You can get to know Islam easily
Islam is a religion that is compatible with human nature. It is the holy way that Allah has given us to get happiness in this life and the hereafter. Since it is not a religion confined to the private lives of men, Islam is not a traditional religion in the usual sense. It is a complete system of life that covers all areas of human being.
Islam has provided necessary guidance in all aspects of material affairs, moral, economic, cultural, legal, national and international. Its teachings are simple and logical. As the world in which we live is shrinking into a global village, the best karma is for people to understand each other. It helps us realize that the world belongs to all of us. The Qur’an says:
“O mankind, We have created you from male and female. You have been divided into various sects and tribes to identify yourself. The most honorable of you in the sight of Allah is the most prudent of you; Of course Allah is All-Knowing, All-Knowing.” 49:13
This post aims to give a brief introduction to Islam, based on authentic texts. Islam is derived from the Arabic word ‘Silm’ or ‘Salama:’. It has the meanings of peace, integrity and dedication. Islam teaches that peace and tranquility for ourselves and our fellow beings comes when we live in obedience to God’s will.
Islam is not a new religion revealed to Prophet Muhammad. Allah revealed to Prophet Muhammad the essence of religion which was revealed to the earlier prophets. Noah, Abraham, Moses and Jesus are prophets of this category. Muslims must believe in all of them and should not create any walls of discrimination between them. The Qur’an says:
“Declare: We believe in Allah and what He revealed to us, and what He revealed to Abraham, Ishmael, Ishaq, and Ya’qub and their progeny, and what was given to Moses and Isaac, and what was revealed to other prophets from their Lord. We do not enjoin any discrimination between them. We are those who submit to Allah.” 2:136 After this introduction let us examine the basic creeds of Islam.
- Monotheism
Monotheism means belief in one divine power as creator, preserver and sovereign of the universe. - Belief in angels
It is to believe in immaterial angels who glorify the glory of Allah and carry out His orders. - Faith in scriptures
The scriptures contain the divine message to the prophets. The scriptures include the Torah, the Gospels, and the last revelation, the Qur’an. The Qur’an has been preserved ever since its revelation. - Belief in Prophets
It means believing in the prophets appointed by Allah at different times. They are role models for us to emulate. - God’s determination of good and evil
Another creed in Islam is the belief that good and evil are divinely determined. - Belief in the Last Day
It is the belief that all humans will face the trial of Allah. Allah knows all our good and bad deeds and rewards and punishes them.
Along with these six creeds, a Muslim has to perform five important deeds. These are known as the Five Pillars of Islam. They are below:
- Perform the affidavit
It means to believe that there is only Allah as the One who is worthy of worship. A Muslim’s ultimate duty is to Him alone. This belief creates peace and tranquility in us. - Praying five times
Prayer is the second pillar of Islam. Namaz is a direct conversation with Allah without a priest or an intermediary. Namaskar is another source of peace and tranquility. - Payment of Zakat
Zakat is a mandatory payment of a certain percentage of one’s income to the poor and needy, irrespective of whether they are male or female. Besides this, believers are obliged to spend their wealth in the way of Allah. - Fasting in Ramadan
Fasting in Islam is a powerful way to cultivate tenderness and compassion for fellow creatures. It uproots the roots of greed and creates a spiritual feeling. - The performance of Hajj
Hajj is a pilgrimage to the holy shrine built by Prophets Ibrahim and Ismail in Mecca. Hajj is a rare gathering of pilgrims who come together regardless of race or color. The great link that unites all human beings. The purpose of the six creeds and five precepts of Islam is to train people to live in obedience to God’s will. Along with this, showing mercy to creatures is also the subject that Islam considers the most.
“When asked what is the best deed in Islam, the Prophet (PBUH) said: Feed the hungry. Give the greeting of peace to those you know and those you do not know.” Islam is a religion that gives great importance to the values of loyalty, honesty, justice, mercy, enjoining good and preventing evil. Always live a good life. Do not create hardship for others. Right thought, right speech, right action is the simple message of Islam. Have a strong sense of spirituality and show gratitude for the blessings we have received. Be patient when faced with difficulties and be content with what you have, all this is what Islam exhorts mankind.
Translated by: Ibrahim Chemnad