ISLAM Is not a new religion that was started by Prophet Muhammed (PBUH), but has been the Religion since the begining of time. The Religion of all the Prophets. The way of life choosen by Allah for humanity. ISLAM has always been and will always be.... "ISLAM ALWAYS"
What Does "Islam" Mean?
The literal meaning of Islam is to surrender one’s will i.e. Submission. It also means Peace. Hence it means gaining of peace through surrendering one’s own pleasure for the pleasure of God/ Allah.
Who is a Muslim?:
A person who believes in and consciously follows Islam is called a Muslim, also from the same root word. So, the religion is called "Islam," and a person who believes in and follows it is a "Muslim."
How Many and Where?:
Islam is a major world religion, with over 1 billion followers worldwide (1/5 of the world population). It is one of the Abrahamic, monotheistic faiths, along with Judaism and Christianity. Although usually associated with the Arabs of the Middle East, less than 10% of Muslims are in fact Arab. Muslims are found all over the world, of every nation, color and race.
Who is Allah?:
Allah is the proper name for Almighty God, and is often translated merely as "God." Allah has other names that are used to describe His characteristics: the Creator, the Sustainer, the Merciful, the Compassionate, etc.
Muslims believe that since Allah alone is the Creator, it is He alone that deserves our devout love and worship. Islam holds to a strict monotheism. Any worship and prayers directed at saints, prophets, other human beings or nature is considered idolatry.
What do Muslims believe about God, prophets, the afterlife, etc.?:
The basic beliefs of Muslims fall into six main categories, which are known as the "Articles of Faith":
Faith in the unity of God
Faith in angels
Faith in prophets
Faith in books of revelation
Faith in an afterlife
Faith in destiny/divine decree
The "five pillars" of Islam:
In Islam, faith and good works go hand-in-hand. A mere verbal declaration of faith is not enough, for belief in Allah makes obedience to Him a duty.
The Muslim concept of worship is very broad. Muslims consider everything they do in life to be an act of worship, if it is done according to Allah's guidance. There are also five formal acts of worship which help strengthen a Muslim's faith and obedience. They are often called the "Five Pillars of Islam."
Testimony of faith (Kalima)
Prayer (Salat)
Almsgiving (Zakat)
Fasting (Sawm)
Pilgrimage (Hajj)
