Discovering Islam: Faith, Life, and Community
Islam is one of the world’s major monotheistic faiths, if not the only faith, practiced by over two billion people globally. The Arabic word “Islam” literally means “submission” (to the will of God) and is derived from the word “salam,” meaning peace. A Muslim is, therefore, one who submits to God and His will and finds peace through that submission. Islam is not just a set of beliefs but a comprehensive way of life that guides followers in their spiritual, personal, social, and economic affairs. Its adherents believe that Islam is the final, complete, and universal version of a faith revealed many times to previous prophets, including Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus.
Core Beliefs: The Foundations of Faith
At the heart of Islam are six primary articles of faith that define a Muslim’s worldview:
- Belief in One God (Allah, with emphatic L’s): This is the paramount belief. Muslims worship only one unique, indivisible God, Whose name is Allah, as He told us in the Qur’an.
- Belief in Angels: Angels are real beings, purely spiritual beings that we don’t usually see. Angels are created by God from light to carry out specific divine commands.
- Belief in Revealed Books: Muslims believe God revealed His will through sacred texts. The Quran is the final and preserved revelation.
- Belief in Prophets and Messengers: Muslims accept all prophets sent by God. Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the final prophet.
- Belief in the Day of Judgment: Everyone will be resurrected and judged by God for their deeds, leading to either Paradise or Hellfire.
- Belief in Divine Decree (Qadar): The acceptance that God has knowledge of all things and power over all things.
The Five Pillars: Actions That Define a Muslim
The spiritual framework of a Muslim’s life is built upon five foundational acts of worship that unite Muslims worldwide:
- The Declaration of Faith (Shahada): The statement, “There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.”
- Prayer (Salat): Five daily prayers facing the Kaaba in Mecca, serving as a direct connection between the individual and God.
- Charity (Zakat): A mandatory annual charitable payment (typically 2.5%) for social justice.
- Fasting (Sawm): Abstaining from dawn until sunset during the holy month of Ramadan for spiritual discipline and self-control.
- Pilgrimage (Hajj): The required journey to Mecca once in a lifetime for those who are able, symbolizing unity.
The Quran and the Prophet Muhammad
The two primary sources for understanding Islam are the Quran and the Sunnah (the teachings and practices of the Prophet Muhammad).
- The Quran: Believed to be the literal word of God, revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.
- The Prophet Muhammad, whose life is documented in the Sunnah and Hadith, collectively known as the Sirah (Biography), serves as a practical and perfect human example of faith.
Ethics and Community
Islam places immense value on ethics, justice, and community life. Muslims are encouraged to exhibit kindness, honesty, and humility in all interactions.
- Justice (Adl): The pursuit of justice is a core moral obligation, applying to all people regardless of their background.
- Jihad: Meaning “struggle” or “striving.” The “Greater Jihad” is the internal spiritual struggle.
In essence, Islam offers a complete moral and legal framework designed to guide its followers toward a balanced life centered on peace, submission to God, and responsible stewardship of the earth.