06/05/2024
Islam is a major world religion founded in Arabia in the 7th century based on the teachings of the prophet Muhammad. It is the second-largest religion in the world, with over 1.8 billion followers, known as Muslims.
Core Beliefs:
1. Monotheism (Tawhid): Belief in one God, Allah, who is merciful, all-powerful, and unique.
2. Prophethood (Nabuwwah): Belief in the prophets, including Adam, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad, who received revelations from Allah.
3. Revealed Books (Kutub): Belief in the Quran, the final revelation from Allah, and other revealed books, such as the Torah and the Gospel.
4. Angels (Mala'ikah): Belief in the existence of angels, who are messengers of Allah.
5. Day of Judgment (Qiyamah): Belief in the day of judgment, where all actions will be accounted for.
6. Divine Decree (Qadr): Belief in the divine decree, which is the belief that Allah's knowledge and power encompass all things.
Five Pillars:
1. Shahada (Declaration of Faith): The declaration that there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.
2. Salah (Prayer): Performing the five daily prayers, facing towards the holy city of Mecca.
3. Zakat (Charity): Giving a portion of one's wealth to the poor and needy.
4. Sawm (Fasting): Fasting during the month of Ramadan to develop self-control and empathy for those in need.
5. Hajj (Pilgrimage): Making a pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca at least once in a lifetime for those who are physically and financially able.
Six Articles of Faith:
1. Belief in God
2. Belief in the prophets
3. Belief in the revealed books
4. Belief in the angels
5. Belief in the Day of Judgment
6. Belief in the divine decree
Islam teaches the importance of:
- Compassion
- Justice
- Humility
- Responsibility
- Respect for all human beings
- Care for the environment
Islam is a way of life that encompasses all aspects of human existence, from worship and ethics to social and economic interactions.