What is the core belief of Islam?

The core belief of Islam is Tawhid, the absolute oneness of God (Allah). Muslims believe that Allah is the sole creator, sustainer, and ruler of the universe, and that He alone is worthy of worship. This uncompromising monotheism is the foundation of all Islamic teachings.

What are the Five Pillars of Islam?

The Five Pillars of Islam are the foundational acts of worship that are obligatory for all Muslims. They are: the declaration of faith (Shahada), performing five daily prayers (Salah), giving in charity (Zakah), fasting during the month of Ramadan (Sawm), and making the pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj) if one is able.

Who is Prophet Muhammad in Islam?

In Islam, Prophet Muhammad is considered the final messenger of God, sent to all of humanity with the complete and final revelation of God's guidance, the Quran. Muslims believe he is the 'Seal of the Prophets,' and his life and teachings (the Sunnah) serve as a practical example for all Muslims to follow.

Islam: The Path of Submission to God

Islam

الإسلام

Islam (الإسلام) is the monotheistic religion based on the Quran and the teachings of the prophet Muhammad.

Explore Verses Related to Islam

At a Glance

Islam (الإسلام) is a monotheistic religion and a comprehensive way of life that revolves around the principle of submission to the will of the one God, Allah. The term 'Islam' is an Arabic word derived from the root 'S-L-M,' which signifies peace, security, and submission. At its core, Islam teaches that peace is achieved through surrendering one's will to God. The central religious text of Islam is the Quran, which Muslims believe to be the verbatim word of God as revealed to the final prophet, Muhammad. The teachings and practices of Prophet Muhammad, known as the Sunnah, serve as a practical guide for Muslims. Islam is considered by its followers to be the culmination and universal version of the primordial faith that was revealed to all prophets throughout history, including Abraham, Moses, and Jesus. The fundamental beliefs in Islam are encapsulated in the Six Articles of Faith, and the obligatory acts of worship are outlined in the Five Pillars of Islam. Classical Islamic scholars have defined Islam as a complete and sincere submission to Allah in all aspects of life, a definition supported by numerous Quranic verses that call for a wholehearted embrace of this path.

📖 Quranic Context

Islam is presented as the natural and universal religion of all creation and the core message of all prophets.

Islam is the means through which humanity achieves a harmonious relationship with God, leading to peace and salvation.

References: 49 unique verses addressing the concept of Islam, submission, and being a Muslim.

💭 Theological Perspective

Islam is considered the 'fitrah' (primordial nature) of humanity; the innate inclination to worship the Creator.

Islam is the culmination and perfection of divine guidance sent to humanity through a succession of prophets.

The path of Islam provides a complete framework for the spiritual, moral, and social development of individuals and societies.

📜 Hadith Perspective

The Hadith of Gabriel famously defines Islam as the performance of the five pillars, distinguishing it from Iman (faith) and Ihsan (excellence).

The five pillars of Islam.
The characteristics of a Muslim.
The importance of sincere submission.
The comprehensive nature of Islam as a way of life.

The prophetic traditions are unanimous in presenting Islam as a complete code of life, encompassing all aspects of human endeavor.

💎 Deeper Insights

The Quran's narrative of the prophets consistently portrays 'Islam' as their shared religion, reframing it not as an invention of the 7th century, but as the original, universal faith of humanity. This is evident in the supplication of Abraham and Ishmael to be 'Muslims' (2:128) and the declaration that Abraham was not a Jew or a Christian but a 'Muslim' (3:67), in the sense of one who submits to God.

— Ibn Kathir, Maududi

The Quranic distinction between 'Islam' (submission) and 'Iman' (faith) in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:17) provides a sophisticated psychological framework for understanding the different levels of religious commitment. It acknowledges that one can be a 'Muslim' in practice without having fully internalized the faith, highlighting the importance of a continuous spiritual journey towards sincere belief.

— Tafsir al-Jalalayn, Ibn Ashur