INTRODUCTION TO ISLAM
Who is Allah?
Allah (SWT) is the Creator of all things, both seen & unseen and is Absolute, Eternal, & Unique. Allah was never born and never dies. He is the same God who revealed Himself to the prophets Adam, Ibrahim (Abraham), Nuh (Noah), Musa (Moses), Dawud (David), Issa (Jesus), and Muhammad, peace be upon them. Allah (SWT) is the word for God in the Arabic language.
Q. Who is Prophet Muhammad?
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is the messenger of Allah, and the seal of the prophets. Born in Arabia over 1,400 years ago, he brought the final revelation, the Holy Qur’an, from Allah (SWT). Muslims believe that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) – statesman, military leader, businessman, husband, and father, is the perfect example of human conduct. Although Muslims love, revere, and respect Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), we do not worship him, or consider him anything other than a human being.
Q. What is the Qur’an?
The Qur’an is the book of guidance for those who fear Allah (SWT). The Qur’an was revealed to Muhammad (PBUH) as a confirmation and clarification of previous scriptures. Muslims believe the Qur’an to be the final revelation from Allah (SWT). They are obligated to read and commit as much of it as possible to memory.
Q. Are Muslims “Terrorists”?
No. The Qur’an teaches Muslims to seek conflict resolution by peaceful means whenever possible. When warfare is necessary, Muslims are to protect the lives of women, children, and civilians, and to treat captives with kindness and dignity.
Q. Can Muslims work with Jews and Christians?
Yes. Nothing in Islam forbids Muslims from working with any G-d fearing people to achieve good, healthy common goals.
Q. What do Muslims practice & believe?
Muslims practice the religion of Al-Islam which literally means “the state of peace”. This peace is the result of the submission of the individual’s will to the will of Allah.
Al-Islam is based on five pillars:
Shahada – Open declaration that there is no G-d but Allah (SWT), and that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is his messenger.
Salat – Prayer five times a day in a prescribed manner
Zakat – Charitable donation of a portion of one’s wealth and resources to the needy.
Sawm – Muslims of sound physical and mental health are required to fast by abstaining from food, drink, sexual relations during the daylight hours of Ramadan, the 9th month of the Islamic calendar.
Hajj – Pilgrimage to the Holy city of Mecca. Muslims of sound physical, mental health and financial means are obligated to make the Hajj at least once in a lifetime.
Muslims believe in Allah (SWT), in his prophets without distinction among them, in his revealed books (Torah, Bible and Koran (Qur’an), and in the Angels, judgment and resurrection, and that Allah (SWT) is in full command of his creation, in any and all circumstances.
Q. Where do Muslims fit into American Society?
Muslims are found in every aspect of contemporary American life. Muslims work as factory workers, doctors, teachers, scientists, athletes, etc. Muslims vote, serve in the military, and in government. The Muslim values of clean living, hard work, and civic responsibility are as American as can be.
Q. Who is the leader of the Muslims?
The life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is the model for leadership in the Islamic Society. The title for a leader in Islamic society as described in the Qur’an is Imam. Each Muslim community selects its Imam based solely on his knowledge of the Qur’an, Islamic history, and Islamic law. Any adult male may be an Imam provided he is knowledgeable of Al-Islam and of sound moral character. If you are new to the Islamic faith, please join us for our Jumuah congregation prayers every Friday at 1pm.
For more information, please contact the IMA Secretariat, or click on “Contact IMA“.
