A Muslim (Arabic) is an adherent of the religion of Islam. The feminine form of ‘Muslim’ (is Muslimah Literally, the word means “one who submits to God)”. The word “Muslim” is the participle of the same verb of which “Islam” is the infinitive.
Muslims believe that there is only one God, translated in Arabic as Allah. Muslims believe that Islam existed long before Muhammad and that the religion has evolved with time. The Qur’an describes many Biblical prophets and messengers as Muslim: Adam, Noah (Arabic: Nuh), Moses (Arabic: Musa) and Jesus (Arabic: Isa) and his apostles. The Qur’an states that these men were Muslims because they submitted to God, preached his message and upheld his values. Thus, in Surah 3:52 of the Qur’an, Jesus disciples tell Jesus: “do thou bear witness that we are Muslims”. Muslims pray five times a day; these five prayers are known as Fajr, Zuhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha. There is also a special Friday prayer called Jumu’ah.
Most Muslims accept as a Muslim anyone who has publicly pronounced the Shahadah, which states, “There is none worthy of worship except God, and Muhammad is His Messenger.” This is often translated as, “There is no God except Allah”; “Allah” is the Arabic word for “the God”. Currently, there are an estimated 1.4 billion Muslims, making it the second largest religion in the world.

The word “Islam” itself means “Submission to Allah.” The religion of Islam is not named after a person as in the case of “Christianity” which was named after Jesus Christ, “Buddhism” after Gutama Buddha , “Marxism” after Karl Marx, and “Confucianism” after Confucius.
Similarly, Islam is not named after a tribe like “Judaism” after the tribe of Judah and “Hinduism” after the Hindus. The Arabic word “Islam” means the submission or surrender of one’s will to the will of the only true god worthy of worship, “Allah” (known as God “the Father” in Christianity).
Anyone who does indeed submit to the will of Allah as required by Islam is termed a “Muslim,” which means one who has submitted to the will of Allah. Many people in the West have developed the sad misinformed trend of calling Islam “Muhammadenism” and it’s followers “Muhammadins.” This is a totally foreign word to Muslims and unrecognized by them. No Muslim has ever called his religion “Muhammadenism” or called himself a “Muhammadin.”
What Is The Basic Concept of Islam?
Islam teaches us that this life is a life of worship. We are placed on this earth in order to worship Allah and obey His command. During this earthly life we are subjected to a series of trials. We have the option of enduring these trials and conforming to certain laws, and our reward will be great in the next life, or we may decline to endure these trials and choose to not conform to the law, then we will be made to regret it in the next life.
Each person will be solely and completely responsible for their own final reward. We are also told that God has designed these laws to make this life a better, safer, and more tolerable one for us. If we elect to conform to them then we will see the result in this life even before moving on to the next.
We are told that the earthly life is a life of faith and work, and the next life is one of reward and no work. We have been placed on this earth to worship God, fast, pray, be industrious, good, kind, respectful, and a source of uprightness and morality. We are told that God has no need of our worship. Our worship can not increase the kingdom of God nor add to His power, however, it is in our best interests both in this life and the next that we do.
Unlike some other religions which claim that God entered in a covenant with a certain group of people and that this group is genetically better than all other human beings, or closer to God, Islam on the other hand teaches that no color, race, tribe, or lineage is better than any other. Islam teaches that all humans are equal in the sight of Allah and that the only thing that can distinguish them in His sight is their piety and worship.
“O humankind! Verily! We have created you from a male and female, and have made you nations and tribes that you may know one another. Verily! the noblest among you in the sight of Allah is the most God-fearing. Verily! Allah is The Knower, The Aware.” The noble Qur’an, Al-Hujrat(49):13.
Levels of Islam
Islam consists of three levels, each building upon the lower ones. They are:
1) Islam:
•    Testify that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad isthe messenger of Allah
•    Establish the daily prayers
•    Pay Zakat (Obligatory charity due the poor)
•    Observe the fast of Ramadan
•    Perform pilgrimage to the Ka’aba (in Makkah ) once in your life if you are able
2) Faith (Iman):
•    To believe in Allah
•    To believe in His angels
•    To believe in His Books (Scriptures)
•    To believe in His Messengers
•    To believe in the Day of Judgment
•    To believe in the Divine Decree (Divine fate) whether good or evil
3) Excellence/Goodness (Ihsan )
To worship Allah (God) as if you see Him, for if you can not see Him, He assuredly sees you.
