Q. What is Islam?

Islam is not a new religion but the same truth that Allah has revealed through all his Prophets to every people. For a fifth of the world's population, Islam is both a religion and a complete way of life.

Muslims follow a religion of peace, mercy and forgiveness and the vast majority have nothing to do with the extremely grave events which have come to be associated with their faith.

 Q. What does 'Islam' mean?

The Arabic word 'Islam' simply means 'submission' and derives from a word meaning 'peace'. In a religious context it means complete submission to the will of Allah. 'Allah' is the Arabic name for 'The God'.

 Q. Who are Muslims?

Over a billion people from all races, nationalities and cultures across the globe are Muslim - from the rice farms of Indonesia to the deserts in the heart of Africa; from the skyscrapers of New York to the Bedouin tents in Arabia.

Only 18% of Muslims live in the Arab world; a fifth are found in Sub-Saharan Africa; and the world's largest Muslim community is in Indonesia. Substantial parts of Asia are Muslim, while significant minorities live in India, China, Russia, North and South America, Eastern and Western Europe.

 Q. What do Muslims believe?

Muslims believe in the One, Unique, Incomparable, Merciful God - the Sole Creator and Sustainer of the Universe; in the Angels created by Him; in the Prophets through whom His revelations were brought to humankind; in the Day of Judgment and in individual accountability for actions; in God's complete authority over destiny, be it good or bad; and in life after death.

Muslims believe that God sent His messengers and prophets to all people and God's final message to humanity, a reconfirmation of the eternal message and a summing up of all that had gone before, was revealed to the Last Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) through the Archangel Gabriel.

 Q. Who is Muhammad?

Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) was born in Makkah in the year 570 CE. Since his father died before his birth and his mother shortly afterwards, he was raised by his uncle from the respected tribe of the Quraysh. As he grew up, he became known for his truthfulness, generosity and sincerity, so that he was sought after for his ability to arbitrate in disputes.

The historians describe him as calm and meditative. Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) was of a deeply religious nature and had long detested the idolatry and decadence of his society. It became his habit to meditate from time to time in the Cave of Hira near the summit of Jabal al-Nur, the 'Mountain of Light' near Makkah.

 Q. How did Muhammad become a Prophet?

Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) was born in Makkah in the year 570 CE. Since his father died before his birth and his mother shortly afterwards, he was raised by his uncle from the respected tribe of the Quraysh. As he grew up, he became known for his truthfulness, generosity and sincerity, so that he was sought after for his ability to arbitrate in disputes.

The historians describe him as calm and meditative. Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) was of a deeply religious nature and had long detested the idolatry and decadence of his society. It became his habit to meditate from time to time in the Cave of Hira near the summit of Jabal al-Nur, the 'Mountain of Light' near Makkah.

 Q. What is the Qur'an?

The Qur’an is the last revealed Word of Allah (God) and as such affirms and completes the total process of revelation which has come from the Divine Guidance for the human race.

The Holy Qur’an was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) piece-meal over a period of 23 years and committed to memory and writing by his followers under his supervision during his lifetime.

Qur’an is available to everybody in Arabic, the language in which it was revealed. Translations of the meaning into many languages are widely used.

 Q. Are there any other Sacred Sources?

Yes, the Sunnah, the established and confirmed practice and example of the Prophet, is the second authority for Muslims. A hadith is a reliably transmitted report of what the Prophet said, did, or approved. Belief in the Sunnah is part of the Islamic faith.

To read about some of the most common misconception in Islam, please click here