What is 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.
Articles of Faith
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.
Pillars of Islam
The Five Pillars of Islam are foundational acts of worship and practice that form the basis of a Muslim’s faith and practice. These pillars are considered obligatory for all Muslims and serve as a framework for a devout and righteous life.
The Journey to Islam
Becoming Muslim is a personal and transformative journey. The resources available here are intended to help you understand where you are on this journey and to guide you.
Islam is rooted in learning. Before converting, it's important to gain a basic understanding of Islamic beliefs and practices. This can be achieved through reading the Quran, studying Islamic teachings, and engaging with the Muslim community. The Quran teaches us to start with knowledge. Start with the information on this page.
The decision to convert should be a sincere and personal one. It should not be influenced by external factors but rather a genuine desire to embrace the Islamic faith.
The Shahada is the declaration of faith and consists of the phrase: "Ashhadu an la ilaha illallah, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan rasulullah" (I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His messenger). This declaration can be recited in front of witnesses or alone, as long as it is done with sincerity.
After declaring the Shahada, it is advisable to seek guidance from knowledgeable members of the Muslim community or an Islamic scholar who can provide support, answer questions, and help with the transition into the Islamic way of life.
Embracing Islam is an ongoing process of learning and practicing its teachings. This includes performing the five daily prayers, observing fasting during the month of Ramadan, giving to charity, and making an effort to live a righteous and ethical life.
