Islam for Beginners: A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding the Basics of Faith
Islam is one of the world’s major religions, with over 1.8 billion followers globally. It is a faith rooted in the belief in one God (Allah in Arabic), a message delivered through a series of prophets, starting from the Prophet Adam to Muhammad (peace be with them), and the teachings of the holy book, the Quran.
For someone wanting to learn about Islam, this beginners guide to Islam offers a comprehensive overview of the key principles, beliefs, and practices that form the foundation of the religion.
Table of Contents
- What is Islam?
- The Five Pillars of Islam
- The Quran: The Holy Book of Islam
- Prophets in Islam
- Core Beliefs in Islam
- Islamic Practices and Rituals
- Islamic Sects: Sunni and Shia
- Common Misconceptions About Islam
- Conclusion
What is Islam?
Islam is a monotheistic religion that emphasizes the worship of one God, known as Allah. The word “Islam” itself means submission, reflecting the belief that followers, called Muslims, should submit to the will of Allah.
It is often incorrectly stated that Islam was founded in the 7th century CE by the Prophet Muhammad, who is considered the last prophet in a long line of messengers sent by God to guide humanity. As we will explain in this beginners guide to Islam, the message of submitting peacefully to God’s will was from the very beginning of human creation: “AND LO! Thy Sustainer said unto the angels: “Behold, I am about to establish upon earth one who shall inherit it.” They said: “Wilt Thou place on it such as will spread corruption thereon and shed blood -whereas it is we who extol Thy limitless glory, and praise Thee, and hallow Thy name?” [God] answered: “Verily, I know that which you do not know.” Quran 2:30
The central belief in Islam is the unity of God (Tawhid), meaning that Allah is unique, all-powerful, and without partners or equals. Muslims believe that through their faith and actions, they can attain salvation and eternal peace. The Muslim religion basics guide is as follows.
The Five Pillars of Islam
The core practices of Islam are encapsulated in the Five Pillars, which are obligatory for all Muslims:
1. Shahada (Faith)
The Shahada is the declaration of faith and the first pillar of Islam. It states: “There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His messenger.” This affirmation represents the core belief of Islam, affirming both the oneness of God and the prophethood of Muhammad.
2. Salat (Prayer)
Muslims are required to perform five daily prayers (Salat), which serve as a direct link between the worshipper and Allah. The prayers are performed at specific times: at dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset, and night. These prayers help Muslims remain conscious of God throughout the day.
3. Zakat (Charity)
Zakat is a form of obligatory charity that requires Muslims to give a portion of their wealth (typically 2.5%) to help those in need. This pillar emphasizes social responsibility and the importance of aiding the less fortunate.
4. Sawm (Fasting)
During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset, refraining from eating, drinking, and other physical needs. Fasting is a spiritual practice that teaches self-discipline, empathy for the poor, and gratitude for one’s blessings.
5. Hajj (Pilgrimage)
The Hajj is an annual pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. It is required once in a lifetime for every Muslim who is physically and financially able to undertake the journey. The pilgrimage occurs during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah and serves as a reminder of the unity and equality of all Muslims before Allah.
The Quran: The Holy Book of Islam
The Quran is the central religious text of Islam and is considered the literal word of God as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad through the angel Gabriel. The Quran is written in Arabic, and it is divided into 114 chapters (Surahs), which cover various aspects of life, morality, and guidance for personal conduct.
For Muslims, the Quran is not just a religious book; it is a comprehensive guide for all aspects of life. It offers teachings on everything from family life and social justice to spiritual matters and relationships with others.
Prophets in Islam
Islam acknowledges a long line of prophets sent by God to guide humanity. These include figures like Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus—all of whom are respected and revered in Islam. However, Muhammad is regarded as the final prophet, the “Seal of the Prophets,” sent with the ultimate and complete message for mankind.
Muslims believe that all the prophets delivered the same essential message: belief in one God and adherence to moral and ethical conduct. Muhammad’s role was to deliver the final and unaltered message of Islam, which is contained in the Quran.
