What is Islam? A Comprehensive Beginner’s Guide
Islam, an Arabic word meaning “submission to God,” is a monotheistic religion centered on the belief in one God, known as Allah in Arabic.1 With over 1.8 billion followers worldwide, representing more than 25% of the global population, Islam is the second-largest religion in the world and continues to grow. This guide aims to provide a foundational understanding of Islam for beginners, covering its core beliefs, practices, and principles in a clear and respectful manner, drawing from the primary sources of Islamic teachings: the Quran (the literal word of God) and the Sunnah (the teachings and practices of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him), and understood through the lens of the early generations of Muslims (the Salaf).
The Essence of Islam: Submission to the Will of Allah
At its heart, Islam teaches that there is only one true God, Allah, who is the Creator, Sustainer, and Judge of the universe.2 Muslims believe that Allah is unique, without partners or equals, and that He alone is worthy of worship.3 The central message of Islam is the complete submission to the will of Allah, which leads to inner peace and harmony in this life and salvation in the Hereafter.
Islam is not a new religion but rather a continuation of the monotheistic message preached by earlier prophets such as Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus, peace be upon them all. Muslims believe that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the final prophet in this chain, and that the Quran is the final and complete revelation from Allah, superseding previous scriptures.
The Six Pillars of Faith (Iman)
The foundation of Islamic belief rests on six fundamental pillars, known as Iman:4
1. Belief in Allah (God)
This is the most fundamental pillar of Islam. It entails believing in the absolute oneness (Tawhid) of Allah in His Lordship, His divinity, and His names and attributes.5
- Tawhid al-Rububiyyah (Oneness of Lordship): Believing that Allah is the sole Creator, Sustainer, and Controller of the universe. He alone gives life and takes it away, provides sustenance, and has power over all things.
- Tawhid al-Uluhiyyah (Oneness of Divinity): Believing that Allah alone is worthy of worship.6 All forms of worship, such as prayer, supplication, sacrifice, and devotion, must be directed exclusively to Him.7
- Tawhid al-Asma’ wa’l-Sifat (Oneness of Names and Attributes): Believing in the names and attributes of Allah as they are revealed in the Quran and the Sunnah, without distorting their meanings, denying them, questioning how they are, or likening them to the attributes of created beings.8
Understanding and adhering to Tawhid is the cornerstone of a Muslim’s faith and distinguishes Islam from other belief systems.9
2. Belief in the Angels
Muslims believe in the existence of angels, who are created beings made of light.10 They are servants of Allah, obedient to His commands, and have various roles. Some angels record the deeds of humans, others are responsible for conveying revelation, and some are guardians. Notable angels include Jibril (Gabriel), who brought the Quran to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and Mika’il (Michael), who is responsible for rain and sustenance.11 Belief in angels is an integral part of Islamic faith, highlighting the unseen realm and the intricate workings of Allah’s creation.12
3. Belief in the Messengers (Prophets)
Islam teaches that Allah has sent messengers (prophets) to every nation throughout history to guide humanity to the truth.13 These prophets were righteous individuals chosen by Allah to convey His message. Muslims believe in all the prophets of God, including Adam, Noah, Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, David, Solomon, Jesus, and Muhammad (peace be upon them all).
Muslims believe that Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the final prophet in this lineage, and that there will be no prophet after him.14 The message he brought, Islam, is considered the final and complete message from Allah to humanity. Respect and reverence for all prophets is essential in Islam, while recognizing the finality of Prophet Muhammad’s prophethood.
4. Belief in the Revealed Books
Muslims believe that Allah revealed scriptures to some of His prophets as guidance for humanity.15 These books include the Torah (revealed to Moses), the Psalms (revealed to David), and the Gospel (revealed to Jesus), peace be upon them all.16 However, Muslims believe that these earlier scriptures have been altered or misinterpreted over time.17
Muslims believe that the Quran is the final and complete revelation from Allah, revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in its original and unaltered form.18 It is considered the ultimate guide for humanity, containing divine wisdom, laws, and moral teachings.19 The Quran is the literal word of God and is held in the highest esteem by Muslims.
