What is Islam?

Why I Became Muslim

I always believed there must be a higher power than us (a higher power we call God); otherwise, if there was no God, it would simply mean that we, as human beings, are the highest power in the universe.

So why did I convert to Islam and not to Judaism or Christianity?

Converting to Judaism would have meant that I could not believe in Jesus, and becoming a Christian would have meant accepting the Trinity (God being three in one). This led me to Islam, where Muhammad’s message is very simple: “There is only one God; He is the God of Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and all the prophets. Love Him and worship Him alone, and do not associate anything with Him!”

Prophetic Lineage

  • Adam → Abraham → Moses → Judaism
  • Adam → Abraham → Moses → Jesus → Christianity
  • Adam → Abraham → Moses → Jesus → Muhammad → Islam
    (Click here to see the family tree of the Prophets.)

The Essence of Islam

Islam is for the benefit of all mankind and is the fastest-growing religion in the world. The word “Islam” in Arabic means “to submit to God” and comes from the root word “Salam,” which means “peace.” The daily greeting among Muslims is “Salam Alaikoum,” meaning “Peace be with you.”

The message of Islam began with the prophet Adam when God commanded him to worship Him and not to associate anything with Him. This exact message has been repeated throughout the centuries by all the prophets of God (Click here to see the list).

There is no distinction, higher rank, or preference among God’s prophets (pbut). As the Qur’an states:

“Say, ‘We believe in God and that which has been sent down to us and that which has been sent down to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and the descendants, and that which has been given to Moses and Jesus, and that which has been given to the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and to Him, we have submitted.’” (Qur’an 2:136)

Core Beliefs and Practices

Muslims believe in one unique God, the angels, and the Day of Judgment. They derive their teachings from the Qur’an (the Word of God) and the way of the last prophet, Muhammad (pbuh), known as the “Sunnah,” which includes everything he said (called Hadith), did, and approved of.

In Islam, there is no priesthood, and no intermediaries exist between people and God. Muslims do not worship God through Jesus, Muhammad, or any other prophet (pbut). Islam emphasizes strict monotheism, and any worship or prayers directed at saints, human beings, prophets, or nature are considered idolatry.

The Five Pillars of Islam

The practice of Islam is based on Five Pillars:

  1. The Testimony of Faith (Shahada): “There is no god but God (Allah), and Muhammad (pbuh) is the messenger of God.”
  2. Prayers (Salah): These are expressions of adoration and humility. Muslims pray five times a day, facing Mecca, following the same pattern to remain united.
  3. Charity (Zakat): Every Muslim must donate a portion of their earnings to the poor or to charity to alleviate economic hardship and eliminate inequality.
  4. Fasting in the Month of Ramadan: Every capable Muslim must fast during Ramadan, a time for spiritual renewal and commitment to becoming a better person and Muslim. It also serves as a reminder of the hardships faced by those who often go without food.
  5. Pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj): Muslims who are financially and physically capable must perform Hajj at least once in their lifetime. During the pilgrimage, Muslims wear simple white garments that strip away distinctions of class and culture, ensuring all stand equal before God.

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