What is Islam

What is Islam

Origin:

                                   The origin of Islam is generally accredited to the prophet Muhammad but to the devout Muslim, Islam began long before Muhammad ever walked the earth. The Qur'an was dictated by Muhammad but, according to the Qur'an, it did not originate with Muhammad. The Qur'an testifies of itself that it was given by God through the angel Gabriel to the prophet Muhammad. "This is a revelation from the Lord of the universe. The Honest Spirit (Gabriel) came down with it, to reveal it into your heart that you may be one of the warners, in a perfect Arabic tongue" (Surah 26:192-195). "Say, Anyone who opposes Gabriel should know that he has brought down this (the Qur'an) into your heart, in accordance with God's will, confirming previous scriptures, and providing guidance and good news for the believers'" (Surah 2:97).

Islam:

                               The word Islam means voluntary “Submission” or “Surrender” to the Will of God. It derives from the root word “salam,” meaning peace.

The religion of the Muslims, a monotheistic faith regarded as revealed through Muhammad as the Prophet of Allah.

History of Islam:

                                                                                    In the seventh century, Muhammad claimed the angel Gabriel visited him. During these angelic visitations, which continued for about 23 years until Muhammad's death, the angel purportedly revealed to Muhammad the words of Allah (the Arabic word for “God” used by Muslims). These dictated revelations compose the Qur'an, Islam's holy book. Islam means “submission,” deriving from a root word that means “peace.” The word Muslim means “one who submits to Allah.”

Islamic position on Prophets:

                                                                                                 God sent Prophets to teach mankind how to worship Him; starting with Adam, including Noah, Abraham, Moses,Jesus and the last of the messengers, Muhammad (peace be upon them all). The Islamic position is that all of these prophets came with the same message, that there is no deity worthy of worship except the One True God, known in Arabic as Allah.

Five pillars of Islam:

Shahada:

The testimony of faith (shahada): “La Ilaha Illa Allah. Muhammad Rasul Allah.” This means, “There is no deity but Allah. Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.” A person can convert to Islam by stating this creed. The shahada shows that a Muslim believes in Allah alone as deity and believes that Muhammad reveals Allah.

Salat:

Prayer, the Islamic prayer. Salat consists of five daily prayers according to the Sunna.

Zakat:

 This almsgiving is a certain percentage given once a year. It is the practice of charitable giving by Muslims based on accumulated wealth, and is obligatory for all who are able to do so.

Fasting:

 Muslims fast during Ramadan in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. They must not eat or drink from dawn until sunset, and are to be especially mindful of other sins.

Hajj:

Pilgrimage to Mecca, occurs during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah to the holy city of Mecca. Every able-bodied Muslim is obliged to make the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their life.