Islam was established more than 1400 years ago, when the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)* received revelation from God (Allah) and began preaching true monotheism. Followers of Islam are called Muslims.
What Does Islam Mean?
The word "Islam" means to submit or surrender, and is derived from the Arabic word for "peace." A Muslim submits to the Will of Allah, strives to obey Him, and worships Him alone.
Who is Allah?
Allah is the Arabic name by which God refers to himself in the Qur'an. Allah is the same God of Christianity and Judaism, with Christians and Jews in the Arabic-speaking world also referring to God as Allah.
Who Was Muhammad?
Muhammad (peace be upon him)* lived from 570 to 632 C.E. and was Allah's last prophet and messenger, following in the footsteps of Abraham, Noah, Moses, Joseph and others. Encyclopedia Britannica cites Muhammad as "the most successful of all Prophets and religious personalities," while writer Michael Hart calls him "the most influential man in history."
What Do Muslims Believe?
Muslims believe in only one God (Allah), in the angels, in all the prophets and messengers, in the revealed scriptures (including the Qur'an, Torah, Psalms and Gospel), in the Day of Judgment and an Afterlife, and in divine decree. These basic beliefs are called the Six Articles of Faith.
Do Muslims Believe in Jesus?
Muslims believe in Jesus' miraculous birth to the Virgin Mary and highly revere him as a prophet, not a deity. Islam rejects the idea of the trinity: "They do blaspheme who say, 'God is the third of three,' for there is no god except One God." (Qur'an 5:73)
What is the Qur'an?
The Qur'an is Islam's holy book and scripture, and contains the Word of Allah as revealed to Muhammad (peace be upon him) by the angel Gabriel. The entire Qur'an was initially memorized and transmitted orally before being compiled into written form, and it remains unaltered and in its original form to this day.
Why Is Islam "A Way of Life"?
Submission to Allah involves staying mindful of Him at all times. This encompasses acts of worship, public and private life, family relations, personal hygiene, business interactions, education, socializing and more. Guidance is provided both in the Qur'an and by following the example and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
How Many Muslims Are There?
Muslims account for about one-fifth of the world's population. Statistics vary from 1.2 billion to 1.6 billion worldwide. In the U.S. the number may be as high as 4 or 5 million.
Are Most Muslims Arab?
Only about 20 percent of Muslims are Arab and/or live in the Middle East. Indonesia is the country which boasts the largest Muslim population.
Why Do Muslims Pray in Arabic?
Muslims make their five daily prayers in the same manner demonstrated by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) 1400 years ago. This includes recitation of verses from the Qur'an in their original Arabic, the language of their revelation. Supplications, however, can be made in any language.
Why Do Muslim Women Cover Their Hair?
When outside their homes, or in the presence of unrelated men, women protect their modesty by concealing the sexually appealing attributes of their figures, skin, and hair. Hijab refers to this full modest Islamic dress and is based on directives in the Qur'an. Some Muslim women also wear a face veil, or niqab.
Was Islam Spread by the Sword?
Many historians have shown this to be false, and forcing people to become Muslim contradicts the teachings of Islam: “Let there be no compulsion in religion. Truth has been made clear from error. Whoever rejects false worship and believes in Allah has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that never breaks. And Allah hears and knows all things.” (Qur'an 2:256)
Does Islam Promote Violence and Terrorism?
The misguided acts of a minority, as well as media bias, have wrongly aligned Islam with violence and terrorism. The vast majority of Muslims are not violent, and religious scholars worldwide have denounced terrorism as incompatible with Islam. Muslims are, however, permitted to fight in defense of one's rights, family, property, or religion. They are likewise forbidden from harming civilians or damaging crops, trees and livestock.
Throughout history Muslims have lived, worked and conducted business peacefully with non-Muslims. The Qur'an says: "Allah forbids you not, with regard to those who fight you not for (your) Faith nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them: for Allah loveth those who are just. (Qur'an 60:8)
* Muslims invoke Allah's blessings on the Prophet Muhammad and other prophets whenever their names are mentioned.
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