I recommend watching this video.
The brother in the video is one of hundreds of thousands who embrace Islam each year, but what is Islam?
Islam is more than just a religion; it is a complete way of life, designed for the well-being and benefit of all of humanity. It is the fastest-growing religion in the world, offering a comprehensive framework for personal, social, and spiritual development. The word Islam in Arabic comes from the root “Salam”, which means “peace,” and it conveys the essence of submitting to God’s will. In its simplest form, Islam is about achieving peace with God, oneself, and the world. A common greeting among Muslims is “As-Salamu Alaikum”, meaning “Peace be upon you,” a reminder of the peaceful nature of the faith.
Muslims believe in one unique, all-powerful God (Allah in Arabic), the same God worshipped by all the prophets throughout history, including Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus (may peace be upon them all). They believe that the final and complete message from God was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who is regarded as the last prophet and messenger. The teachings of the Quran, which Muslims believe to be the literal word of God, along with the Sunnah (the practices and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad), guide Muslims in all aspects of life—spiritual, moral, and social.
In addition to believing in God and the teachings of the Quran, Muslims also believe in angels, the devil (Shaytan), and the afterlife. Every soul will be judged by God on the Day of Judgment, and the outcome will determine their eternal fate—either in Paradise (Jannah) or Hell (Jahannam).
Islam is a universal faith, intended for all of mankind regardless of race, nationality, or social status. It emphasizes the brotherhood and unity of the Muslim community. Muslims around the world, who number approximately 1.9 billion, are united by their belief in one God and the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad. Anyone, at any stage of life, can embrace Islam. To become a Muslim, one simply needs to make the declaration of faith, known as the Shahada, which is a simple but profound statement: “I bear witness that there is only one God (Allah in Arabic), and that Muhammad is His servant and messenger.” This can be said aloud, in front of witnesses, or privately, but it must be said with genuine belief and conviction.
Through the Shahada, a person joins the Muslim Ummah (community), becoming part of a worldwide family that is committed to peace, justice, and the worship of the One True God. Islam, with its comprehensive guidance for living a righteous life, offers hope, purpose, and fulfillment for all who choose to follow its path.
In Islam, there is no priesthood or intermediaries between people and God. Muslims worship God directly, and confess their sins directly to God, as no man has the authority to forgive sins, Islam holds to a strict monotheism and any worship and prayer directed at saints, human beings, prophets or nature is considered idolatry.
The practice of Islam is based on Five Pillars:
The practice of Islam is founded upon the Five Pillars, which serve as the core framework for a Muslim’s faith and actions:
- The Testimony of Faith (Shahada): The fundamental declaration of Islam, which states: “I bear witness that there is only one God (Allah in Arabic), and Muhammad is His messenger (peace be upon him).” This simple yet profound statement affirms one’s belief in the oneness of God and the prophethood of Muhammad.
- Prayers (Salah): Muslims are required to perform five daily prayers at specific times throughout the day. Regardless of where they are in the world, Muslims face the city of Mecca during their prayers, following a prescribed pattern that promotes unity among the global Muslim community.
- Charity (Zakat): Islam encourages the redistribution of wealth to reduce poverty and social inequality. Every Muslim is obliged to give a portion of their earnings to those in need, whether directly to the poor or through charitable organizations. This practice helps alleviate economic hardship and fosters a sense of social responsibility.
- Fasting during the Month of Ramadan (Sawm): Every able-bodied Muslim is required to fast during the holy month of Ramadan. Fasting is a time for spiritual reflection and self-discipline, offering a break from the busyness of life to focus on self-improvement and devotion. It also serves as a reminder of the struggles faced by the less fortunate who often go without food. As the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “There are two moments when the fasting person rejoices: when they break their fast, and when they meet their Lord, for having obeyed His command.” This hadith captures the joy and fulfillment that comes with both the act of fasting and the ultimate reward of obedience to God.
- Pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj): Muslims who are financially and physically able are required to perform the pilgrimage (Hajj) to Mecca at least once in their lifetime. During Hajj, Muslims wear simple white garments, which erase all distinctions of class, race, and culture. This practice symbolizes the equality of all before God, reflecting the ultimate truth that on the Day of Judgment, all human beings will stand before God as equals, regardless of their worldly status. To learn more about the significance and historical context of Mecca, please refer to the article “Makkah’s Location in the Bible.”
These Five Pillars serve as the foundation of a Muslim’s daily life, guiding them in their relationship with God, with others, and with the world around them. They encourage a balanced, spiritual, and ethical lifestyle that benefits both the individual and society.
What is allowed (Halal) and forbidden (Haram) in Islam:
In Islam, what is allowed (Halal) includes actions and foods that align with the teachings of the Quran and Hadith, such as consuming halal food such as all fruits and vegetables, all fishes and sea foods, performing acts of charity, engaging in respectful relationships. Islam encourages honesty, kindness, and justice in all aspects of life.
On the other hand, what is not allowed (sinful or Haram) includes actions such as consuming pork (because of the Trichinella parasite), alcohol, drugs, gambling, engaging in dishonesty, and committing violence or theft, having sexual relationship outside marriage. Additionally, engaging in practices like usury (riba) and participating in idol worship are forbidden. Muslims are also instructed to avoid excess or wastefulness and to follow a moral code that promotes the well-being of individuals and society.
