Islam 101: Core Beliefs and Practices

Core Beliefs

• Tawhid: The oneness of God (Allah) is the central theme of Islam.
• Risalah: The prophethood of Muhammad, who is considered the final prophet sent by Allah.
• Ma'ad: Belief in the Day of Judgment and the afterlife.

Five Pillars of Islam

1. Shahada: Declaration of faith, witnessing that there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His Messenger.
2. Salat: Performing the five daily prayers, facing towards the holy city of Mecca.
3. Zakat: Giving a portion of one's wealth to the poor and needy.
4. Sawm: Fasting during the month of Ramadan, abstaining from food and drink from dawn to sunset.
5. Hajj: Pilgrimage to Mecca, at least once in a lifetime, if physically and financially able.

Important Figures

• Muhammad: The final prophet of Islam, who received revelations from Allah through the angel Gabriel.
• Abraham: A prophet and patriarch in Islam, revered for his obedience to Allah's commandments.
• Ibrahim: The Islamic name for Abraham, considered a model of faith and submission to Allah.

Sacred Texts

• Qur'an: The holy book of Islam, considered the literal word of Allah as revealed to Muhammad.
• Hadith: The sayings, actions, and approvals of Muhammad, serving as a source of guidance and interpretation of the Qur'an.

Branches of Islam

• Sunni: The largest branch, following the traditions of the Prophet Muhammad and the first four caliphs.
• Shia: The second-largest branch, believing in the leadership of Ali, the cousin and son-in-law of Muhammad, as the rightful successor.
• Sufism: A mystical branch, focusing on the inner dimension of faith and the love of Allah.