5. Belief in the Day of Judgment
Muslims believe in a Day of Judgment (also known as the Day of Resurrection or the Hereafter) when all people who have ever lived will be resurrected and held accountable for their actions in this life.20 Allah will judge everyone based on their faith and deeds. Those who lived a righteous life and believed in Allah and His messengers will be rewarded with Paradise (Jannah), a state of eternal bliss.21 Those who rejected faith and committed evil deeds will be punished in Hellfire ( النار), a state of eternal suffering.22
Belief in the Day of Judgment encourages Muslims to live a moral and righteous life, knowing that they will be held accountable for their actions in the Hereafter.23 It provides a framework for justice and highlights the ultimate purpose of life as preparation for the eternal abode.
6. Belief in Divine Decree (Qadar)
Muslims believe in the concept of divine decree (Qadar), which means that Allah has full knowledge of everything that has happened, is happening, and will happen.24 He has decreed all events according to His infinite wisdom and will. This belief does not negate human free will and responsibility for one’s actions.25 Rather, it emphasizes Allah’s ultimate control and knowledge over all affairs.26
Understanding Qadar involves acknowledging that while humans have the ability to make choices, Allah’s knowledge encompasses all possibilities. This belief fosters humility, reliance on Allah, and acceptance of His will in both good times and bad.
The Five Pillars of Islam
The five pillars of Islam are the fundamental acts of worship that form the framework of a Muslim’s life.27 They are the practical manifestations of faith and provide a structure for daily life and spiritual growth.28
1. The Testimony of Faith (Shahada)
The Shahada is the declaration of faith and the first pillar of Islam.29 It states: “La ilaha illallah, Muhammadur Rasulullah” which means “There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.”
This declaration encapsulates the core beliefs of Islam: the absolute oneness of Allah and the acceptance of Muhammad (peace be upon him) as His final prophet.30 Reciting the Shahada with sincere belief and understanding makes one a Muslim.31 It is a constant reminder of the purpose of life and the foundation of all other acts of worship.
2. Prayer (Salah)
Salah, or prayer, is the second pillar of Islam and is a direct form of communication between a Muslim and Allah.32 Muslims are obligated to perform five daily prayers at specific times:33
- Fajr (Dawn): Before sunrise.34
- Dhuhr (Midday): After the sun has passed its zenith.
- Asr (Afternoon): Before sunset.35
- Maghrib (Sunset): Immediately after sunset.
- Isha (Night): After twilight has disappeared.
Each prayer consists of a series of ritual movements, recitations from the Quran (primarily Surah Al-Fatiha), and supplications performed while facing the Kaaba in Mecca.36 Prayer is a spiritual practice that purifies the heart, strengthens one’s connection with Allah, and reminds Muslims of their obligations to Him. It fosters discipline, humility, and gratitude.
3. Charity (Zakat)
Zakat, or obligatory charity, is the third pillar of Islam.37 It is a form of wealth purification and social justice. Muslims who meet a certain financial threshold (Nisab) are required to donate a portion of their wealth (typically 2.5% of their accumulated wealth held for one lunar year) to designated categories of recipients, such as the poor, the needy, the indebted, and other causes beneficial to the community.
