Islam – Beliefs and Practices

Islam is a monotheistic religion centered on belief in one God, known in Arabic as Allah. Muslims believe that God sent prophets and messengers throughout history to guide humanity and regard Muhammad as the final prophet.

The word Islam is commonly associated with submission to God, and a follower of Islam is called a Muslim.

Belief in One God

At the heart of Islam is Tawhid, the belief in the oneness of God.

Muslims worship one God and believe that God is the creator and sustainer of the universe. This belief forms the foundation of Islamic faith and worship.

The Quran

The Quran is the sacred scripture of Islam. Muslims believe it contains revelations from God given to Prophet Muhammad.

The Quran discusses faith, worship, morality, justice and human responsibility. It also contains accounts of figures known from earlier Abrahamic traditions, including Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Mary and Jesus.

Prophet Muhammad

Muhammad was born in Mecca in the sixth century and became the central prophetic figure of Islam.

According to Islamic belief, he received the revelations that became the Quran. His teachings and example also became an important foundation for Muslim religious life.

The Five Pillars of Islam

Five fundamental practices are commonly known as the Five Pillars of Islam:

Shahada – the declaration of faith in one God and Muhammad as His messenger.

Salah – performing the prescribed daily prayers.

Zakat – giving required charity to help people in need.

Sawm – fasting during the month of Ramadan.

Hajj – pilgrimage to Mecca for Muslims who are able to undertake it.

Prophets in Islam

Islam teaches that God sent many prophets throughout human history.

Muslims recognize figures including Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David and Jesus as prophets. These shared figures create important historical and religious connections between Islam, Judaism and Christianity, although the three religions understand some of them differently.

Prayer and Daily Life

Prayer is an important part of Muslim life. Muslims traditionally perform five daily prayers facing the Kaaba in Mecca.

Islamic teachings also address charity, family, justice, honesty, forgiveness, care for others and personal responsibility.

Ramadan

Ramadan is the Islamic month of fasting. During this month, Muslims