Muslims follow the teachings of the prophet Muhammad and believe that God chose him to deliver the message of Islam to the world.
The following are 5 things that are important in Islam:
1. Qur’an – Muslims believe that the Qur’an is the word of God, revealed to the prophet Muhammad through the angel Gabriel. The Qur’an is considered the most sacred text in Islam, and Muslims strive to understand and follow its teachings.
2. Hadith – the Hadith are collections of sayings and actions attributed to the prophet Muhammad. They are used as a source of guidance and inspiration for Muslims.
3. Five Pillars of Islam – the Five Pillars of Islam are the core religious practices required of all Muslims. These are:
- Shahada (profession of faith) – this involves declaring that there is only one God and that Muhammad is his prophet.
- Salat (daily prayers) – Muslims are required to pray five times a day, facing the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca.
- Zakat (charitable giving) – Muslims are required to give a certain percentage of their wealth to the poor and needy.
- Sawm (fasting during the month of Ramadan) – Muslims are required to fast from dawn until sunset during the month of Ramadan.
- Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca) – Muslims are required to make a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lifetime if they are physically and financially able.
In addition to these pillars, Islam also emphasizes the importance of good character, honesty, compassion, and social justice. Muslims are expected to strive to live their lives in accordance with the teachings of Islam and to follow the example set by the prophet Muhammad.
4. Islamic law – Islam has a comprehensive legal system called sharia that covers various topics, including criminal law, family law, and business law. Sharia is based on the Qur’an, the Hadith, and the consensus of Muslim scholars.
5. Jihad – the concept of jihad is often misunderstood. Jihad literally means “struggle” or “striving,” and it can refer to both an inner struggle to be a better person and an external struggle to defend Islam or promote justice. Jihad is not considered a “holy war,” and it is not permitted to use violence or coercion to spread Islam.