Zakat is not merely an act of generosity but a religious obligation that purifies the giver’s wealth and helps to redistribute it to those in need.38 It fosters a sense of community responsibility, compassion, and care for the less fortunate members of society.39
4. Fasting (Sawm)
Sawm, or fasting, is the fourth pillar of Islam.40 During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims who are physically and mentally able are required to abstain from food, drink, and sexual activity from dawn until sunset.41
Fasting during Ramadan is an act of worship that teaches self-discipline, empathy for the hungry and needy, and increases spiritual awareness.42 It is a time for reflection, increased devotion, and strengthening one’s relationship with Allah. The end of Ramadan is celebrated with a major festival called Eid al-Fitr.43
5. Pilgrimage (Hajj)
Hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca, is the fifth pillar of Islam.44 It is an obligation for every physically and financially able Muslim to perform once in their lifetime. The Hajj takes place during the month of Dhul Hijjah in the Islamic lunar calendar.45
Millions of Muslims from around the world travel to Mecca to perform a series of rituals, including circumambulating the Kaaba, praying at specific locations, and standing on the plains of Arafat.46 The Hajj is a powerful demonstration of the unity and solidarity of the Muslim community and a profound spiritual experience that commemorates the journey of Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him).47
The Sources of Islamic Guidance
Muslims derive guidance for their lives from two primary sources:
1. The Quran
The Quran is the literal word of God, revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) through the angel Gabriel.48 It is considered the ultimate authority in Islam, providing guidance on all aspects of life, including beliefs, worship, ethics, and social conduct. The Quran is divided into 114 chapters (Surahs) and is revered by Muslims as the uncreated speech of Allah.49
2. The Sunnah
The Sunnah refers to the teachings, actions, and sayings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).50 It is the second source of Islamic guidance and provides practical examples of how to live according to the Quranic teachings. The Sunnah is preserved in collections of narrations called Hadith, which were meticulously documented by the Prophet’s companions and later scholars.51
Methodology of the Salaf
Understanding and practicing Islam according to the methodology of the Salaf (the early generations of Muslims, particularly the Prophet’s companions, their successors, and the successors of their successors) is of great importance in Islam. Muslims who follow this methodology strive to understand the Quran and Sunnah as the early Muslims understood them, avoiding innovations and adhering to the pure teachings of Islam.52 This approach emphasizes the importance of the consensus of the early scholars on matters of faith and practice.
Key Aspects of Islamic Life
Islam encompasses all aspects of a Muslim’s life, providing a comprehensive framework for living according to the will of Allah.
Morality and Ethics
Islam places a strong emphasis on high moral and ethical standards.53 Muslims are encouraged to be honest, truthful, just, kind, compassionate, and respectful in their dealings with others, both Muslims and non-Muslims.54 Islamic ethics promote forgiveness, patience, humility, and the avoidance of harmful behaviors such as lying, cheating, gossiping, and backbiting.
Family Life
Family is considered the foundation of Islamic society.55 Islam emphasizes the importance of strong family bonds, mutual respect, and fulfilling the rights and responsibilities of each family member.56 Husbands and wives have specific roles and obligations towards each other, and parents are responsible for raising their children according to Islamic teachings. Respect for elders and kindness towards relatives are also highly valued.
Social Justice
Islam emphasizes the importance of social justice and fairness in all aspects of life.57 Muslims are encouraged to stand up for the rights of the oppressed, care for the poor and needy, and promote equality and justice in their communities.58 Islam condemns all forms of discrimination and calls for the establishment of a just and equitable society.59
Worship and Remembrance of Allah60 (Dhikr)
Beyond the five daily prayers, Islam encourages Muslims to constantly remember Allah through various forms of worship and remembrance (Dhikr).61 This includes reciting the names of Allah, making supplications (Du’a), reading the Quran, and engaging in other acts of devotion. Remembrance of Allah brings peace to the heart and strengthens one’s connection with the Divine.62
Conclusion
This guide has provided a basic introduction to Islam, covering its core beliefs, practices, and principles. Islam is a comprehensive way of life that calls for the submission to the will of Allah and following the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).63 It emphasizes the oneness of God, the importance of worship, high moral standards, strong family bonds, social justice, and the ultimate accountability in the Hereafter.
For those interested in learning more about Islam, it is crucial to seek knowledge from reliable sources, such as the Quran and the authentic Sunnah, and to understand them through the lens of the early generations of Muslims. Engaging with knowledgeable and trustworthy scholars and seeking guidance from reputable Islamic institutions can provide a deeper understanding of this rich and diverse faith.
Islam offers a path to inner peace, spiritual fulfillment, and a meaningful life in accordance with the will of the Creator.64 It is a message of hope, mercy, and guidance for all of humanity.