In Sahih Muslim, Abdullah ibn Umar ibn al-Khattab narrated:
“My father, Umar ibn al-Khattab, told me: One day we were sitting in the company of Allah’s Apostle (pbuh) when there appeared before us a man dressed in pure white clothes, his hair was extraordinarily black. There were no signs of travel on him, but none among us recognized him.
This man came and sat beside the Apostle (pbuh) kneeling before him and placing his palms on his thighs. He then said: Muhammad, inform me about al-Islam.
The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: Islam implies that you testify that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah, and you establish prayer, pay Zakat, observe the fast of Ramadan, and perform pilgrimage to the (House) if you are solvent enough (to bear the expense of) the journey.
He (the inquirer) said: You have told the truth.
He (Umar ibn al-Khattab) said: It amazed us that he would put the question and then he would himself verify the truth.
He (the inquirer) said: Inform me about Iman (faith). He (the Holy Prophet) replied: That you affirm your faith in Allah, in His angels, in His Books, in His Apostles, in the Day of Judgment, and you affirm your faith in the Divine Decree, either good and evil.
He (the inquirer) said: You have told the truth. He (the inquirer) again said: Inform me about al-Ihsan (performance of good deeds).
He (the Holy Prophet) said: That you worship Allah as if you are seeing Him, for though you don’t see Him, He, verily, sees you. He (the inquirer) again said: Inform me about the hour (of the judgment).
He (the Holy Prophet) remarked: The one who is asked knows no more than the one who is inquiring (about it).Â
He (the inquirer) said: Tell me some of its indications.
He (the Holy Prophet) said: That the slave-girl will give birth to her mistress and master, and that you will find barefooted, destitute goat-herders vying with one another in the construction of magnificent buildings.
He (the narrator, Umar ibn al-Khattab) said: Then he (the inquirer) went on his way but I stayed with the messenger of Allah for a long while. The prophet Muhammad then, said to me: Umar, do you know who this inquirer was? I replied: Allah and His Apostle know best.
He (the Holy Prophet) remarked: He was Gabriel (the angel). He came to you in order to instruct you in your religion.”
No ‘Religious’ Hierarchy
In Islam, there is no hierarchy of religious leadership such as the people of some other religions may have come to expect. There are no priests, bishops, monks, Popes, …etc. Muslims define a scholar of Islam as an ‘Imam’ (not to be confused with the “Imams” of Iran who claim to have boundless supernatural powers and divine attributes). In any given neighborhood, the Imam is the person that a Muslim seeks for religious rulings.
For example, if a Muslim dies and his sons want to distribute his inheritance, they go to the Imam and he presents them with the verses of the Qur’an and the Sunnah which describe the required procedure. This man will also usually give religious lectures to teach the Qur’an and the Sunnah.
The Muslim Imams and scholars have no special divine powers. They cannot forgive sins. They do not receive divine “inspirations.” They cannot issue passes to heaven. They do not have knowledge of the unseen. The can not change the law. They are just regular Muslims who have distinguished themselves with their study and their knowledge.
No Monasticism (monkhood)
Islam commands Muslims to obey Allah and follow his command. It specifies acts of worship which are acceptable. It encourages Muslims to work and be industrious. It forbids ‘monkhood ‘ and excessive ‘spritualization’ or ‘Zen’ and other such practices. A Muslim is commanded not to forbid upon himself that which was made lawful by Allah, nor to introduce new and innovative acts of worship into the religion.Â
This means that a Muslim should not decide that even though Islam allows marriage, he will forbid it upon himself and remain celibate (he may choose not to marry, but he can not forbid it upon himself). If he wishes to perform extra worship, there are many avenues open to him, such as nightly prayer, charity, abstinence from sin….etc.
