Allah
The belief in the oneness of Allah is the most important principle of Islam. Allah is unlike any created being, eternal and everlasting, free from every imperfection and unlimited in power, knowledge, hearing and sight.
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)
Prophets convey divine messages to humanity. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is regarded in Islam as the final messenger of God and as an exemplary model of good character and virtue.
Entering Islam
Entering Islam takes place through faith. Faith means believing without hesitation in everything that is certainly known to have been revealed by Allah to Prophet Muhammad. A person expresses this acceptance through the testimony of faith: “I bear witness that there is no deity except Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and messenger.”
There is no intermediary required to enter Islam. Faith is a conscious and personal decision.
Learning Islam
To live Islam correctly, it is important to learn it from reliable sources. A believer should understand the faith, embrace it consciously and seek the knowledge needed to distinguish right from wrong.
Living Islam
The purpose of learning Islam is to put knowledge into practice. Islam is not merely clothing or particular words; it is a way of thinking and living. Worship is an important sign of a believer’s sincerity.
Fundamentals of Islam
Islam is an Arabic word related to peace and means willingly submitting to Allah. A Muslim is a person who follows the principles of Islam and puts them into practice.
Articles of faith
- Faith in Allah: believing in His existence, oneness, eternity and everlasting nature.
- Faith in the angels: believing in the spiritual beings created by Allah.
- Faith in the scriptures: believing in the divine books sent to the prophets, culminating in the Quran.
- Faith in the prophets: believing in the prophets from Adam to Muhammad.
- Faith in the Last Day: believing that all people will be resurrected and held accountable.
- Faith in divine decree: believing that all things happen through Allah’s knowledge and creation.
Acts of worship
- Prayer: the daily worship performed five times a day.
- Ablution: a requirement for prayer and a practice of physical and spiritual cleanliness.
- Full ritual washing: a complete washing of the body.
- Fasting: abstaining from food and drink from dawn to sunset during Ramadan.
- Zakah: giving a defined portion of wealth to people in need.
- Hajj: the pilgrimage to the Kaaba for those who are able to undertake it.
Justice and human rights
Respect for justice and human dignity is a permanent principle of Islam. The Quran describes the diversity of peoples and tribes as an opportunity to know one another and calls believers to act justly, even towards people they dislike. The life, property and honour of every person are regarded as inviolable.
“None of you truly believes until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself.”
Fasting
Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam. During Ramadan, believers abstain from food, drink and harmful conduct from dawn until sunset. Fasting strengthens patience, compassion and self-discipline and teaches gratitude for blessings.
Ethics in Islam
The Quran and the Sunnah, the transmitted sayings and actions of the Prophet, provide guidance for people’s relationship with Allah and with one another. Moral conduct means turning away from harmful behaviour and strengthening love for what is good. Responsibility, honesty, mercy, justice, friendship and respect for the rights of others are central values.
The Prophet’s character is regarded as the finest example of Islamic ethics: he was kind, honest, generous and humble, kept his promises and treated people with respect.
Hajj and Umrah
Hajj is a major spiritual journey and an important act of worship for Muslims who are able to undertake it. It connects believers with the history of Islam and offers opportunities for spiritual growth, reflection and brotherhood.