The Essence of Islam
The word Islam literally means peace and reflects the concept of surrendering one’s will to God, seeking to align one’s life with the will and pleasure of the Creator. The message of Islam was revealed over 1,400 years ago to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) through the angel Gabriel (peace be upon him), and it has been preserved in the Holy Qur'an. The Qur'an is guaranteed by God to remain unchanged, and it is considered a culmination of the best teachings from earlier scriptures.
At the heart of Islam is the belief in the Unity of God—that God is the Creator and Sustainer of the universe, and He alone is worthy of worship. Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is the final messenger of God. A Muslim is one who believes in these core principles and accepts the faith's other pillars, including belief in God's angels, the Books of God, the prophets from Adam to Jesus (peace be upon them), the Day of Judgment, and the Decree of God.
The Five Pillars of Islam
Muslims have five primary obligations:
- Shahada – Bearing witness to the Unity of God and the Prophethood of Muhammad
- Salah – Observing the prescribed daily prayers
- Zakat – Paying charity to support those in need
- Sawm – Fasting during the month of Ramadan
- Hajj – Performing the pilgrimage to Mecca once in a lifetime, if able
Islam’s Message
Islam teaches that every person is born pure, with the freedom to choose between good and evil. The path to God's pleasure is through faith, prayer, and charity. Islam emphasizes the importance of kindness, compassion, and justice—caring for parents, orphans, and the needy. Women’s rights were championed in Islam long before they were acknowledged by other societies.
Islam encourages a balanced life, where individuals can enjoy lawful bounties while upholding virtues like honesty, patience, mercy, and politeness. It provides a complete code of conduct that is both timeless and adaptable to all aspects of life.
A Universal and Enduring Faith
Islam is not a rigid way of life but a dynamic, universal faith that addresses the challenges of all times and places. Its teachings are based on the Qur'an and the Sunnah (traditions of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him), which offer timeless guidance for personal and societal well-being.
A Global Faith
With over 1.5 billion Muslims worldwide, Islam is the fastest-growing religion. Its universal message of peace, compassion, and worship is reaching hearts across the globe, offering hope and spiritual growth to millions.