Muhammad (pbuh) once gave the example of two men. One was practicing monasticism and excessive worship, totally detaching himself from this worldly life. The other was working for a living and paying for the food and drink that the “monk” was consuming each day. Muhammad (pbuh) told his followers that the man who was making an honest living and supporting the ‘monk’ was greater in reward in the eyes of Allah.
The Law
Islam, like Judaism, is a structured set of laws and commandments. The basis of Islam is the five pillars mentioned previously. Anyone who dies observing the five pillars will enter heaven. Anyone who does not may enter Hell (there are exceptions). However, there are many subtle levels both above and below these. These levels are governed by the law.
Islam teaches us that Muslims will be rewarded in proportion to their good deeds, their restraint from evil deeds, and their faith. In this manner we will have people who will enter different levels of heaven, as well as different levels of hell, in direct proportion to their faith and deeds.
We learn about the laws of Islam from the Qur’an and the Sunnah. The Qur’an is the Holy book of Islam which contains the words of Allah Almighty and the broad guidelines of Islam. The Sunnah, is the traditions of the prophet Muhammad (pbuh) which included both his words and his actions.
The Sunnah usually provides the details for those laws which are drawn out in broad outlines in the Qur’an. Each one of these two sources has a dedicated and very complex science associated with it.
“And We have sent down unto you (O Muhammad) the Reminder (one of the names of the Qur’an), that you may clarify to mankind that which was sent down to them” The noble Qur’an, Al-Nahil(16):44
Al-Bukhari narrated upon the authority of Abu Hurairah, that he said: Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said:
“Allah said: ‘I will declare war against him who shows hostility to a pious worshipper of Mine. And the most beloved things with which My slave draws nearer to Me is that which I have ordained upon him. My slave continues to draw closer to Me through performing ‘Nawafil’ (supplementary worship) till I love him.Â
So I become the sense of hearing with which he hears, and the sense of sight with which he sees, and the hand with which he grips, and the leg with which he walks. And if he asks Me, I will give him, and if he asks my protection, I will protect him’”
The Way of Life
Islam is not the same as some other religions from the point of view that it is not confined to a certain place of worship or a certain act, or acts, of worship. Islam teaches it’s followers that every single aspect of their life, from eating, to drinking, to sleeping, and everything in-between can be done in one of two ways: Either a way that pleases God, or one that displeases Him.
Islam is also a social, economic, and political way of life. Every single aspect of human existence is governed by the law of Islam. A Muslim is commanded to respect his elders and to show humility and respect to his parents. He is also commanded to show kindness and mercy to those who are younger or weaker than himself as well as all of God’s beasts.
A Muslim is commanded to have nothing whatsoever to do with usury, gambling, or alcohol. A Muslim, however, is not passive and weak. He is commanded that if he sees the laws of God being violated or an injustice being committed, he must stand up for the truth and fight to establish the law of God, defend the oppressed, and establish justice and peace.
A Just But Merciful Law
Islam, as mentioned above, involves a structured set of laws and acts of worship. Some are more strict and rigid than others. For instance, there can be no excuse whatsoever for worshipping any entity other than Allah alone. Here there is no room for compromise. On the other hand, Islam is designed to also be flexible and lenient.
For instance, if a Muslim is sick and can not fast during the month of Ramadhan without incurring bodily harm to himself, then even though this is one of the five pillars of Islam , he is not mandated to fast. In fact he is encouraged not to fast. The law allows for leniency in this, and most other cases.
Muslims are taught that each good deed is multiplied by Allah Almighty till it becomes the equivalent of anywhere from ten up to seven hundred similar good deeds (sometimes more). An evil deed, however, is either counted as a single evil deed or is forgiven by Allah.
A Muslim is further taught that as long as there is life there is hope. So long as death has not yet overcome him, he can still repent from his evil deeds and, if his intentions are sincere, Allah is willing to forgive all of his past evil deeds no matter if they exceed the drops of water in the ocean.
