What Is Al-Islām?
﷽
Islām is an Arabic word which means ‘surrender’. This means to accept the power of Allāh, and follow His Commands. Happiness in this life and success in the life after death can only be obtained by obeying Allāh. Islām is not just a religion, but a complete way of life. This means that it shows us how to live all aspects of our lives in the best possible way. There are five pillars on which Islām stands, they are:
To firmly believe in the heart and declare “Lā ilāha illa Allāh, Muḥammad-ur-Rasūlullāh” which means “there is no deity worthy to be worshipped but Allāh and I bear witness that Muḥammad is His servant and messenger.”. This is what is meant by Ēmān (Belief, True Faith).
To pray five times a day (perform Ṣalāh).
To pay Zakāh (Charity).
To fast during the month of Ramaḍān.
To go on Ḥajj (pilgrimage) to Makkah once in a lifetime if one can afford it.
A person who accepts Islām is called a Muslim. It means ‘one who surrenders.’ A Muslim is required to do all that Allāh and His Messenger (ﷺ) have asked of them and to keep away from doing things which Allāh and His Messenger (ﷺ) have forbidden mankind not to do. Allāh and His Messenger (ﷺ) have told us to do good deeds, like being dutiful to our parents, helping others who are less fortunate and to be kind to animals. “Truly, the religion with Allāh, is Islām” - Al-Qur’ān 3:19.
A brief introduction to the religion of al-Islām. This beautiful audio also gives an insight into the key beliefs of the Muslims (those who practise al-Islām) - looking at the Six Articles of Faith, as well as the Five Pillars of al-Islām, as well as other important information related to al-Islām.
We invite you to read a translation of the Qurʾân in the English language. You can do so here.
