About Islam

Islam is a monotheistic Abrahamic religion founded on the teachings of Prophet Muhammad as revealed in the sacred text known as the Quran. With over a billion adherents worldwide, Islam is one of the major global religions, and its followers are known as Muslims. The word “Islam” itself is derived from the Arabic root word ‘S-L-M,’ which conveys the concepts of peace, submission, and surrender to the will of Allah, the Arabic term for God.

The central religious text of Islam is the Quran, believed by Muslims to be the literal word of God as revealed to Prophet Muhammad over a period of approximately 23 years through the angel Gabriel. The Quran serves as the primary source of guidance for Muslims in matters of faith, practice, morality, and law.

There are six core tenets of Islam: belief in one God, belief in prophets, belief in the divine revelations (Holy Books), belief in angels, belief in the Day of Judgement, and belief in destiny and free will. The first fundamental principle in Islam is the belief in the oneness of God (Allah). This belief, known as Tawhid, emphasizes the absolute monotheism of God and rejects any form of associating partners with Him. Muslims are encouraged to develop a close and personal relationship with God through prayer, supplication, and acts of worship. See the Articles of Faith section below to learn more.

There are five foundational acts of worship and practice that form the basis of a Muslim’s faith and practice. These are often referred to as the Pillars of Islam. These pillars are considered obligatory for all Muslims and serve as a framework for a devout and righteous life. The five pillars are Shahadah (Declaration of Faith), Salah (Prayer), Zakat (Charity), Sawm (Fasting during Ramadan), and Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca). See the Pillars of Islam section below to learn more. 

These Five Pillars collectively constitute the foundation of a Muslim’s faith and practice, emphasizing the importance of both personal devotion and communal responsibility. Beyond the Five Pillars, Islam provides a comprehensive ethical and moral framework governing various aspects of life, including family, social interactions, and economic dealings. Islam, as a religion, encourages justice, compassion, and righteousness, with the ultimate goal of achieving closeness to God and attaining salvation in the afterlife.