Islam teaches Muslims that God holds them responsible for their INTENTIONS and not necessarily for their DEEDS. This is revealed by the prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in the following saying which was narrated by Umar ibn al-Khattab in Sahih Al-Bukhari:
“The Prophet (pbuh) said, “O people! The reward of deeds depends upon the intentions, and every person will get the reward according to what he has intended. So, whoever emigrated for Allah and His Messenger, then his emigration was for Allah and His Messenger, and whoever emigrated to achieve a worldly benefit or for a woman to marry, then his emigration was for that which he emigrated for”.
“The good deed and the evil deed are not alike. Repel the evil deed with one which is better” The noble Qur’an, Fussilat(41):34
“Verily! Allah does not forgive that a partner should be ascribed unto Him. He forgives (all) save that to whom He will. Whoso ascribes partners to Allah, he has indeed invented a tremendous sin.” The noble Qur’an, Al-Nissa(4):48.
“Whatever of misfortune strikes you, it is what your right hands have earned. And He forgives much.” The noble Qur’an, Al-Shurah(42):30
“And those who, when they do an evil thing or wrong themselves, remember Allah and implore forgiveness for their sins. Who forgives sins save Allah only? and they do not knowingly repeat (the wrong) they did. The reward of such will be forgiveness from their Lord, and Gardens underneath which rivers flow, wherein they will abide for ever, a bountiful reward for workers!” The noble Qur’an, A’al-Umran(3):135-136.
“He knows the treachery of the eyes, and that which the chests do hide.” The noble Qur’an, Ghafir(40):19.
“He is the One that accepts repentance from His Servants and forgives sins: and He knows all that you do.” The noble Qur’an, Al-Shurah(42):25.
“The likeness of those who spend their wealth in Allah’s way is as the likeness of a grain which grows seven ears, in every ear a hundred grains. Allah gives manifold increase to whom He will. Allah is All Embracing, All Knowing.” The noble Qur’an, al-Bakarah(2):261
“Say: My slaves who have been prodigal to their own hurt! Despair not of the mercy of Allah, Who forgives all sins. Lo! He is the Forgiving, the Merciful. Turn unto Him repentant, and surrender unto Him, before there comes unto you the doom, when you cannot be helped. And follow the better (guidance) of that which is revealed unto you from your Lord, before the doom comes on you suddenly when you know not, Lest any soul should say Alas, my grief that I was unmindful of Allah, and I was indeed among the scoffers! Or should say: if Allah had but guided me I should have been among the dutiful! Or should say, when it sees the doom: Oh, that I had but a second chance that I might be among the righteous! (But now the answer will be): Nay, for My revelations came unto you, but you denied them and were scornful and were among the disbelievers.” The noble Qur’an, Al-Zumar(39):53-59.
Abu Hurairah narrated that Allah’s messenger (pbuh) said
“When Allah completed the creation, He wrote in His Book which is with Him on His throne: Verily, ‘My Mercy has overcome my Anger’.” Narrated in Sahih Al-Bukhari.
Abu Hurairah furhter narrated : I heard Allah’s messenger (pbuh) saying:
“Allah has divided His Mercy into one hundred parts, and He kept ninety nine parts with Him and sent down one part on the earth, and because of that one single part, His creatures are merciful to each other, so that even the mare lifts up it’s hoof away from it’s baby animal, lest it should trample it.” Narrated in Sahih al-Bukhari.

Islam is built on five pillars. These acts are obligatory on every Muslim adult. Some are done daily, monthly, anually, while one is only required once in a lifetime.
Witnessing-Shahadah
To do this one must simply state publicly “Ashadu alla ilaha illa Allah, wa ashadu anna Muhammed ar-rasool Allah”.
This means, “I bear witness that there is no God other than Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammed is His messanger.”
It should be a genuine belief from one’s heart. The witnessing of the Oneness of Allah is the rejection of any form of deity other than Allah, and the witnessing that Muhammad is His Messenger is the acceptance of him being chosen by Allah to convey His message of Islam to all humanity and to deliver it from the darkness of ignorance into the light of belief in, and knowledge of, the Creator.

Prayer-Salat
In prayer, every muscle and bone of the body joins the soul and the mind in the worship and glory of Allah(swt).
