What is Islam?
The word Islam comes from the Arabic root s-l-m, meaning peace, submission, and security. A Muslim is one who submits to Allah — the one true God — in peace.
Islam is not a new religion invented by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. It is the final and complete form of the same message sent to every prophet throughout history — from Adam, to Abraham, to Moses, to Jesus, and finally to Muhammad ﷺ, peace be upon them all.
"Indeed, the religion in the sight of Allah is Islam."
The Five Pillars of Islam
The Five Pillars are the core acts of worship that form the framework of Muslim life:
- Shahada — The declaration of faith: "There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His Messenger."
- Salah — Five daily prayers at prescribed times.
- Zakat — Obligatory annual charity (2.5% of savings above a threshold).
- Sawm — Fasting during the month of Ramadan from dawn to sunset.
- Hajj — Pilgrimage to Mecca once in a lifetime, for those who are able.
The Six Articles of Faith
Every Muslim must believe in the following:
- Allah — Belief in the One God
- Angels — Belief in the angels created from light
- Divine Books — The Tawrah (Torah), Injeel (Gospel), Zabur (Psalms), and the Qur'an (the final, preserved revelation)
- Prophets and Messengers — From Adam to Muhammad ﷺ (the last)
- The Last Day — The Day of Judgement, Paradise, and Hell
- Divine Decree (Qadar) — That Allah knows all things and that everything happens by His knowledge and will
Islam is a Way of Life
Islam is not just rituals performed at certain times. It is a complete way of life (deen) that encompasses how you worship, how you treat others, how you conduct business, and how you relate to the world around you — guided by the Qur'an and the example of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Today, Islam is the world's second-largest religion with approximately 1.8 billion Muslims across every continent, culture, and background. You belong to this vast, diverse, and beautiful family.