What Is Islam?

What Is Islam: A Comprehensive Introduction for New Muslims

Islam is the name of a faith that centers on voluntary submission to God. In Arabic, Islam literally means “submission” or “surrender,” reflecting the idea that true human fulfillment comes from obeying God’s guidance. It also comes from the root salām (peace), highlighting that at its heart Islam brings inner and social harmony. Indeed, the Qur’an declares that “the religion in the sight of Allah is Islam”, highlighting that submission to God’s will – rather than cultural or tribal identity – is what truly unites humanity. God has created every person with free will, but He reminds us that our ultimate purpose is to worship Him: “I did not create jinn and humans except to worship Me.” (Qur’an 51:56). In practice, Islam teaches a balanced, holistic life: sincere belief in God combined with good deeds and moral conduct leads to true happiness and peace. By living in remembrance of God, doing righteous deeds, and avoiding wrongdoing, a Muslim finds inner tranquility – a reflection of the word’s link to salām, peace.

Beliefs of Islam

Islamic belief is built on six fundamental Pillars of Faith, which every Muslim affirms with conviction:

• Oneness of God (Tawḥīd): A Muslim believes in a single, unique Creator – Allah – who is the Supreme and Eternal Lord of all. He is all-powerful, all-knowing, infinitely merciful and compassionate, without partner or equal. God has no origin or family (no father, mother, or child), and nothing is comparable to Him. He alone is worthy of worship by all humanity.
  
• Belief in the Prophets: Muslims affirm belief in all prophets sent by God through history. These include Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and, finally, Muhammad (peace be upon them). All were human messengers chosen by God to call people to His worship. Importantly, their core message was the same: to believe in one God and to live righteously. As the Qur’an states, Muhammad is the Last of the Prophets – the seal of prophethood – bringing the final and complete guidance for humanity.
  
• Belief in Divine Scriptures: Muslims believe God revealed holy scriptures to guide people. This includes earlier revelations (the Psalms to David, Torah to Moses, Gospel to Jesus) in their original forms, and the final scripture, the Qur’an. The Qur’an is considered the uncorrupted, direct word of God revealed to Prophet Muhammad. It is unique in that it has been preserved unchanged for 14 centuries. Muslims turn to the Qur’an for guidance in all aspects of life, knowing it “guides to what is most upright” and gives glad tidings to those who do good Qur’an (17:9).
  
• Belief in Angels: Angels are spiritual beings created by God. They are honored servants who carry out divine orders. Unlike humans, angels have no free will to disobey God – they constantly worship Him and fulfill tasks (such as Gabriel who delivered revelations). Muslims believe in angels’ existence and roles, even though angels themselves cannot be seen by the naked eye.
  
• Belief in the Hereafter (Day of Judgment): Muslims firmly believe this life is not the end. After death, God will resurrect all people for a final, fair account. Everything we do in life – our words, deeds, and intentions – is recorded. On the Day of Judgment, ultimate justice will be served: those with good records will be rewarded with Paradise, and those who chose evil and injustice will be justly held to account. The Qur’an emphasizes that God’s judgment will correct every injustice from this world. This belief promotes Muslims to act morally and remain conscious of God at all times.
  
• Belief in Divine Decree (Qadar): Finally, Muslims believe that God’s knowledge and power encompass everything. God ordains all that happens in the universe, and nothing occurs outside His will. This does not negate human responsibility; rather, Islam teaches that people should plan and make choices, then trust in God’s wisdom. If outcomes please us we thank God, and if they do not, we still submit, knowing God is Wise and Just. In this balance, a believer finds comfort in God’s plan, even when life’s wisdom is beyond our understanding.

The Five Pillars of Islam

Islamic practice is founded on five acts of worship, known as the Five Pillars of Islam. These are the external foundations that reinforce the faith and character of a Muslim. Just as a building needs pillars, a believer’s life in God needs these acts to remain strong and focused. In brief, they are:

1. Faith (Shahādah): The declaration of faith – “I bear witness that there is no god but God, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of God” – is the first pillar. By sincerely reciting the Shahādah, one proclaims that Allah alone deserves worship, and accepts Muhammad (peace be upon him) as God’s final prophet. This simple statement contains the essence of Islam: life’s purpose is to serve and obey God through the Prophet’s teachings.