Offering of prayers is obligatory upon every Muslim who is sane, mature and in the case of women free from menstruation and confinement due to child birth. some requirements must be met in oreder for the prayer to be valid. These include but are not limited to:
•    Performing wudu – ritually cleaning the body clothes and ground used for prayer.
•    Clothing – one must be covered in the manner according to his gender.
•    Facing the Ka’ba (refered to as the Qibla)
•    Intention – merely saying in your mind that you are attempting to pray and gain the benifits from it.

Prayers are required at least five times a day. Other obligatory prayer include the Friday congregational prayer, Eid prayers and the funeral prayer. Times of the five daily obligatory prayers:
1.Fajr-Before sunrise.
2.Zuhr-After the sun begins to decline from its zenith.
3.Asr-Mid-afternoon.
4.Magrib-Just after sunset.
5.Isha-night.
In addition one is also encouraged but not required to perform prayers during the day and night. Prayer should be offered in its due time, unless there is a reasonable excuse. Delayed obligatory prayers must be made up. In addition to the prescribed prayer, a Muslim expresses gratitude to Godand appreciation of His favours and asks for His mercy all the time. Especially at times of, childbirth, marriage, going to or rising from bed, leaving and returning to his home, starting a journey or entering a city, riding or driving, before or after eating or drinking, harvesting, visiting graveyards and at time of distress and sickness.
Charity-Zakah
Obligatory charity giving is an act of worship and spiritual investment. Zakah does not only purify the property of the contributor but also purifies his heart from selfishness and greed. It also purifies the heart of the recipient from envy and jealousy, from hatred and uneasiness and it fosters instead good-will and warm wishes for the contributors. It also frees society from welfare, distrust and coruption. Zakah is paid on the net balance after paying personal expenses, family expenses, due credits, taxes, etc. Taxes paid to government do not substitute for this religious duty. The contributor should not seek pride or fame but if disclosing his name and his contribution is likely to encourage others, it is acceptable to do so.
The recipients of Zakah are:
– the poor, the needy,
– the new Muslim converts,
– the Muslim prisoners of war (to liberate them),
– Muslims in debt,
– employees appointed to collect Zakah,
– Muslims in service of research or study or propagation of Islam,
– wayfarers who are foreigners in need of help.
Note that Zakah is obligatory. Muslims can also go above and beyond what they pay as Zakah, in which case the offering is strictly voluntary (blessing will come to those who wish for his brother what he wishes for himself).
Fasting-Sawm
Fasting is abstaining completely from eating, drinking, and intimate sexual contacts from the break of dawn till sunset. It is a matchless Islamic institution which teaches man the principle of sincere love to God, creative sense of hope, devotion,patience, unselfishness, discipline, etc. Obligatory fasting is done once a year for the period of the month of Ramadan. Fasting during this time is obligatory on every muslim adult if he is mentally and physically fit and not on a journey. Women are allowed to skip a fasting day due to menstruation, and while nursing a baby.
Pilgrimage-Hajj
It is obligatory to make the pilgrimage to Mecca, at least once in a lifetime. Muslims from all walks of life, from every corner of the globe assemble in Mecca in response to the call of Allah. It is to commemorate the Divine rituals observed by the Prophet Abraham and his son Ishmael, who were the first pilgrims to the house of Allah on earth: the Ka’bah. It is also to remember the great assembly of the Day of Judgement when people will stand equal before Allah. Muslims go to Mecca to glorify Allah, not to worship a man. The visit to the tomb of Prophet Muhammad at Madena is highly recommended but not essential in making the Hajj valid and complete.

You have started a journey in this life to being closer to your Creator. This consciousness of God reflects in all our daily activities from getting up in the morning to falling asleep at night. A Muslim life is simple and dedicated, yet rich and contented.
Five daily prayers
Muslims offer five daily prayers called Salah: before sunrise, after midday, mid-afternoon, after sunset and late evening. The core prayers are short and may take 5 to 10 minutes. You may pray anywhere but strive to pray with others in a group, preferably at a Muslim prayer house – masjid (mosque).