Core Beliefs in Islam
1. Belief in One God (Tawhid)
The most fundamental belief in Islam is the oneness of God. Allah is all-powerful, all-knowing, and completely unique, with no partners or equals.
2. Belief in Angels
Muslims believe in angels, spiritual beings created by Allah. Angels act as messengers, protectors, and servants of God. The angel Gabriel (Jibril) played a crucial role in conveying God’s message to the prophets.
3. Belief in the Prophets
Islam teaches that God has sent numerous prophets to humanity throughout history. While prophets like Moses and Jesus are also honored, Muhammad is considered the final prophet.
4. Belief in Divine Books
Muslims believe that God has revealed sacred scriptures to several prophets, including the Torah, Psalms, and the Bible. However, they believe that the Quran is the final and complete revelation, free from human alteration.
5. Belief in the Day of Judgment
Muslims believe in an afterlife, where every individual will be held accountable for their actions in this world. On the Day of Judgment, people will be judged by Allah, and their eternal fate—heaven or hell—will be decided.
6. Belief in Divine Decree (Qadar)
Muslims believe in divine predestination, or Qadar, which means that everything in the universe is under the control and decree of Allah. While humans have free will, nothing happens without God’s permission or knowledge.
Islamic Practices and Rituals
Below you will find the basic Islamic religion fundamentals explained.
Daily Prayers
Muslims perform daily prayers (Salat) as a way of connecting with Allah and seeking guidance and peace. These prayers are conducted in Arabic and involve a series of physical postures, such as standing, bowing, and prostrating.
Ramadan and Fasting
Fasting during the month of Ramadan is an important ritual in Islam. It is a time for spiritual reflection, increased devotion, and community.
Islamic Dress Code
While dress codes vary depending on culture and geography, modesty in dress is emphasized for both men and women in Islam. For women, this may include wearing the hijab, a headscarf that covers the hair, as a symbol of modesty and devotion.
Halal and Haram
Muslims follow specific dietary guidelines known as halal (permissible) and haram (forbidden). Halal foods include meat that has been slaughtered in a specific way, while pork and alcohol are examples of haram items.
Islamic Sects: Sunni and Shia
Islam is divided into two major sects: Sunni and Shia. While both groups share the same core beliefs and practices, they differ in their views on leadership after the death of the Prophet Muhammad. Sunnis believe that leadership should be determined by consensus, while Shias believe that leadership should remain within the Prophet’s family, particularly through his cousin and son-in-law, Ali.
Despite these differences, Sunnis and Shias share a strong commitment to the core pillars of Islam, and they both regard the Quran as the ultimate source of guidance.
Common Misconceptions About Islam
1. Islam Promotes Violence
One of the most common misconceptions about Islam is that it promotes violence or terrorism. In reality, Islam teaches peace, compassion, and tolerance. The word “Islam” itself is derived from “salam,” which means peace.
2. Muslims Worship Muhammad
Muslims do not worship Muhammad; they regard him as the final prophet of God. Worship is directed solely to Allah, and Muhammad is revered as a messenger who delivered God’s message.
3. Women in Islam Are Oppressed
While certain cultural practices may oppress women, Islam itself promotes gender equality. The Quran grants women rights to education, property, and inheritance, and many Muslim women hold positions of leadership and influence in various fields.
Conclusion
Understanding Islam can be a transformative journey, especially for beginners seeking to learn about the core beliefs, practices, and values that shape the religion. With over 1.8 billion followers worldwide, Islam is a faith rooted in the worship of one God and adherence to a moral and ethical way of life. Through the Five Pillars, the teachings of the Quran, and the example set by the Prophet Muhammad, Muslims strive to live a life of peace, devotion, and service to others.
If you are interested in learning more or exploring the deeper aspects of Islamic teachings, visiting a local mosque or engaging with knowledgeable Muslims can offer further insights into this rich and diverse faith.
