I recommend watching this video.
Islam, the fastest growing religion in the world:
As of 2023, the global Muslim population has reached 2 billion, which makes Islam the fastest-growing religion in the world, it is projected to reach 2.8 billion by 2050, in just 25 years.
Curiosity often leads people to explore Islam, and many discover that the media’s portrayal of Islam is distorted. As they read and learn more, the truth touches their hearts, and the message becomes clear: God is one, just as all the prophets have said.
The search for truth is not a recent phenomenon. For instance, after 9/11, more than 25,000 Americans converted to Islam, motivated by a desire for understanding and curiosity. Similarly, during the Gaza conflict, a wave of conversions occurred worldwide, fuelled by intense media coverage and viral videos on platforms like YouTube and TikTok. Many people were moved by footage of Palestinians who, having lost their homes, loved ones, and children, still expressed gratitude by saying “Elhamdoullah” (Praise be to God) in Arabic. This ignited a strong curiosity about how they could keep thanking God despite such immense loss, and what kind of faith could make them unshakable, no matter the hardships they faced.
Much like the new Muslim featured in the video from Holland, thousands of new Muslims from the US, Europe, and Australia have shared their personal journeys and stories on YouTube and TikTok (which you can watch later in the “Video Gallery” on this website). In their videos, they explain what inspired or compelled them to embrace Islam. Often, their journeys began with unanswered questions or unsatisfactory answers, and they found the clarity they were seeking only after discovering Islam. According to Wikipedia, about 80% of religious conversions in U.S. prisons, as well as in most of Europe, the UK, and Australia, are to Islam.
What is Islam?
Islam is not just a religion; it’s a comprehensive way of life with sets of disciplines, principles and guidelines, crafted for the well-being and benefit of all humanity. 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 inner peace with oneself and with the world.. A common greeting among Muslims is “Salam Alaikum”, meaning “Peace be with you,” a reminder of the peaceful nature of the faith.
If you ever have the chance to visit a Muslim country, you would be amazed about people’s kindness and hospitality unlike portrayed by the media, just imaging if it was true, and that 2 billion Muslims were as bad as they’re often depicted in the media, the world would be in chaos. The videos you often see in the media tend to always focus on the same regions: Afghanistan, Pakistan, Palestine, and Syria. So, let’s assume for a moment that everyone (man, women, children) living in those countries were violent or terrorists—together, they would still account for less than 10% of the global peaceful Muslim population worldwide.
Muslims believe in one all-powerful God (called Allah in Arabic), who created the universe. This is the same God worshipped by all the prophets throughout history, such as Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus (peace be upon them). As mentioned on page 02, “The Prophets of God,” Muslims believe the final message from God was given to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who is considered the last of the prophets. The Quran, which Muslims believe to be the exact word of God, along with the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (called the Sunnah), help guide Muslims in all aspects of their lives: spiritual, moral, and social.
Muslims also believe in angels, the devil (Shaytan), and life after death. On the Day of Judgment, everyone will be judged by God, and their actions will decide whether they go to Paradise (Jannah) or Hell (Jahannam) for eternity.
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 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 and the person in now a Muslim.
Through the Shahada, a person joins the Muslim Ummah (community), becoming part of a worldwide family that is committed to the worship of the One God.
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 (a major sin in Islam).
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 (pbuh).
- 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 Makkah 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 (Syam): Every able-bodied Muslim is required to fast during the holy month of Ramadan. Fasting is a time for spiritual reflection and self-discipline. 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 at the end of the day, and when they will meet their Lord, for having obeyed His command.”
- Pilgrimage to Makkah (Hajj): Muslims who are financially and physically able are required to perform the pilgrimage (Hajj) to Makkah 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. More details in page 10 – “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 permissible is referred to as Halal, which includes actions and foods that align with the teachings of the Quran and Hadith. This includes things like eating all fruits and vegetables, fish and seafood, performing acts of charity, and fostering respectful relationships. Islam emphasizes honesty, kindness, peace and justice in every aspect of life.
On the other hand, what is not allowed (sinful is called Haram) includes actions such as consuming pork (originally because of the Trichinella parasite), alcohol, drugs, gambling, pornography, engaging in dishonesty, and committing violence, murder, 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.