Overview of Islam

1.  What does 'Islam' mean?

The Arabic word 'Islam' simply means 'submission', and derives from a word meaning 'peace'. In a religious context it means complete submission to the will of God. 'Allah' is the Arabic name for God, which is used by Arab Muslims and Christians alike.

2.  What were the origins of the Muslim religion?

The origin of Islam is generally accredited to the prophet Muhammad but to the devout Muslim, Islam began long before Muhammad ever walked the earth. The Qur'an was dictated by Muhammad but, according to the Qur'an, it did not originate with Muhammad. The Qur'an testifies of itself that it was given by God through the angel Gabriel to the prophet Muhammad. "This is a revelation from the Lord of the universe. The Honest Spirit (Gabriel) came down with it, to reveal it into your heart that you may be one of the warners, in a perfect Arabic tongue" (Sura 26:192-195). "Say, 'Anyone who opposes Gabriel should know that he has brought down this (the Qur'an) into your heart, in accordance with God's will, confirming previous scriptures, and providing guidance and good news for the believers'" (Sura 2:97).

3. How was it different from religious beliefs in Arabia pre-Mohammed?

The majority of Arabia was Pagan before the coming of Islam. They believed in many gods (represented by idols made of stone), it's thought that there were at least 365. The gods & goddeses had names like Aglibol, Atargatis, Hubal, Ishtar, Al-Uzza, Al-Manat, Al-Lat, Wadd, Bes (same as Egyptian Bast), Bel Shamen, Abgal, Astarte, Nergal etc. As you can see one difference is that Islam is purely monotheistic whilst Arabian paganism is polytheistic. Another difference is that using pictures to depict God is totally forbidden in Islam whilst it was common place in pagan Arabia. The pagan Arabs also had many traditions & customs which are contrary to Islam.

4.  How does someone become a Muslim?

To convert to Islam and become a Muslim a person needs to pronounce the below testimony with conviction and understanding its meaning (This article talks about joining Islam in more detail)

I testify “La ilah illa Allah, Muhammad rasoolu Allah.”

The translation of which is:
“I testify that there is no true god (deity) but God (Allah), and that Muhammad is a Messenger (Prophet) of God.”

5.  How do Muslims practice their religion?

         They worship God (Allah) the one and only one God, with no partner, no ssociate, no son, no resemblance. They pray 5 times day

         They do good deeds for the benefit of themselves, family, community, environment, and mankind.

         They follow good conducts and morals

         They follow Quran guides and prophet Muhammad (PBUH) teachings

         They observe God in their doings and hence they strive in their doings to satisfy God

         They follow Islam principles as give in the question listed below.

6. What is the Ka'ba?

The Ka`ba is the place of worship which GOD commanded Abraham and Ishmael(peace upon him) to build over four thousand years ago.

7. What were the highlights of the life of Mohammed? How did he become  a prophet?

Mohammed was the first prophet of Islam. He was visited by the angel Gabrielle and was told his role in the Islamic faith. Mohammed was given the Koran and was told the five pillars of the Islamic faith which was: Prayer, fasting, pilgrimage, the hajj and giving to the poor. Mohammed is very important to Muslims just like Jesus is very important to Christians.

8. What is the Quran?

The sacred text of Islam, considered by Muslims to contain the revelations of God to Muhammad, also called Alco ran.

9. Are there any other sacred sources?

The term "sacred" applies only to the edges of each religion, beyond that boundary the religious texts of other faith groups are referred to as "other religious or historical texts". The as examples Christians would view the Bible, Jews the Torah, Muslims the Quran, and Mormons the Book of Mormon as the sacred text with all others excluded from that title.

10. What is jihad?

Jihas is an individual's striving for spiritual self-perfection. Or its a Muslims holy war or spiritual struggle against infidels.