What is Islam?:
Islam is monotheism and is the only acceptable religion to الله (Almighty God). It is not something new but what الله (Almighty God), has enjoined on humankind since time immemorial. Islam means ‘submission to Allah’s will’ and its teachings provide comprehensive guidance in all aspects of human life. To introduce Islam effectively, we will learn about its core through four major areas: the Core Beliefs, the Pillars of Islam, the Divine Law, and the Ummah.
Core Beliefs of Islam:
The fundamental beliefs of Islam are called the أركَانُ الإِيْمَان (Arkan al-Iman), believed in and upheld by a Muslim
1. Belief in الله (Almighty God): الله (Almighty God), the Creator, Sustainer of the universe. الله is unique in his qualities, entities, and oneness. الله is one, only, supreme, and merciful. الله has no partners, children, or associates. The concept of التَّوْحِيْد (Monotheism) is central to Islamic theology, emphasizing the oneness and uniqueness of الله (Almighty God). الله is omniscient and omnipotent; He has created, nourishing all creatures.
2. Belief in the Prophets (أَنْبِيَاء): There has been a long chain of Prophets sent by الله (Almighty God) to guide humanity. They include such figures as آدَم (Adam), نُوْح (Noah), إِبْراهِيْم (Abraham), مُوْسٰى (Moses), عِيْسٰى (Jesus), and finally, مُحَمَّد (Muhammad (Peace be upon him)). Muhammad (Peace be upon him) is the last of them.
3. Belief in the Holy Books (كُتُب): الله(Almighty God) has revealed many books to His prophets: Torah, Psalms, Gospel, and finally, قُرْآن (The Quran). The Quran is the central religious text of Islam, which is the verbatim word of الله (Almighty God) as revealed to Muhammad (Peace be upon him) over 23 years. Written in Arabic, it consists of 114 chapters and over 6,000 verses. It guides every aspect of human life and is supplemented by the Hadith, which are the sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him).
4. Belief in the Angels (مَلَائِكَة): These are the unseen spiritual beings created by الله (Almighty God) to perform His missions, including the delivery of various revelations to the Prophets, recording of human deeds, and administering divine will.
5. Belief in the Day of Judgment (يَوْمُ القِيَامَة): The Final Day on which all men and women will be raised up and caused to stand before God to answer for their actions. This instills in a person moral responsibility with an urgency about it.
6. Predestination (قَدْرْ): قَدْرْ is the Divine Decree. This includes the assumption that الله preordains all events; however, humans are free to make their own decisions. These core beliefs form the worldview and spiritual orientation of a Muslim, guiding his actions and attitudes in life. They furnish him with an inclusive frame to apprehend the purpose of life and the state of existence.
Pillars of Islam:
The Five Pillars of Islam (أَرْكَانُ الإِسْلَام) are the structure of a Muslim’s life:
1. شَهَادَة (The declaration of faith): Stating, “There is no divinity except الله (Almighty God), and Muhammad (Peace be upon him) is the Messenger of الله.”
2. صَلَاة (Prayers): The observation of the five daily prayers.
3. زَكَاة (Charity): The giving of alms to the needy, which is an obligatory charity that every adult, sane, and free Muslim must pay.
4. صَوْم (Fasting): Abstinence during the month of رمضان (Ramadan) from dawn to sunset.
5. حَجّ (Pilgrimage): Pilgrimage to مكّة, which is obligatory for every Muslim and must be performed at most minor.
شَرِيْعَة (The Divine Law):
شَرِيْعَة (The Divine Law) is the moral and legal code of Islam, derived from the قُرْآن and حَدِيْث. It covers various aspects of life, including rituals, family matters, business ethics, and criminal justice. شَرِيْعَة (The Divine Law) aims to promote justice, mercy, and welfare, guiding Muslims in their personal and communal conduct.
Ummah:
Is often used to refer to the global community of Muslims, united by faith and common moral principles. أُمَّة transcends racial, ethnic, and national limitations and brings unity and brotherhood. Muslims are supposed to support and care for each other, encouraging solidarity and collective responsibility.
Conclusion:
In total, Islam is a richly textured and multi-dimensional way of life with comprehensive guidance for human existence. It spiritually fulfills one, rightfully guides on moral issues, and offers a powerful sense of community. It will be possible for anyone to understand the depth and meaning of Islam with the help of its the Core Beliefs, the Pillars of Islam, the Divine Law, and the Ummah. This Introduction is offered to give a view on some of the deep and meaningful aspects of a faith that so many people around the world adhere to and use as a source of both inspiration and guidance.