Discover Islam
What is Islam?
The submission of man to His Creator is the essence of Islam ( Islam is an Arabic word means Peace). The name “Islam” is chosen by God (Allah in Arabic) and not by human. It is the same unifying Message revealed to all the Prophets and Messengers by Allah and which they spread amongst their respective nations. In its Final form it was revealed to Muhammad (Peace & Mercy of Allah be upon him) as a complete Message to whole mankind. As Muslims believe Lord, Allah, is the True and Only Creator that deserves to be worshipped. No worship is worthy if being given to a stone, statue, Prophets, Messengers (Yes! Muslims do not worship Muhammad-peace be upon him but believe on him as a messenger)
ALLAH, is the Name of the One True God. His Name is not chosen by man and does not have a number or gender. It is known that Allah is the Name of God in Aramaic, the language of our beloved Prophet Jesus (Peace Be upon him) and a sister language of Arabic. The Name “Allah” has been used by all previous Prophets starting with Adam and by the last and final Prophet, Muhammad (Peace be upon them all).
What do Muslims Believe in?
Muslims believe in the following:
- One God Allah : He is free of any need for others. He is the sole Creator of all that which pleases Him (and that which doesn't).Allah has ordered His creation and forbidden them only in ways which are in their best interest.
- Angles created by him: Muslims believe that among Allah creation is angels. Created from light. A Muslim must believe in all angels including the ones that mentioned in Quran like Mika’il, Israfil and Malik.
- Believe in the revealed books: Six specific books mentioned in the Qur'an:
- As-Suhuf of Ibrahim (Ibraham, peace be upon him). and Musa (Moses) (peace be upon him). .
- Az-Zaboor (Zabur) given to Daud (David) (peace be upon him). .
- At-Taurat (Torah) revealed to Musa (Moses) (peace be upon him). .
- Al-Injeel (Bible) revealed to Isa (Jesus) (peace be upon him). .
Al-Qur'an - the final revelation revealed to Mohammed (peace be upon him).
- Believe in Prophets through whom his messages brought to mankind :Believe in the the process of prophet-hood. Allah in His wisdom did not neglect His creation, so prophets sent to guide us in this life and the next like Moses, Jesus, Noah. etc (peace be upon all of them)
- Judgment day when people held responsible for their actions during their life time (event of Qiyamah)
- Belief in the resurrection. Reconstruction of the body and return of the soul to it. People will come forth out of their grave rushing to Caller in judgment day (event of Qiyamah)
- Belief in the predestination by Allah of all things, both the (seemingly) good and the (seemingly) bad.
Pillars of Islam:
There are five of them,
- Declaration of faith: to believe in Allah as the creator, and no god but Allah.
- Obligatory Prayers (Salat) : Salat is the Arabic term for prayer. Its five times a day performed by standing, bowing and prostrating
- Zakat (compulsory giving), this is one of the most important principles of Islam. Spending money in charity is highly recommended but this is different. Muslims who own livestock, harvests, and large business have to give away certain amount of his/her wealth value to the poor annually. There is certain percentage for each kind and it’s a bit complex process.
- Fasting the month of Ramadan (Siam). Ramadan is a month in Islamic Lunar year where Muslims don’t eat, drink, have sex, or do sins. Its either 29th or 30 days long. Sick people, pregnant ladies, nursing mothers don’t have to do it but they have to make up the days later. If they are physically unable to make up the days they have to feed a needy person for everyday missed if they are financially able. Elderly don’t have to do it or make up the days.
- Haj (Pilgrimage to Makkah): Haj is the commemoration of prophet Ibrahim’s obedience to Allah. Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) build the Ka’ba (the first house in earth for Allah’s worshipping) with his son prophet Ishmael (peace be upon him)
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Comments
Just checking in regarding the above questions.
I hope we understand one another now. What example did Mohammad (PBUH) give? Did he fight in battles? Did he condone battle or was he opposed? How many battles were fought during his lifetime? What involvement did he have in battle(s)?
- AUTHOR
oh yes I understand your points and agree with it. sorry I guess there is some confusion here. Defense is unlike attack . I mean its legit to try to protect yourself if you find yourself trapped with attacker that is why we carry pepper spray to try to interrupt attackers from hurting us but we never encourage to hurt them. Islam never encouraged revenge at all. and this concept is against its principals. and yes we have to teach our kids to seek safer refuge when attack versus do the same actions. I am trying to say fighting is never encouraged nor fights.
samiagamie, what is (SWT)?
Defense is of course legit, but the method is in question. If someone does not need to enter a battle, why would they? Fighting is hazardous to your health. We should teach our children to walk away from a fight rather than enter into it. Revenge should not be taught. Revenge fighting is to be renounced. I equate "defensive fighting" as Revenge. Do you understand?
- AUTHOR
Jay Allah (SWT) never asked us to attack or kill, but defense is legit. as I mentioned the religious is named after peace because this what the term Islam means in Arabic. So the entire islamophia that is going around now has nothing to do with the true messages from Allah. Profit Mohmmed -peace to be upon him- taught us how to be a good neighbor in the community and never go to bed if your neighbor is hungry regardless of our neighbor's religious . Killing and attacks are bad choices that all humans might choose regardless of what they believe in, There is bad people everywhere anywhere . Am not sure about the old books that you are talking about but Quraan is killing -free book and I encourage you to read some verses to have an idea about how it was going back in the old days with prophet Mohmmed and how he never encouraged killing and attacking because Allhah SWT never approves it . Thanks for this discussion Jay !
Thank you samiagami. I am disturbed by the old books which describe fighting/battle under the authority of God/Allah. Is it necessary to renounce the old books which have a hero who fights and kills? This is my dilemma.
- AUTHOR
Thanks Jay C OBbrien for visiting. I see that you are a muslim, there is nothing that you mentioned isn't line up with Islam principles. The religion is one and Allah is one but he develop certain version of books to certain nations overtime , with that being said Qur'an is actually an update for the original version of Bible which has been carried out to humanity through prophet Jesus (peace be upon him) we can not be true Muslims if we don't believe in prophet Jesus and all the prophets.
Islam means peace in Arabic so no killing, harms nor attacks are involved at all .
I see that you are have all the thoughts that Muslims believes in as well as all others books that comes from Allah like Tora, Bible and others. The only thing is Quran is the last book and its good for everyone everywhere and protected against editing forever. there is many trusted website that has English interpretations for Quran if you are interested I have to do some search and provide some.
Thanks again Jay !
I believe Allah is One without partners and all mankind is connected to each other and Allah in spirit. I believe Muhammad (peace be upon him) is a prophet who tried to return Christianity to what Jesus taught (love one another, do not condemn nor judge, forgive).
I am disturbed by reports that Mohammad (peace be upon him) participated in battle or encouraged fighting. I do Not believe Allah authorized Muhammad (peace be upon him) to kill anyone. Man should not kill Man, Ever.
Am I Muslim?
- AUTHOR
Thanks Hasan alhamdolliah for eveything
wonderful info. mashalla
where can i find more info in details ?am really interested to understand many aspect about Islam ,
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