Meaning and Origin of Islam
From my experience studying and explaining world religions, Islam can be understood as a religion whose simple answer to the question of life, in plain words, is acceptance and obedience to the teachings of God. The word Islam comes from the root Silm, connected to Salam, meaning peace and submission to the will of God. This idea shapes Islam as a total system of living, encouraging harmony with the self, people, and the environment, and loyalty to the Lord of the Universe.
The Concept of One God (Allah)
Muslims hold belief in one, unique, indivisible, all-powerful Creator, called Allah. He is worthy of worship, has no partner, needs no one or anything for His existence, while everyone depends on Him. He is eternal, everlasting, with no beginning and no end, ever and forever. Allah is known through ninety-nine beautiful names such as Gracious, Merciful, Beneficent, All-Knowing, All-Wise, First, and Last, offering guidance, help, and trust to all human beings, including Christians, Jews, Buddhists, Hindus, and even atheists.
Prophets and Revelation in Islam
Islam honors all Prophets and messengers, including Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Ismail, Jacob, Moses, David, Jesus, and Muhammad. Muhammad, the last messenger, was chosen to deliver the final Message. Born in 570 C.E. in Arabia, he completed earlier revelations without adulteration, explaining and interpreting them for mankind. Muslims believe the Qur’an is the exact words of God, preserved with full authenticity, originality, and totality intact.
Core Beliefs of Islam
Islam teaches belief in Angels, Divine Decree (Qadar), God’s knowledge and control over everything, the Day of Judgment, resurrection, accountability for deeds, reward, and punishment. It stresses Oneness, rejects the idea of trinity, and teaches unity, equal Law, and that no race, colors, languages, or beliefs make one superior—only piety and righteousness matter.
The Five Pillars: Core Practices of Islam
A Muslim may express firm belief in Tawheed (oneness) and Prophethood through the Shahada, a verbal commitment, pledge, and Testimony of Faith. Daily life is guided by the five pillars: Prayers (Salah / Salat), five daily prayers facing Mecca, compulsory for every adult; Zakat (Charity, Alms-giving, Purifying Tax) as an annual percentage of wealth for the poor and other beneficiaries; Sawm (Fasting) with abstinence from food, drink, liquids, and intercourse from dawn to sunset during Ramadan; and Hajj, the Pilgrimage to Makkah, required once in a lifetime if means allow, remembering Abraham, Hagar, and Ishmael.
Moral Teachings and Daily Life
Islam focuses on both inner and outer development of the human body and soul, teaching kindness to others, care for the orphan, and loving a brother as himself, guided by mercy and justice. It promotes responsibility, repentance, forgiveness, and ethical living in economic, social, educational, and political systems.
Sources of Islamic Guidance
The legal sources of Islam are the Qur’an, the Hadith, the Sunnah, and the Seerah, which provide history, sayings, deeds, and examples for daily living. These sources help Muslims understand how to practice faith with balance and clarity.
Community, Worship, and Sacred Times
Islam follows a lunar Calendar alongside the Gregorian, marking Higra 623, celebrating Eid (Sacrifice and Fast-Breaking), and valuing Friday prayer with an Imam and Khutba. Important places of Worship include the Mosque, Masjid, Kaaba, and Jerusalem. Muslims may pray anywhere, individually or in congregation.
Islam in the Modern World
Today, Muslims from Arabs, Turks, Persians, Indians, Pakistanis, Malaysians, Indonesians, Europeans, Africans, Americans, and Chinese number over one billion worldwide. They contribute to science, medicine, mathematics, algebra, physics, technology, and global civilization, while learning through authentic books, Dawat-e-islami, worldwide organizations, and educational paths such as Our Courses, a flexible Monthly fee, and a Free trail for those seeking further information.