BELIEFS

What is Islam?

Islam is an Arabic word meaning is both “peace” and “submission--submission to the will of God (Allah).

Islam is a way of life which teaches in One God, Who is the Most Merciful, the Absolute, the Creator, Sustainer and One who has no partners, sons or daughters

The core essence of Islam is to believe in One God, worship Him alone and to do good, prohibit evil , stay away from that which is prohibited and follow the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

The purpose of the teachings of Islam is to achieve inner peace, contentment, happiness and also external peace with others one lives with: family, friends, neighbors, employees, employers, and the environment in which we live.

Islamic teachings instruct all individuals to have the highest level of character in all situations

Islamic teachings instruct all individuals basic universal morality: do not cheat, steal, kill without reason, treat others as you would like to be treated, be just, establish equality, take care of the poor, shelter the homeless, help those in need, take care of one’s neighbors, respect parents, respect elders, take care of orphans, and take care of God’s creation which includes all living beings and taking care of the environment

Islam is considered by Muslims to be a continuation of the message of all Prophets of God from Adam, to Noah, to Moses, to Jesus and finally to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon them all).

The core essence of Islam can be seen in this tradition of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) who was approached by the Angel Gabriel to teach Muslims what Islam, faith, and how to worship the One God:

“One day while we were sitting with the Messenger of Allah (the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him), there came before us a man with extremely white clothing and extremely black hair. There were no signs of travel on him and none of us knew him. He [came and] sat next to the Prophet (s). He supported his knees up against the knees of the Prophet Muhammad and put his hand on his thighs. He said, ‘O Muhammad, tell me about Islam.’ The Messenger of Allah (s) said, ‘Islam is to testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, to establish the prayers, to pay the zakat, to fast [the month of] Ramadan, and to make pilgrimage to the House if you have the means to do so.’ He said, ‘You have spoken truthfully [or correctly].’ We were amazed that he asks the question and then says that he had spoken truthfully. He said, ‘Tell me about Imaan (faith).’ He [the Messenger of Allah (s)] responded, ‘It is to believe in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, the Last Day and to believe in the divine decree, [both] the good and the evil thereof.’ He said, ‘You have spoken truthfully.’ He said, ‘Tell me about al-Ihsaan (goodness).’ He [the Prophet (s)] answered, ‘It is that you worship Allah as if you see Him. And even though you do not see Him, [you know] He sees you.’ He said, ‘Tell me about [the time of] the Hour,’ He [the Prophet (s)] answered, ‘The one being asked does not know more than the one asking.’ He said, ‘Tell me about its signs.’ He answered, ‘The slave-girl shall give birth to her master, and you will see the barefooted, scantily-clothed, destitute shepherds competing in constructing lofty buildings.’ Then he went away. I stayed for a long time. Then he [the Prophet (s)] said, ‘O Umar, do you know who the questioner was?’ I said, ‘Allah and His Messenger know best.’ He said, ‘It was [the angel] Gabriel who came to teach you your religion.’ (Recorded in Muslim)