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 over the centuries.
Much like the new Muslim featured in the video from Holland, thousands of new Muslims from the US, Europe, and Australia are sharing 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.
Islam, a way of life:
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 upon you,” a reminder of the peaceful nature of the faith.
Misconception:
What people hear most often in the mainstream media is about Islamic countries, not Islam itself. If you ever have the chance to visit a Muslim country, you would be amazed by the kindness and hospitality of the people, which is unlike what is portrayed by the media. Just imagine if it were true, and that 2 billion Muslims were as bad as they’re depicted in the media, the world would be in chaos. The videos you often see in the media tend to focus on the same regions: Afghanistan, Pakistan, Palestine, and Syria. So, let’s assume for a moment that everyone (men, women, and children) living in those countries were all actually violent or terrorists. They would still account for less than 10% of the global peaceful Muslim population worldwide. So, what about the other 90%? How come they are never covered in the Western media? I will let you decide and answer that question.
What do Muslims believe?
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 for the entire world, not just for the Arabs:
About 80% of the world’s Muslim population is not Arab. Only 20% of Muslims worldwide are of Arab origin. 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.
How is Islam practiced?
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, and no matter where they are in the world, they face the city of Makkah during their prayers, following a set pattern that brings unity to the global Muslim community. Muslims who cannot stand or bow due to illness or disabilities are allowed to pray while sitting, lying down, or in any position that works for them, performing the movements to the best of their ability, with the emphasis on sincerity and devotion, rather than physical perfection.
A little personal note: I remember my father, in his final days, on his deathbed, while lying down, he prayed using his eyes and eyelashes to mimic every movement of the prayer. - 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 healthy, able-bodied Muslim is required to fast during the holy month of Ramadan. Fasting is an act of worship and a time for spiritual reflection. I heard an imam once saying: “Put it this way: life is a highway, and on the highway, there are resting stops to refuel and rest. Ramadan is that stop once a year, where you refuel and reflect.” Without it, there would be no break and no time forcing you to slow down from your busy life and to consider what is most important.
Ramadan also serves as a reminder of the struggles faced by the less fortunate, who often go without food, and why it is important to be charitable. - 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 and of the planet that does not belong to us.