Islam 101: Core Beliefs and Practices

Who is a Muslim?

• A Muslim is a person who practices Islam, a religion based on the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad.
• A Muslim believes in one God, Allah, and accepts Muhammad as the final prophet sent by God to guide humanity.
• Muslims believe in the Five Pillars of Islam:
  1. Shahada ( declaration of faith): "There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah."
  2. Salat (prayer): Performing the five daily prayers, facing towards the holy city of Mecca.
  3. Zakat (charity): Giving a portion of one's wealth to the poor and needy.
  4. Sawm (fasting): Fasting during the month of Ramadan, abstaining from food and drink from dawn to sunset.
  5. Hajj (pilgrimage): Making a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in a lifetime, if physically and financially able.

Types of Muslims

• Sunni Muslims: The largest denomination of Islam, accounting for about 90% of Muslims. They believe in the legitimacy of the first four caliphs and follow the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad.
• Shia Muslims: A smaller denomination that believes in the leadership of the Prophet's family, particularly Ali, the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet.
• Sufi Muslims: A mystical tradition that emphasizes a personal, spiritual connection with God, often through meditation, poetry, and music.

Core Beliefs

• Tawhid (the oneness of God): Muslims believe in the absolute unity and uniqueness of God.
• Risalah (prophethood): Muslims believe in the prophets sent by God, including Adam, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad.
• Ma'ad (judgment day): Muslims believe in the day of judgment, when all souls will be accountable for their actions.
• Qadar (predestination): Muslims believe in the concept of fate, that God has knowledge of everything that will happen.

Practices

• Adhan (call to prayer): The call to prayer, recited five times a day, to signal the start of each prayer.
• Mosque (masjid): A place of worship, where Muslims gather for prayer and other activities.
• Halal (permissible): Muslims follow dietary laws, avoiding pork and other prohibited foods.
• Hijab (veil): Some Muslim women wear a headscarf or veil as a symbol of modesty and faith.