Assalamu Alaikum! Today, weโre diving into the core beliefs and practices of Islam. Whether youโre new to Islam or just want to deepen your understanding, weโre glad youโre here!
The Oneness of Allah
At the center of Islam is the belief in one God, Allah. Muslims believe that Allah is the only creator of the universe and everything in it. We reject idol worship and the idea of needing anyone between us and Allah. We pray directly to HimโAllah has no parents, no children, and no partners. The Quran describes Allahโs attributes as absolutely perfect.
Divine Guidance
Allah didnโt just create humans and leave us on our own. As the Wise Creator, He sent divine Books to guide us. These Books were revealed to His Messengers through Angel Gabriel. Other angels have different roles assigned by Allah. The Messengers lived among their communities, delivering Allahโs message and being role models.
The final Messenger is Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). His message is the final revelation, meant for all people, everywhere, and for all time. His teachings spread from Arabia to the entire world.
Allahโs Will and Control
Allah plans everything, and nothing happens without His permission. He gave us free will to make our own choices as part of His plan. Life is a test. Weโre here to either follow Allahโs guidance or choose to disobey. But weโre responsible for how we use this freedom, and weโll be held accountable for it.
So, this life isnโt the final chapter. Muslims believe in the Day of Judgment, when we will be held accountable for our actions. Grievances will be settled, and those who did wrong will face the consequences. In the end, our final home will be either Heaven or Hell.
So far, weโve covered the Six Pillars of Faith in Islam: Belief in Allah, His Angels, His Books, His Messengers, the Day of Judgment, and Allahโs will, plan and control over everything.
Purity and Equality
In Islam, we believe that everyone is born pure and innocent. We donโt carry the burden of anyone elseโs sins, and thereโs no need for rituals like baptism to cleanse from original sin.
Islam doesnโt have a hierarchical priesthood or complicated rituals. The Quran is for everyone, and each person is encouraged to read and benefit from it. In Islam, everyone is equal before Allahโwhether youโre male or female, black or white, rich or poor. What matters most is your virtue and piety.
Islam also emphasizes community and respect. Weโre encouraged to support each other, share what we have, and work together for the common good. This unity and equality are core to our faith.
Major Acts of Worship
Islamโs key practices, known as the Pillars of Islam, include:
๐ Prayer (Salah): Muslims pray five times a day. These prayers, with movements like standing, bowing, and prostrating, symbolize submission to Allah. They help us stay mindful, disciplined, and connected to Allah. Prayer is a time for reflection, gratitude, and seeking guidance.
๐ Fasting (Sawm): During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, avoiding food, drink, and intimacy. Fasting helps us grow spiritually, brings us closer to Allah, and makes us more empathetic toward the less fortunate.
๐ Charity (Zakah): Muslims give Zakah, a mandatory charity, to help those in need. It shows our solidarity and care for others.
๐ Pilgrimage (Hajj): Hajj is a pilgrimage to Makkah for those who can make the journey. It honors the sacrifices of Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismael and includes rituals that deepen our submission to Allah and strengthen the bond between Muslims.
Whatโs Next
In the next part, weโll explore the question: โWhy Were We Created According to Islam?โ Join us as we continue our journey of understanding. Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.
