Understanding Islam
What are the beliefs of Muslims?
Muslims believe in one, unique, incomparable God, His angels, and the prophets who conveyed His revelations to mankind. They also believe in the Day of Judgment and individual accountability for deeds, as well as God’s complete power over human destiny and life after death. Muslims believe in a chain of prophets that begins with Adam and includes Noah, Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Job, Moses, Aaron, David, Solomon, Elias, Jonah, John the Baptist, and Jesus, all of whom are blessed with peace. But it was via Gabriel that God revealed to the Prophet Muhammad God’s final revelation to man, a reconfirmation of the eternal word and a synthesis of everything that had gone before.
How does Someone Become a Muslim?
Simply by saying, ‘There is no god worthy of worship apart from Allah, and Muhammad is the final Messenger of God.’ By this declaration the believer announces his or her faith in all of God’s messengers, and the scriptures they brought.
What Does the Term "Islam" Mean?
The Arabic term ‘Islam’ is derived from a word that means ‘peace’ and simply means’submission.’ It indicates entire submission to God’s will in a religious context.
Who is Muhammad (PBUH)?
Prophet Muhammad was born in Makkah in the year 570, at a time when Christianity was not yet fully established in Europe. Since his father died before his birth, and his mother shortly afterwards, he was raised by his uncle from the respected tribe of Quraysh. As he grew up, he became known for his truthfulness, generosity and sincerity, so that he was sought after for his ability to arbitrate in disputes. The historians describe him as calm and meditative.
Prophet Muhammad was of a deeply religious nature, and had long detested the decadence of his society. It became his habit to meditate from time to time in the Cave of Hira near the summit of Jabal al-Nur, the ‘Mountain of Light’ near Makkah.
Prophet Muhammad was of a deeply religious nature, and had long detested the decadence of his society. It became his habit to meditate from time to time in the Cave of Hira near the summit of Jabal al-Nur, the ‘Mountain of Light’ near Makkah.