What is Islam?

A relationship with the Creator

Islam is a monotheistic faith centered on worshiping the one God and living in response to His guidance. A Muslim is a person who freely embraces that faith. The Arabic word Islam carries the meaning of submission to God; this commitment reaches into a person's intentions, actions, and relationships.

What Muslims believe

Muslims believe in God, His angels, His revealed books, His messengers, the Last Day, and divine decree. They recognize a shared prophetic heritage that includes Abraham, Moses, and Jesus, peace be upon them, and regard Muhammad, peace be upon him, as the final prophet. The Quran is Islam's central scripture.

The five pillars

• Shahadah: the testimony that none is worthy of worship except God and that Muhammad is His messenger.
• Salah: the five daily prayers, which create regular moments of remembrance.
• Zakat: obligatory giving from qualifying wealth to eligible recipients.
• Sawm: fasting in Ramadan for those able and required to fast.
• Hajj: pilgrimage to Makkah once in a lifetime for those physically and financially able.

Faith in everyday life

Worship also shapes how Muslims treat people. Honesty in business, kindness to parents and neighbors, keeping promises, and helping someone in need are part of a life of faith. Muslims understand themselves as accountable to God for what they do and how they use what they have been given.

A worldwide community

Muslims come from many cultures and speak many languages. Cultural customs vary, and an individual Muslim's actions do not always reflect Islamic teachings. The Quran invites people to know one another across differences and identifies righteousness, rather than ethnicity or status, as a measure of honor.

You do not need to know Arabic or have a religious background to start learning. Read, ask questions, and take time to understand.