PRAYER     ARABIC PRAYER NAME
1. Early Morning     Fajr
2. Midday     Zuhr
3. Afternoon     Asr
4. After Sunset     Magrib
5. Evening     Isha

Fajr (early morning)
Fajr prayer is offered early morning before sunrise. Its time starts from early daybreak when a faint light appears on the eastern horizon to just before sunrise. If you miss its time then you may make it up after at least 15 minutes after sunrise. Praying while the sun is rising at the horizon is not allowed. Additional optional prayers should not be offered after praying the fajr prayer until the sun has risen well above the horizon. The sunrise time in some prayer timetables is mentioned under the heading shuruq.
Zuhr (midday)
Zuhr prayers are offered just after midday when the sun has passed its peak. The time of sun highest point in sky is not the noon in most places, so be sure to check with a prayer schedule. Its time extends until the next prayer time.
Asr (afternoon)
Asr prayers are offered when objects cast a shadow equal to or twice the length of their height, usually in mid afternoon. Its time extends to a few minutes before sunset. Do not pray while the sun is setting at the horizon.
Maghrib (after sunset)
Maghrib prayers are offered just after the sun has set below the horizon while there is a whitish glow in the western sky.
Isha (evening)
Isha prayers are offered after the pale glow from the sunset has faded in the late evening.
Contact your local masjid for prayer timings in your area usually there is a year-round calendar available. You can also print out such a calendar from the Internet or a downloadable prayer software program(search for Islamic prayer times Alternatively, there are electronic clocks and wristwatches that display daily the prayer times after you have entered your city and the date. If you are unable to access any of these sources, simply rely on your judgement in good faith that Allah will accept your prayers.
Cleanliness for prayers
To offer these prayers you must be clean in a specified way. This means that you must be wearing clean clothes not stained with urine, feces, menstrual flow or semen. You should perform a minor washing ritual before prayers known as the wudu. Note that you do not need to perform the wudu before every prayer in a day as long as you do not go to the toilet or sleep (whichcancels your wudu). After sexual intercourse, a complete shower bath (ghusl) must be performed that includes gargling the mouth and washing of nostrils.
Wudu  the minor washing ritual for prayers
Begin your wudu by making an intention in your heart to perform the wudu and saying silently  (in the name of Allah). Wash both hands three times starting with right hand first. Rinse your mouth with a handful of water three times. If you have just woken up or finished a meal then preferably, brush your teeth as well. Rinse you nostrils with gentle application of a handful of water three times. Then wash your forearms three times including the elbows starting with the right side. Perform a gentle moistening of hair or scalp by wiping a wetted palm of your hand gently over at least one-third of your head. Use both hands at the same time to wipe front to back. The intention is not to wash or physically clean the hair but symbolic cleansing. Finally wash your feet including the ankles three times starting with the right foot. Make sure not to leave any parts of skin dry.

Wudu (washing ritual for prayers)
The wudu remains in effect until you sleep, pass urine, stool or gas, or have sexual intercourse. You can perform more than one prayer in a day without having to repeat the wudu. The wudu may be difficult to perform in a public restroom especially washing your feet and some Muslims say you may symbolically clean your feet by wiping a moist hand over your socks or shoes. You may wear your shoes while praying such as when praying outdoors.
If water is not available, such as when you are traveling, you may perform a waterless cleansing ritual known as the tayammum instead of the wudu. Make an intention in your heart that you are going to perform tayammum then simply place your palms on a clean and dry earthen surface such as a rock or a wall, and lightly your face once. Then touch the surface again and both hands up to elbows. The intention is not to physically clean yourself or to get dusty but a symbolic cleansing. When water becomes available, the tayammum is canceled, and a wudu should be performed. We will discuss more on personal cleanliness later in this chapter.

