship: Islam teaches that humans are Khalifas (stewards) of the Earth and must protect nature.

Conclusion: A Journey Toward Peace

This introduction to Islam only scratches the surface of a rich, complex, and beautiful faith. Islam offers a clear purpose to life: to know our Creator and to serve humanity. By balancing the “Internal Faith” with “External Practice,” a Muslim seeks to find Sakina (tranquillity) in a chaotic world.

By Musa A. Mosiudi