What is islam

No one throughout the history of Islam has challenged the accuracy of the Qur'an. The Arabian peninsula had a long tradition of literary achievement: Prose and poetry of all types were widely cultivated. The original miracle of the Qur'an, however, is its enduring literary achievement. Many people refuse to believe that any human being, particularly an illiterate man, could have produced it.

The fact that Prophet Muhammad was a trustworthy person and that his early followers were people whose rectitude was well- established and enduring among the various Arab tribes also contributed to early conversions. The Qur'an is written in such a way that it evokes profound emotions in the reader. The analogies, maxims, and stories provide imagery of great "psychological moment.

The richness of its form and content invites constant rereading. Moral values are intertwined with history, and the details of daily life are based on a continuum with life in the hereafter.

Its topics range from the most specific to the most general and include the past and future, life on earth, and existence of the soul after death. It is, in short, a comprehensive and integrated guide to life.

A man studies a copy of the Qur'an as he sits by a carved column in the Upper Swat village of Bahrain, south of Kalam, Pakistan. Say, Oh Muslims, we believe in Alllah and that which is revealed unto Abraham and Isma'il and Isaac and Jacob and the tribes and that which Moses and Jesus received and that which the Prophet received from the Lord.

We make no distinction between any of them and unto them we have surrendered. We are Muslims. Qur'an Islam is a universal faith for all times, all places, and all peoples. It is predicated on the belief that there is but one God, Allah, the Creator of the universe and of humankind.

The relationship which exists between God and His creation is based on one religion. These fundamental unities are the foundation of faith. The Qur'an refers to the creation of the earth and other celestial bodies out of the darkness of chaos. Scientific theories that hive evolved about the creation highlight the unity of the universe. If God created this unique universe and shaped humankind to inhabit it, it follows that God would also have communicated with humankind through a single religion, even though it be in successive revelations.

Islam is the last and most all- encompassing message of God. If one believes that there is but one humankind which is part of a single universe created by one God, then one believes in an interrelationship among all created things. Religion in this context is a set of rules that regulate the relationship between the Creator and the created and establish the basis of accountability in the hereafter.

It also sets forth the framework for permissible economic, social and political systems and formulates the principles and rules through which people should deal with one another. In effect, it provides a variety of prescriptions and guidelines as well as inspiration. In this respect, Islam is very much a law-oriented religion. It provides the guidelines and principles upon which laws and regulations can be established.

The influence of Islam must not be viewed in a narrowly legalistic light but rather as providing a framework which guarantees basic fairness and justice to all. Islam is holistic, requiring that its followers have iman faith to fulfill the requirements of its religious tenets. The Muslim is required to express his Ibada, service to Allah, through his deeds, conduct, and words. The Qur'an enjoins that Muslims do good and abjure evil. Life in this world is a passage, and the eternal soul shall be judged by the Almighty on Judgment Day by intentions as well as by deeds.

Reward and punishment shall be meted out in heaven and hell, but Allah is merciful to those who repent and do good. Repentance and mercy are among Islam's great themes. Allah in Arabic implies the one and only true God, the beginning and the end of everything, neither born nor giving birth.

The Qur'an states that He is beyond human description, but is referred to in the Qur'an by ninety-nine attributes, such as the merciful, the compassionate, the forgiving.

Together with the command to bear witness and acknowledge the singularity, centrality, unity, and uniqueness of God, the believer is enjoined to confess that Muhammad is God's messenger and prophet. Besides adhering to sacred writings, teachings, and particular schools of thought, the devotion or practice of Muslim faith is essential.

There are five Pillars of Islam that all Muslims are obliged to practice if they are able. Prayer is performed facing Mecca, can be done either alone or in a group Friday prayers are commonly done as a group in a Mosque and include a sermon , and requires ritual purification and prostration. The third pillar is Zakat, or almsgiving. Whether through charitable giving or structured as a religious tax, zakat is an act of purification.

Sawm, or fasting, is the fourth pillar. Fasting is a general obligation, but should be especially observed from sunup to sundown for the month of Ramadan, and includes abstention not only from eating and drinking, but from smoking, sexual activity, and any sensual desire. Sawm is both an act of renunciation and an opportunity for spiritual reflection. The final pillar of Islam is the Hajj, or pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca. Those who are able are encouraged at least once in their lifetime to make the hajj during a sacred month of festivals, fasting, prayer and commemoration.

During the pilgrimage all those who make the hajj behave and are regarded as spiritual equals. One frequently misunderstood aspect of Islam is the concept of Jihad. Jihad is the striving of Islamic faith toward truth and right. Because Islam originated in Mecca and Medina, these two cities are considered sacred and the rulers of modern-day Saudi Arabia are entrusted to be the protectors of these sacred sites. Although Islam began in Arabia, there are Muslim communities throughout the world, from Mexico to the Philippines, with historically large populations in Africa, Southeastern Europe, and Central and Southern Asia.

In North America, many Muslims are from recent or second-generation immigrant groups, but at least half of U. There are an estimated seven million Muslims in the U. Islamic civilizations through the centuries have flourished with the highest levels of science and medicine, art and architecture, music and literature. Islamic philosophy and history have contributed invaluably to Western culture and learning. And even though Islamic powers have entered into war and conflict with non-Muslim states and communities throughout history, most notably during the Crusades, it is significant that Islam has also nurtured one of the greatest traditions of religious tolerance.

It is important to remember that any religion is at risk of being exploited by extremists among its followers. Muslims have no more propensity toward fanaticism or violence in the name of the faith they strive to follow than do Christians, Jews, or any others.

As this nation becomes increasingly diverse, as Christians and Americans who value freedom, we must not succumb to the tendency to stereotype and scapegoat the other-especially another religion and all its followers-for the actions of some.

We should learn as much as we can about those of other faiths to know when what one claims to do in the name of God, no God would rightfully condone. Ali, Ahmed, trans. A Contemporary Translation. Islam is one of the fastest growing religions in this country and around the world. What is Islam? Who are Muslims and what do they believe?

What is the Quran? The Declaration of Faith — This consists of the two sentence declaration described above. Prayer — Muslims perform five obligatory prayers each day. Islamic prayers are a direct link between the worshiper and God.

Islam has no hierarchical authority or priesthood. A learned Muslim chosen by each congregation leads the prayers. Zakat — One of the most important principles of Islam is that all things belong to God and that wealth is held in trust by human beings.