Islam 101: Core Beliefs and Practices

Study Notes

Core Beliefs

Monotheism (Tawhid): belief in one God, Allah, who is merciful, just, and all-powerful. Prophethood (Nabuwwa): belief in the prophets, including Adam, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad, who received revelations from Allah. Angels (Mala'ika): belief in angels, created by Allah, who perform various tasks, including guiding humans. Revelations (Kutub): belief in the holy books revealed by Allah, including the Quran, Torah, Gospel, and Psalms. Day of Judgment (Qiyamah): belief in the final judgment, where souls will be judged based on their deeds.

Five Pillars of Islam

Shahada (Declaration of Faith): declaration that there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.
Salat (Prayer): performing the five daily prayers, facing the Kaaba in Mecca.
Zakat (Charity): giving a portion of one's wealth to the poor and needy.
Sawm (Fasting): fasting during the month of Ramadan, abstaining from food and drink from dawn to sunset.
Hajj (Pilgrimage): making a pilgrimage to Mecca, at least once in a lifetime, if physically and financially able.

Branches of Islam

Sunni Islam: largest branch, following the traditions of the Prophet Muhammad and his companions.
Shia Islam: second-largest branch, believing in the leadership of the Prophet's family, particularly Ali ibn Abi Talib.

Key Concepts

Jihad: struggle or effort to follow Allah's path, including personal struggle, defense of Islam, and spreading the message.
Halal and Haram: permissible and forbidden acts, foods, and behaviors, guided by Islamic law (Shariah).
Ummah: global community of Muslims, united in faith and brotherhood.

Description

Test your knowledge of the fundamental principles of Islam, including the Five Pillars, core beliefs, and key concepts. This quiz covers the basics of Islam, from Tawhid to Jihad, and is perfect for beginners or those looking to refresh their understanding of the faith.