Iman (faith) is a very important part of a Muslim life. Muslims believe in six articles of faith. These beliefs are derived from the Holy Quran and the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam. The pillars of Iman are belief in Allah, belief in His angels, belief in His Books, belief
in His Messengers, belief in the Hereafter and belief in the Divine Decree of Allah. It is extremely important to believe in these six pillars as Allah Taala says in the Holy Quran:
O you who believe! Keep faith in Allah and His Messenger and the Book which He revealed to His Messenger, and the Book which He revealed before. Who so disbelieves in Allah, His angels, His Books, and His Messengers and the Last Day, he verily has wandered far astray. (Surah an Nisa, 4:136)
Belief in Allah
Belief in Allah is the foundation of Iman. There is no one worthy of worship except Allah. He is our Creator, but He is not created. He is the Eternal and the Ever-Lasting without a beginning or an end. He sustains and protects all that exists. To Him belong the heavens and the earth and everything in between them. He is the All-Knower and nothing escapes His Wisdom. He does not tire or become weary. He is the Owner and complete Sovereign of all. He has complete control over everything and nothing happens except by His Permission. He is the Best Planner. Others may plan, but His is the way that will be. He is Pardoning and Forgiving. He forgives His servants out of his infinite Mercy. He is the Mighty. He is Unique; the Possessor of Majesty and Nobility.
Muslims believe in all the ninety-nine names and attributes of Allah Taala which are described by the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam. Belief in Allah as the Lord is known as Tawheed. On the other hand, associating someone else with Allah is called shirk and is one of the gravest sins in Islam. Allah clearly explains Tawheed in the Holy Quran as He says, Say: He is Allah, the One. Allah, the Eternally Besought. He begets not, nor was He begotten; and there is none comparable unto Him. (Surah al Ikhlas, 112:1-4)
Belief in His Angels
Angels are a creation of Allah who have been created from pure light. They neither eat nor sleep. They are free from the weaknesses of the flesh. They don’t suffer from hunger, weakness, illness or disease. Allah created them for the sole purpose of worshipping Him and obeying Him. They perform different and numerous tasks which have been assigned by Allah. For example, Jibreel Alayhissalam is the Angel of Revelation, Malak al-Mawt, the Angel of death and so on.
They are constantly engrossed in the remembrance of Allah:
They celebrate His praises night and day, without exhaustion. (Surah Al-Anbiya 21:20)
The angels are a special creation of Allah.
All praise is Allah, the Originator of the heavens and the earth, the Appointer of the angels messengers flying on wings: two, three, and four. He increases in the creation what He pleases. Surely, Allah Haspower over all things. (The Quran 35:1)
Belief in the angels is very important since they play a huge role in our affairs. They keep a record of our good and bad deeds. They attend gathering of zikr held in the remembrance of Allah.
Belief in His Divine Revelations
Allah guided and helped different nations by sending a revelation that contained the laws that were to be observed by a particular nation. He sent these revelations through a Prophet and also blessed him with the knowledge and the wisdom to teach the revelations to his people. These Books helped the people understand that Allah was the only One worthy of worship, and that true success in this life and the Hereafter could only be achieved by worshiping Him alone, without any partner. They informed of life in the Hereafter, giving glad tidings to those who obeyed the Messengers, and warning of severe punishment for those who rejected their guidance.
Among the Books that were revealed by Allah were the Suhuf (Scrolls) given to Prophet Ibrahim Alayhissalam, the Zaboor (Psalms) revealed to Prophet Dawud Alayhissalam, the Tawrah (Torah) revealed to Prophet Musa Alayhissalam, the Injeel (Gospel) given to Prophet Isa Alayhissalam and the Holy Quran which was revealed to Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam.
Muslims believe in all of the Divine Revelations revealed by Allah. However, we follow the Qur’an only as it is the Final Revelation and implement it in our daily lives, as commanded by Allah the Almighty to His Messenger, The Holy Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam.
Belief in His Messengers
Allah chose Prophets and Messengers in order to guide and bring people to Islam.
He has sent all of the Messengers with the same Message, as He says in the Quran: Surely, We have sent to each nation a Messenger (saying): Worship Allah and abandon the false gods. (Surah An-Nahl 16:36) There were many Prophets sent by Allah but only twenty-five of them have been mentioned in the Holy Quran. The first Prophet sent by Allah was Prophet Adam Alayhissalam and the last prophet to be sent by Allah was Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam. He is known as the Seal of Prophethood since there will not be any Prophet after him.