2. Prayer (Salāh): Muslims are required to pray five times each day at prescribed times. These ritual prayers are a direct link between the worshipper and God. They are recited in Arabic, include Qur’anic verses, and take place at dawn, noon, afternoon, sunset, and night. Prayer purifies the soul, reminds one of God throughout the day, and creates discipline. Importantly, there are no clergy in Islam – any learned person may lead prayer – underlining that each believer has a direct relationship with God.

3. Charity (Zakāh): Islam teaches that all wealth ultimately belongs to God. The Muslim is obligated to give a fixed portion (typically 2.5%) of one’s accumulated wealth annually to help the needy. The Arabic word zakāh literally means “purification and growth.” By giving zakāh, a Muslim purifies their possessions and assists social growth. Charity in Islam is not just about money: the Prophet said that “even meeting your brother with a cheerful face is an act of charity”, highlighting that kindness and good deeds – big or small – are spiritually rewarding. Zakāh ensures the community cares for the poor, reinforcing justice and empathy.

4. Fasting (Sawm) during Ramadan: Each year in Ramadan (the ninth month of the Islamic calendar), adult Muslims fast from dawn until sunset – abstaining from food, drink and intimate relations. Fasting is a means of self-purification and self-restraint. By cutting off worldly comforts, the fasting person remembers God more and focuses on their purpose in life. As the Qur’an states: “O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you… that you may learn self-restraint.” (Qur’an 2:183). The fast teaches gratitude, strengthens empathy for the hungry, and reminds Muslims of the needs of others. Children begin learning to fast as they grow, and exceptions are made for those who are ill or traveling.

5. Pilgrimage (Hajj): Once in a lifetime, every physically and financially able Muslim must perform the pilgrimage to the Kaaba in Mecca during the month of Ḥajj. Over two million people of all backgrounds gather in unity, dressed alike, to perform rituals tracing the legacy of Abraham and Hagar. The Ḥajj rites (circling the Kaaba, walking between Safa and Marwa, standing on the Plain of Arafat in prayer) symbolize submission and equality before God. Completing Hajj is a profound spiritual milestone, often described as a snapshot of the Day of Judgment when all stand equal before God. The Ḥajj culminates in the festival of Eid al-Adha, a time of prayer and giving.

The Qur’an and Sunnah

Muslims live by two primary sources of guidance: the Qur’an and the Sunnah. The Qur’an is believed to be the literal word of God, revealed to Prophet Muhammad in Arabic. It provides complete guidance for life, addressing all aspects of human existence. For example, the Qur’an declares that it “guides to what is most upright” and gives believers glad tidings of great reward if they do good (Qur’an 17:9). It contains theological principles, moral teachings, laws, and stories meant to inspire reflection.

Equally important is the Sunnah, the Prophet Muhammad’s own sayings, actions, and approvals. The Sunnah explains and exemplifies the Qur’an’s message. Because Allah revealed guidance to us through Muhammad, the Prophet himself is described as “an excellent example” for those who hope in God (Qur’an 33:21). By studying the Sunnah (collected in the form of hadith), Muslims learn how to apply Qur’anic wisdom in daily life – for instance, how the Prophet greeted others, cared for the needy, or conducted business fairly. In this way, the Sunnah and Qur’an together form the complete roadmap for a Muslim’s faith and practice.

The Qur’an is considered God’s final revelation, “guiding to what is most upright.” Muslims study the Qur’an and the Prophet’s Sunnah together as the primary guidance for life.

Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him)

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is the final Messenger of Islam and its most important human guide. God chose him to receive and convey the last divine revelation. The Qur’an explicitly states, “Muhammad is not the father of [any] one of your men, but [he is] the Messenger of Allah and the last of the prophets” (Qur’an 33:40). This verse underscores that Muhammad (pbuh) brought the completion of God’s message, and that no new prophet will come after him.

Beyond this, Prophet Muhammad’s life itself is the model for Muslims. He is described in the Qur’an as the ideal example for those who believe in God and the Hereafter: “Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah you have an excellent example for whoever has hope in Allah and the Last Day” (Qur’an 33:21). In every situation – worship, family life, business, compassion, justice – Muhammad (pbuh) showed how to live according to divine guidance. He is known as a “mercy to the worlds” (Qur’an 21:107) and repeatedly highlighted mercy and kindness. New Muslims are encouraged to learn about his Seerah (life story) and teachings, for through them they learn how to implement Islam’s values in real life.

