Islam, the second-largest religion on the earth, believes in one god. Its followers take inspiration from the teachings within the Holy Quran. Regular prayer, charity, welfare and Hajj pilgrimage are pillars of Islam.
Islam means and requires a total submission and dedication to one god. Its followers are required to carefully follow the teaching and guidance mentioned in the Holy Quran. Islam offers complete way of living. If followed in full faith, it promises to bring a total and fulfilling life of peace and brotherhood in this world, which otherwise is full of tension, chaos and frenzy. Islam carry forward the message revealed to Prophet Muhammad:
"We believe in Allah, and in what has been revealed to us and what was revealed to Abraham, Isma'il, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, and in (the Books) given to Moses, Jesus, and the prophets, from their Lord: We make no distinction between one and another among them, and to Allah do we bow our will (in Islam)." (Holy Quran 3:84)
Islam is total declaration of faith, saying prayer five times in a day, fasting during Ramadan, paying for charity, welfare for society in general and finally pilgrimage to Kabah in Mecca (Hajj)
Islam roots lie in the Holy Quran, considered the final revelation from god given to the prophet. The Quaran guides those who are receptive and ready to be guided and it contents are believed to have been revealed to the Prophet Muhammad more than 1400 years ago.
“We have without doubt sent down the message and we will assuredly guard it (from corruption).” ( Holy Quran 15:9)
Apart from detailing the basics of Islam, the Quran covers wide variety of subjects, making it a code of conduct, benefiting humankind - a perfect code, its followers believe. Islam does not believe in deity worship and rituals. Stress is given on deeds, faith and charity.
Islam does not believe in carrying the burden of past sins. God has created man as a free and pure being. Enabling him to live his own life, strictly within the code of conduct specified in Quran. Though created free, a person's accountability to God does not end, his life is not limited to earthly living. On the Day of Judgment, all will appear before almighty and face the consequences of deeds. This differentiates humans from beasts.
Islam believes in science and technology, there is no distinction between men and women, all have the right to improve their life. Knowledge should be used for moral ends. In Islam, women are capable of owning, buying, selling and inheritance. A woman is presented as a role model.
Islam protects all noble values and human rights. “On that account: We ordained for the Children of Israel that if any one slew a person - unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land - it would be as if he slew the whole people: and if any one saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the whole people.”(Holy Quran 5:32)
