Islam
What means Islam ?
Islam is a monotheistic Abrahamic religion founded on the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad SAW as revealed in the Quran, the holy book of Islam. The term "Islam" is derived from the Arabic root "s-l-m," which means peace, submission, and obedience. In a religious context, it signifies the peace that comes from submitting to the will of Allah SWT and following His guidance.
Etymology
Islam: The word Islam means "submission" or "surrender." It reflects the central tenet of the religion: submitting to the will of Allah SWT.
Muslim: A follower of Islam is called a Muslim, which means "one who submits" to Allah SWT.
Key Concepts
Peace: Both internal peace (spiritual contentment) and external peace (social harmony) are achieved through adherence to Allah SWT commands.
Submission: Complete devotion and obedience to the guidance provided by Allah SWT (Quran) and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad SAW (Hadiths).
Islam encompasses a comprehensive way of life, guiding individuals in their personal, social, and spiritual conduct. It emphasizes monotheism, prophethood, the importance of revealed scriptures, and accountability in the afterlife.
The 5 pillars of Islam
Shahada
The Shahada is the fundamental statement of Islamic faith, declaring, "There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah." This declaration affirms the oneness of Allah SWT and the prophethood of Muhammad SAW.
Salat
Performance of the five obligatory prayers each day at prescribed times: Fajr (dawn), Dhuhr (noon), Asr (afternoon), Maghrib (sunset), and Isha (night).
Fasting
Ramadan: Fasting from dawn to sunset during the holy month of Ramadan, abstaining from food, drink, and sexual relations. Fasting during Ramadan is obligatory for all adult Muslims, with exceptions for those who are ill, traveling, pregnant, or otherwise unable to fast.
Additional Fasting: Beyond Ramadan, can be earned extra rewards by fasting on Mondays and Thursdays, following the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad SAW.
Charity
Obligatory Charity (Zakat): Is required to give 2.5% of the accumulated wealth to those in need, annually. This act purifies one's wealth and helps reduce socio-economic disparities.
Voluntary Charity (Sadaqah): In addition to Zakat, we are encouraged to give Sadaqah, voluntary charity, at any time, fostering a spirit of generosity and compassion.
Hajj
Pilgrimage to Mecca, every Muslim who is physically and financially able is required to perform Hajj at least once in their lifetime. The pilgrimage takes place annually during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah.
The 6 pillars of Iman
Believe in Allah
Believing in the existence, oneness, and attributes of Allah, the Creator of everything.
Believe in the Angles
Recognizing the existence of angels, who are unseen beings created by Allah, tasked with various responsibilities.
Believe in the Books
Accepting the holy scriptures revealed by Allah to His prophets.
The Torah (Tawrat): Given to Prophet Musa A.S (Moses).
The Psalms (Zabur): Given to Prophet Dawud A.S (David).
The Gospel (Injil): Given to Prophet Isa A.S (Jesus).
The Quran: Given to Prophet Muhammad SAW.
The Scriptures of Musa (Suhuf Musa): Additional revelations given to Prophet Musa A.S (Moses).
The Scriptures of Abraham (Suhuf Ibrahim): Given to Prophet Ibrahim A.S (Abraham).
Muslims believe in the original, authentic messages from Allah to these prophets. Over time, these messages may have been changed or corrupted, except for the Quran, which is the unchanged and well-preserved word of Allah. Therefore, Muslims do not believe, for example, in the Bible as it exists today, but rather in the Injil, the original words of Allah to Jesus (A.S).
Believe in all the Prophets
Believing in all prophets sent by Allah to guide humanity, from Adam(A.S) to Muhammad (SAW)
Believe in the Day of Judgment
Having faith in the resurrection, judgment, and the afterlife, where everyone will be held accountable for their deeds.
Believe in the predestination
Trusting in Allah's predestination, knowing that everything happens by His will and wisdom.
Belief in the Unseen
While the six pillars of Iman specifically mention certain elements, they are part of a broader concept of belief in the unseen. This includes:
Angels
Beings created by Allah (SWT) who carry out His commands.
Jinns
Unseen beings with free will, created from smokeless fire.
Shaytan
A jinn who leads people away from the path of Allah.
Alam adh-Dharr
The realm where Allah took a covenant from the souls of all human beings before they were born into this world.
Barzakh
The state of existence between death and the Day of Judgment.
Al-Qiyamah
The day when all beings will be resurrected and judged by Allah.
Jannah and Jahannam
The final abodes for the righteous and the wicked, respectively.