What is Islam?: The name of the religion is Islam, which comes from anArabic root word meaning "peace" and "submission." Islam teaches thatone can only find peace in one's life by submitting to Almighty God(Allah) in heart, soul and deed. The same Arabic root word gives us"Salaam alaykum," ("Peace be with you"), the universal Muslim greeting.
Whois a Muslim?: A person who believes in and consciously follows Islam iscalled a Muslim, also from the same root word. So, the religion iscalled "Islam," and a person who believes in and follows it is a"Muslim."
HowMany and Where?: Islam is a major world religion, with over 1 billionfollowers worldwide (1/5 of the world population). It is considered oneof the Abrahamic, monotheistic faiths, along with Judaism andChristianity. Although usually associated with the Arabs of the MiddleEast, less than 10% of Muslims are in fact Arab. Muslims are found allover the world, of every nation, color and race.
Whois Allah?: Allah is the proper name for Almighty God, and is oftentranslated merely as "God." Allah has other names that are used todescribe His characteristics: the Creator, the Sustainer, the Merciful,the Compassionate, etc.
Muslimsbelieve that since Allah alone is the Creator, it is He alone thatdeserves our devout love and worship. Islam holds to a strictmonotheism. Any worship and prayers directed at saints, prophets, otherhuman beings or nature is considered idolatry.
Whatdo Muslims believe about God, prophets, the afterlife, etc.?: The basicbeliefs of Muslims fall into six main categories, which are known asthe "Articles of Faith":
- Faith in the unity of God
- Faith in angels
- Faith in prophets
- Faith in books of revelation
- Faith in an afterlife
- Faith in destiny/divine decree
The"five pillars" of Islam: In Islam, faith and good works gohand-in-hand. A mere verbal declaration of faith is not enough, forbelief in Allah makes obedience to Him a duty.
TheMuslim concept of worship is very broad. Muslims consider everythingthey do in life to be an act of worship, if it is done according toAllah's guidance. There are also five formal acts of worship which helpstrengthen a Muslim's faith and obedience. They are often called the"Five Pillars of Islam."
- Testimony of faith (Kalima)
- Prayer (Salat)
- Fasting (Sawm)
- Almsgiving (Zakat)
- Pilgrimage (Hajj)
Dailylife as a Muslim: While often seen as a radical or extreme religion,Muslims consider Islam to be the middle road. Muslims do not live lifewith complete disregard for God or religious matters, but nor do theyneglect the world to devote themselves solely to worship and prayer.Muslims strike a balance by fulfilling the obligations of and enjoyingthis life, while always mindful of their duties to Allah and to others.
- Morals and manners
- Business ethics
- Modesty in dress and behavior
- Dietary rules
- Marriage
- Care of children and elderly
- Racism and prejudice
- Relations with non-Muslims
موضوع: Introduction to Islam 
الإثنين نوفمبر 29, 2010 8:46 am