Islam is one of the major religions in the world. This is not only the religion but the full way of life.Its followers are called Muslims. Muslims believe in One God [ALMIGHTY ALLAH] and the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as the last messenger of Allah.Muslims follow a religion of peace, mercy and forgiveness that should not be associated with acts of violence against the innocent.
The History of Islam
In the seventh century, Muhammad claimed the angel Gabriel visited him. During these angelic visitations, which continued for about 23 years until Muhammad's death, the angel purportedly revealed to Muhammad the words of Allah (the Arabic word for “God” used by Muslims). These dictated revelations compose the Qur'an, Islam's holy book. Islam means “submission,” deriving from a root word that means “peace.” The word Muslim means “one who submits to Allah.”
The Doctrine of Islam
Muslims summarize their doctrine in six articles of faith:
1. Belief in one Allah: Muslims believe Allah is one, eternal, creator, and sovereign.
2. Belief in the angels
3. Belief in the prophets: The prophets include the biblical prophets but end with Muhammad as Allah’s final prophet.
4. Belief in the revelations of Allah: Muslims accept certain portions of the Bible, such as the Torah and the Gospels. They believe the Qur'an is the preexistent, perfect word of Allah.
5. Belief in the last day of judgment and the hereafter: Everyone will be resurrected for judgment into either paradise or hell.
6. Belief in predestination: Muslims believe Allah has decreed everything that will happen. Muslims testify to Allah’s sovereignty with their frequent phrase, inshallah, meaning, “if God wills.”
The Five Pillars in Islam
1. The Declaration of Faith: The declaration of faith in Allah, as the One Supreme God, by Tongue and Heart. This is better described in two statements:
a). Aeeman-i-Mufasil
b). Aeeman-i-Mujamil
2. Prayers: Muslims perform prayers called "Namaz" five times a day. These are obligatory prayers which serve as a direct connection between the worshipper and the God.
3. Zakat: Zakat means a charitable giving. The wealth is believed to be held in trust by people and contains the share of those in need. The Zakat is two and a half percent of one's wealth and is given once a year.
4. Fasting: In the ninth month of Islamic Calander, RAMADAN, Muslims fast from first Light until Sunset. This is method of self purification and a form of worship.
5.Pilgrimage: The Pilgrimage or Hajj to Mecca is obligatory for all those Muslims who are financially and physically in a condition to afford the pilgrimage.
The Holy Book: The QURAN is holy book sent by Allah over Muhammad(PBUH). It is read and followed in daily life.
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