The word “Islam” literally stems from the Arabic word for peace, indicating making peace with God, with oneself and with His creations through submission to God and commitment to His guidance.
Islam is not a new religion but the final culmination and fulfilment of the same basic truth that God revealed through all His prophets to every nation.
Muslims:
· People who follow Islam are called Muslims.
· Islam is the second-largest religion in the world, with over 1 billion followers.
· Only 18% of Muslims live in the Arab world.
One becomes a Muslim by making the following declaration with sincere belief and conviction:
“There is none worthy of worship except God, and Muhammad is the Messenger of God.”
The Articles of Faith (Beliefs):
1. One God
2. Angels
3. Books of God
4. Prophets
5. Day of Judgement
6. Destiny
Five Pillars of Islam (Practices):
1. The Declaration of faith (Shahadah)
2. Prayer (Salah)
3. Charity: (Zakah)
4. Fasting (Sawm)
5. Pilgrimage (Hajj)
Islam is a complete way of life. Muslims lead their lives according to the guidance found in:
The Qur’an: This is the word of Allah revealed to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)
The Sunnah: This is the practical example of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)