The Messengers were worshippers of Allah whom Allah honoured with the position of Prophethood. They were indeed the greatest men who ever lived as Allah says about Prophet Nuh (Noah, peace be upon him) in the Quran, Indeed he was a great thankful bondsman. (Surah Bani Israeel 17:3).
Most of the Messengers were sent by Allah to a particular nation or people but the Last Messenger, Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam was sent for the whole mankind. Allah tells Prophet Muhammad to tell the people, Say (O beloved Prophet): O mankind! Surely I am the Messenger of Allah unto all of you (Surah Al-Araf, 7:158).
The Hereafter
Muslims should believe in the Final Hour when Allah will terminate the creation and cause everything to die. We should believe in the Day of Resurrection in which Allah will raise mankind back to life and in the Day of Judgement when all of mankind will return to Him and have our deeds rewarded by Allah.
We should also believe in the Last Hour and its signs. There are many future events that will happen in the Last Hour which are foretold in the Holy Qur’an and the Hadith Shareef of the Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam. One of the major events is the appearance of Dajjal (The Antichrist). Some of the other signs of the Last Hour is the appearance of the Mahdi, Nabi Isa Alayhissalam and the appearance of Yajuj.
On the Day of Judgement, there will be scales set up as Allah says in the Qur’an: And We shall set up the Scales of Justice on the Day of Resurrection, then none shall be wronged in any matter. If the weight of a mustard seed exists, We shall manifest it… (Surah Al-Anbiya 21:47). The good deeds will be placed on one side of the scale and the bad deeds will be placed on the other side of the scale. The weighing of the deeds will be followed by a revelation of the person’s record. The person who receives his record in the right hand will have an easy reckoning while the person who receives his record in the left hand will be thrown into Hell.
Muslims also believe in the existence of Paradise and Hell. Paradise is prepared for the servants of Allah only and they will receive what no eye has seen and what no ear has ever heard and which has never occurred to the human heart. Allah describes the Paradise in the Qur’an as, Gardens of perpetual bliss – they shall enter them, as well as the righteous among their fathers, their spouses and their offspring. And angels shall enter upon them from every gate. (Surah Al-Ra’ad 13:23). Allah has mentioned many beautiful descriptions about Paradise but the most important aspect is that life in Paradise will never end. And the greatest happiness of those in Paradise will be achieved when they behold Allah.
Hell is prepared for the sinners and for those who have rejected faith in Allah. It is filled with many kinds of punishments. Allah warns his creatures beforehand about Hell in the Holy Qur’an, Therefore I warn you of the Flaming Fire. (Surah Al-Layl 92:14).
The main goal of every Muslim is to enter Jannah (Paradise). We know the description of Jannah from the Holy Qur’an and the Blessed Hadith Shareef, but we have not seen it. We can only imagine Paradise through our analogy. But the reality of Jannah is far beyond description. According to a hadith, Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala says that he has prepared for his servants, “what no eye has seen and no ear has heard and has never occurred to a human heart.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari). The Jannah is not just limited to enjoyments but it also contains the greatest pleasure of all, the pleasure of being closer to Allah.
But Paradise comes with a price. The price of Jannah is true faith in Allah and in His beloved Messenger, Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam. Muslims should believe in “La ilaaha illallah, Muhammad ur-Rasulullah” with all their hearts, and be prepared to sacrifice all that they have for Allah.
Belief in the Divine Decree
Allah has decreed and ordained in due measures everything that has happened until this present day and everything that will happen from this day until the Last Hour comes. There is nothing that can interfere with the Decree that has been issued by Allah. Allah has recorded every event that will ever occur. He has recorded everything in the Preserved Tablet (Al-Lawh Al-Mahfuz), which contains the records of all creations. Allah says in the Holy Qur’an, Know you not that Allah knows all that is in the heavens and on the earth? Indeed it is (all) in the Book. (The Quran 22:70).
A Muslim believes in Allah’s predestination of all things and events (Qadaa), His Decree (Qadar) and His Will. Nothing in the universe can occur without the knowledge of Allah. A Muslim further believes that Allah is Just in His predestination and His Decree and Wise in all of His actions. Whatever He desires, it occurs and whatever He does not desire, it doesn’t occur. There is no power or any movement except by Allah.