What is Islam? A Complete Introduction

What is Islam?

Meaning

Islam means "submission" to the will of God (Allah). A practitioner is a "Muslim" (one who submits). It is not a new religion but the continuation of the monotheistic message of all prophets: Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad.

Core Beliefs

1. Belief in one God (Tawhid)
2. Belief in angels
3. Belief in revealed books (Quran, Torah, Gospel, Psalms)
4. Belief in prophets and messengers
5. Belief in the Day of Judgment
6. Belief in divine decree (qadr)

The Five Pillars

1. Shahada: testimony of faith
2. Salat: five daily prayers
3. Zakat: obligatory charity
4. Sawm: Ramadan fasting
5. Hajj: pilgrimage to Mecca

Sources

• Quran: God's word revealed in Arabic
• Sunnah: Prophet Muhammad's tradition

Diversity

Islam has two main branches: Sunni (85-90%) and Shia (10-15%). Both share the same core beliefs but differ in historical and legal aspects.