Mercy, Justice, and Guidance in Islam

Central to Islam are the attributes of mercy and justice. God is repeatedly described in the Qur’an as al-Raḥmān and al-Raḥīm, “The Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate.” Muslims are taught that Allah’s mercy far exceeds His wrath. For example, Allah commands His servants, “Do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins”. This verse (39:53) assures believers that even if they have erred, turning sincerely to God means His forgiveness is near.

At the same time, Allah is just and fair. The Qur’an warns that those who persist in wrongdoing will face accountability, but those who do good – even the smallest good deed – will be rewarded. As described in Islamic belief, on Judgment Day “those who do good will be rewarded and brought into Gardens [of Paradise], and those who do wrong will be justly recompensed”. Islam teaches that God’s justice is perfect: no one is wronged, and every soul will be given exactly what it earned. A Muslim lives with the hope of God’s mercy but also with the awareness of His fair judgment, encouraging constant self-improvement and repentance.

Islam also emphasizes positive transformation and moral development. A person who embraces Islam often experiences profound change: habits of daily worship (like praying and reading Qur’an) and ethical guidelines (honesty, kindness, charity) reshape one’s character. For instance, the Prophet taught that even a simple friendly smile is an act of charity, illustrating that Islam values everyday goodness. By committing to principles like justice, generosity, and patience, new Muslims find a deeper sense of purpose and inner peace. Many report that obedience to God’s guidance helps them overcome past mistakes and grow spiritually. In Islam, “good” actions – no matter how small – are never wasted.

Common Misconceptions

New Muslims often hear misleading claims about Islam which are based on misunderstanding cultural practices or the actions of some individuals. It’s important to remember that Islam’s core teachings promote peace, mercy, and justice. For example, the Qur’an explicitly states “Let there be no compulsion in religion” (Qur’an 2:256), meaning nobody can be forced to embrace Islam; faith must be chosen freely. Islam also strictly prohibits wrongdoing against others and urges fair treatment of all people, regardless of faith. Misconceptions (such as Islam encouraging violence or injustice) contradict these clear principles. When in doubt, return to the Qur’an and authentic teachings of the Prophet for clarity, and consult knowledgeable scholars or community mentors. Islam’s true message is one of guidance and tranquility, not coercion or oppression.

Islam’s Transformative Role

Islam not only provides a set of beliefs and practices, but also transforms personal life in positive ways. By submitting one’s life to God’s guidance, a Muslim cultivates virtues like honesty, humility, and compassion. The daily prayers bring structure and discipline, fasting instills empathy, and giving zakāh (charity) fosters generosity and social responsibility. Many converts describe how Islamic teachings have helped them find inner peace and resolve habits or thoughts they struggled with before. The sense of belonging to a global community (the ummah) also provides support and friendship. Crucially, Islam teaches that past mistakes can be forgiven and turned into a path for growth. Sincere repentance and striving to do better invite God’s mercy, essentially allowing a believer to “start anew.” In every aspect, Islam encourages continuous self-improvement and a purposeful life dedicated to God’s pleasure.

Embracing Islam is viewed as a new beginning, not the end. The journey of faith is one of lifelong learning and growth. New Muslims are encouraged to take gradual steps: learn to pray, read a little Qur’an daily, attend a nearby mosque or study circle, and seek good company. Each positive step strengthens faith, and Allah promises guidance for those who earnestly seek it. The community (ummah) welcomes sincere individuals of every background, because in Islam the only distinction of value is a person’s piety and good character.

Conclusion

We hope this guide has provided a clear and encouraging overview of Islam’s meaning and foundations. Remember that Islam means peace through submitting one’s will to the Creator, and that its core is not just rituals but mercy, justice and constant guidance from Allah. As the Qur’an reminds us, God’s guidance leads to what is best for us, and His mercy encompasses all things. For new Muslims, this path is filled with hope: each small act of worship or kindness is deeply valued. Islam offers a supportive community and a lifetime of learning, whether through the Qur’an, the Prophet’s example, or the practice of prayer and charity. Keep studying and asking questions – every journey of faith begins with a single step. May Allah make your journey easy and rewarding.

Related Articles: To continue your learning, see articles on: Understanding the Qur’an, The Life of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), How to Perform Prayer (Salāh), Ramadan: Fasting and Reflection, and Charity in Islam (Zakāh and Good Deeds).