Islam is an Arabic word, which connotes submission, surrender and obedience. Islam is complete submission to Allaah, Alone. Islam is a true religion given by Allaah (God) to mankind and the religion of all the Prophets sent by Allaah, and Islam is the religion of all true Muslims.

Who is a Muslim?

   A Muslim is one who believes in the Oneness of Allaah and he submits to the Will of Allaah, Alone, without associating any partners with the Creator. The one who practices Islam is a true Muslim.

Where Does the Name Muslim Come From?

   From Allaah; He has given this name. It is mentioned in the final Revelation of Allaah, which is the Qur’an. He says: { It is He Who named you Muslims both before and in this [Revelation] } (Soorah 22:78)

Why Should We be Muslims?

   Because Islam is the only Religion acceptable to Allaah. The Qur’an says: { If anyone desires a religion other than Islam, never will it be accepted from him, and in the Hereafter, he shall be among the   losers } (Surah 3:85)

Submission is of Two Types:

1.  Compulsory submission, such as that of the sun, the moon, the oceans, plants, animals etc… even one’s blood pressure or biological system have no choice but to obey the Law of Allaah.

2.  Voluntary submission, to do or not to do something, in obedience to the Commands of Allaah. So we can say that Islam is the natural way of life, it is the religion of nature.

   What are the Pillars of Islam?

   The Prophet (pbuh) said: “Islam is built upon five (pillars):

1. To testify that none is worthy of worship except Allaah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allaah;

2.  To establish prayer;    

3.  To pay Zakat (poor-due); 

4.  To fast the month of Ramadan;

5.  And to perform Hajj to the House of Allaah for whomsoever has the means.” (Narrated by Al-Bukhari)

What Are the Pillars of Faith?

   The Prophet (pbuh) said: “Faith is to believe in:

1.  Allaah (that He is the One and Only Lord and Creator, Who Alone has the right to be worshipped and that He has Names and Attributes [confirmed in the Qur`aan and Sunnah] which are not shared by any of His creatures);

2.  His angels (created by Allaah from light, they perform certain duties assigned to them and they are totally obedient to Allaah).

3.  His Books (the Toraah, the Injeel, the Zaboor and the Qur`aan, which confirms and fulfills the previous Revelations).

4.  His Messengers (the bearers of Revelation sent to mankind; the first was Noah u and the last was Muhammad e).

5.  The Final Day (the Day of Resurrection, when man will be judged).

6.  And to believe in Qadr (Allaah’s Divine Decree) both good and bad (i.e. to be content with whatever Allaah has decreed for us, while taking the precautions and lawful causes that lead to the desired result).” (Narrated by Muslim)

Why Has Allaah Created Us?

   Allaah has created us to worship Him: He says: { And I created not the jinn and mankind except to worship Me } (Surah 51:56)

What is Worship?

   Worship (‘ibaadah in Arabic) is a comprehensive term which includes all actions and sayings which are loved and ordained by Allaah, such as du’aa` (supplication), prayer, reciting the Qur`aan, giving alms etc.

How Do We Worship Him?

   We worship Him in the way that He and His Messenger e commanded us. Allaah says:        { Oh, you who believe! Obey Allaah and obey the Messenger and render not vain your deeds } Surah 47:33)

Why Did Allaah Send the Prophets?

   He sent them to call mankind to the worship of one God - Allaah, and to reject the association of partners with Him. He says:       { And verily, We sent among every nation a Messenger [proclaiming]: “Worship Allaah [ Alone] and avoid the Taaghoot [one who calls to the worship of false gods - and he is a devil] } (Surah 16:36)

What is Tawheed?

   Tawheed is the acceptance and firm belief in only one God, one Lord, one Creator, one Sustainer etc. Allaah says: { And your God is one God; none has the right to be worshipped but He, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful } (Soorah 2:163)

   It is the affirmation of Allaah’s Names and attributes as He Himself describes them in His Book and as His Messenger e has described Him in the authentic hadeeth (sayings and actions of the Prophet e), without allegory, without comparison with His creation, without negation and without asking: “How?” As such, we believe in His Hands, His Face, His Ascending and Descending (in a manner befitting His Majesty). Allaah says: { There is none like unto Him and He is the All-hearing, the All-seeing } (Soorah 42:11)