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A Guide for Non-Muslims
What is Islam?
Islam is not a new religion, but the same truth that God revealed through all His prophets to every people. Islam is a religion and a way of life. The Arabic root of Islam is s-l-m common terms derived from this root is peace and submission.
Who are Muslims?
A Muslim is one who submits to God and also is derived from the same Arabic root s-l-m. Muslims come from all over the world regardless of race, nationality, or socio-economic status.
Primary sources in Islam
The Qur'an and the Sunnah (the example of Prophet Muhammad) are the two primary sources in Islam. The Qur'an is universally accepted by Muslims as the word of Allah, or "God," dictated verbatim to Prophet Muhammad (P) through Angel Gabriel. It is divided into 114 units, each called a surah. The Qur'an is the highest authority for information on Islam. Sunnah refers to the words, actions and confirmations (consent) of Prophet Muhammad (P) in matters pertaining to the meaning and practice of Islam. Another common term that some authorities consider to be equivalent to Sunnah is hadith (plural ahadith), which literally means "sayings." The letter (P) is an abbreviation of "peace be upon him," a form of respect used by Muslims whenever the name of any prophet is mentioned.
Core Beliefs of Islam
- Belief in one God
- Belief in the Angels
- Belief in the revealed books of Allah
- Belief in the prophets of Allah
- Belief in the Day of Judgment
Five Pillars of Islam
- Shahadah – Declaration of Faith, “There is no god but Allah (God) and Muhammad is his Messenger”
- Salat – Daily prayer: Muslims Pray fives times a day and may also make informal prayers, duas, anytime
- Zakat – alms giving
- Ramadan/Siyam- fasting
- Hajj – The pilgrimage to Mecca
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