• Islamic Teachings, Islamic Ethics
• By: M.Yaseen

Islam, meaning “submission” in Arabic, is the world’s second-largest religion, followed by over 1.9 billion people globally. It is a rich tapestry of beliefs, practices, and traditions woven together by the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the guidance revealed in the Quran, the holy book of Islam believed to be the literal word of God.

Towards Understanding Islam english

This article serves as a beginner’s guide, offering a glimpse into the core principles and practices of Islam.

Foundational Beliefs:

• Tawhid (Oneness of God): At the heart of Islam lies the belief in one, indivisible God, Allah. Muslims reject polytheism and believe Allah is the sole creator, sustainer, and ultimate authority over everything in existence.
• Prophethood: Muslims believe in a long line of prophets sent by Allah to guide humanity. Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) is considered the last and final prophet, entrusted with delivering the final message of God.
• Angles and Jinn: Muslims believe in the existence of angels, unseen beings created from light who serve Allah. Jinn, also unseen beings, are believed to possess free will and can be good or evil.
• The Day of Judgement and the Afterlife: Muslims believe in life after death. Every individual will be held accountable for their actions in this life on the Day of Judgement, followed by eternal reward in Paradise or punishment in Hell.

Pillars of Islam:

The five pillars serve as the core practices upon which Islamic life is built:

1. Shahadah (Declaration of Faith): This is the foundational statement of faith, declaring “There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.”
2. Salah (Prayer): Muslims perform five daily prayers at specific times throughout the day, directly connecting with Allah in a ritual of worship and submission.
3. Sawm (Fasting): During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other activities from dawn to dusk. This practice fosters self-discipline, empathy for the less fortunate, and strengthens connection with Allah.
4. Zakat (Charity): Zakat is the obligatory act of giving a specific portion of one’s wealth to the poor and needy, purifying wealth and promoting social responsibility.
5. Hajj (Pilgrimage): If physically and financially able, Muslims are expected to undertake the pilgrimage to Mecca, a spiritual journey undertaken to cleanse oneself of sins and strengthen the bonds of the global Muslim community.

Beyond the Basics:

This glimpse offers a starting point for understanding Islam. It’s important to remember that Islam is a multifaceted religion with diverse interpretations and practices within its vast community. Engaging with reputable resources, including translations of the Quran, scholarly works, and respectful dialogue with Muslims, can further deepen your understanding and appreciation for this rich and vibrant faith tradition.

Remember, fostering genuine understanding requires a spirit of open-mindedness, respect, and a willingness to learn from diverse perspectives.