Islam is one of the world’s major religions and is followed by more than a billion people across every continent. Those who follow Islam are called Muslims. Just as a person who follows Christianity is called a Christian, a person who follows Islam is called a Muslim.
The word Islam comes from the Arabic root letters s-l-m. From the same root comes the word salam, which means peace. While Islam literally means submission, it teaches that true and lasting peace is achieved through willingly submitting to the will of the One who created us.
This submission is not forced, blind, or oppressive. Rather, it is a conscious decision to live in harmony with divine guidance. Islam teaches that God knows His creation better than they know themselves, and that His guidance leads to justice, balance, and inner peace.
Islam is not restricted to a specific people, culture, or land. It is a universal religion meant for all of humanity. Muslims can be found in every part of the world and come from every race and background.
| Core Belief | Explanation | Arabic Term | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belief in One God | Allah alone is worthy of worship | Tawḥīd | Absolute monotheism |
| Belief in Angels | Created beings who obey Allah | Malāʾikah | Divine servants |
| Belief in Prophets | Messengers sent to guide mankind | Anbiyāʾ | Chosen humans |
| Belief in Scriptures | Books revealed by Allah | Kutub | Divine guidance |
| Belief in the Afterlife | Life after death and judgment | Ākhirah | Eternal accountability |
| Belief in Divine Decree | Allah’s knowledge and will | Qadar | Trust and balance |
A common misconception is that Islam is an Arab religion. This is incorrect. Arab refers to an ethnic or linguistic identity, while Islam is a religion. Not all Arabs are Muslims, and the majority of Muslims worldwide are not Arab. Countries such as Indonesia, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Nigeria have far larger Muslim populations than any Arab country.
Islam does not belong to one race or region. Its message addresses the human condition itself the search for meaning, purpose, justice, and truth.
Another unique aspect of Islam is that it is not named after a person. Christianity is named after Christ, Judaism after the tribe of Judah, and Buddhism after Buddha. Islam, however, is named after the act of submission to God.
Islam did not begin with Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. According to Islamic belief, the first human, Adam, was also the first Prophet and the first Muslim, as he submitted to God. Every Prophet after him preached the same core message: worship God alone and live righteously.
Prophets such as Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Solomon, and Jesus were all part of this continuous message. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was the final Messenger sent to humanity.
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- Recognize that there is only one Creator worthy of worship
- Understand that life has purpose and accountability
- Believe in the Prophets sent by Allah
- Follow divine guidance revealed in the Qur’an
- Live with moral responsibility and compassion
Muslims believe in Allah, the Creator of the universe. The word Allah is simply the Arabic word for God. Arabic speaking Christians and Jews also use the word Allah. Allah is not male or female, does not have parents or children, and is not part of His creation.
Islam rejects the idea that God became human or shares His divinity with others. He is eternal, all-knowing, all-powerful, and perfectly just. He is also the Most Merciful and the Most Compassionate.
Muslims believe in angels as unseen creations made of light. Angels do not have free will and never disobey Allah. They perform various tasks, such as delivering revelation, recording deeds, and carrying out divine commands.
One of the most important angels is Gabriel (Jibrīl), who delivered revelation to the Prophets, including the Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Belief in Prophets is a fundamental part of Islam. A Muslim must believe in all of them without discrimination. Muslims honor Jesus (ʿĪsā) as a great Prophet and Messiah, but do not believe he is divine or the son of God.
Muslims also believe in divine scriptures revealed to the Prophets. Moses received the Torah, David received the Psalms, Jesus received the Injeel, and Muhammad ﷺ received the Qur’an.
The Qur’an is believed to be the final revelation and has been preserved exactly as it was revealed. It serves as guidance for all aspects of life, including belief, worship, ethics, and law.
Islam teaches that this worldly life is temporary and a test. After death, every human being will be resurrected and judged by Allah. Those who believed and did righteous deeds will enter Paradise, while those who rejected truth and committed injustice will face accountability.
Allah’s justice is perfect. No soul will be wronged, and even the smallest good or evil deed will be accounted for. At the same time, Allah’s mercy is vast and encompasses all things.
Belief in divine decree teaches Muslims to balance effort and trust. Humans are responsible for their choices, but certain matters are beyond their control and are part of Allah’s wisdom.
Islam teaches that true success is not measured by wealth or status, but by sincerity, faith, and righteousness.
Islamic Principle
A person becomes a Muslim by sincerely believing in these core beliefs and accepting Islam as the truth. Perfection is not required. Islam acknowledges human weakness and teaches repentance, forgiveness, and continuous self improvement.
Islam emphasizes moral values such as honesty, kindness, justice, patience, charity, and respect for parents and neighbors. It commands good and forbids injustice, oppression, and corruption.
Far from being a harsh or rigid religion, Islam provides balance between spiritual devotion and worldly responsibility. It encourages seeking knowledge, helping others, and contributing positively to society.
Core Practices of Islam (The Five Pillars)
Islam is not only a belief system but a complete way of life. Its foundations are built upon five essential acts of worship known as the Five Pillars of Islam.
- Shahādah (Declaration of Faith): Testifying that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad ﷺ is His Messenger.
- Ṣalāh (Prayer): Performing the five daily prayers to maintain a constant connection with Allah.
- Zakāh (Charity): Giving a fixed portion of wealth to purify one’s earnings and support those in need.
- Ṣawm (Fasting in Ramaḍān): Abstaining from food, drink, and desires from dawn to sunset to develop self-discipline and God consciousness.
- Ḥajj (Pilgrimage): A journey to Makkah once in a lifetime for those who are able, symbolizing unity and equality before Allah.
Does Islam promote violence?
No. Islam teaches justice, mercy, and the sanctity of human life. Violence is only permitted in self-defense under strict conditions.
Do Muslims worship Muhammad?
No. Muslims worship Allah alone. Muhammad ﷺ is honored as a Prophet, not worshiped.
Is Islam compatible with modern life?
Yes. Islam provides timeless principles that guide individuals in every era.
How can I learn more about Islam?
Reading the Qur’an, learning from authentic sources, and asking knowledgeable Muslims are good starting points.
Source:
The Qur’an, Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim, and classical Islamic scholarship
