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About Islam & The Prophet Mohammed (PBUH))
“Truly, the religion with Allâh (SWT, سبحانه وتعالى) is Islâm...” (Reference:: Qur'ân 3:19)
“He it is who has sent His Messenger (Mohammed (PBUH, SAW, صلى الله عليه وسلم)) with guidance and the religion of truth (Islâmic Monotheism) to make it victorious over all (other) religions even though the mushrikûn (polytheists, pagans, idolaters, and disbelievers in the Oneness of Allâh (SWT, سبحانه وتعالى) and in His Messenger Mohammed (PBUH, SAW, صلى الله عليه وسلم) hate (it).” (Reference: Qur'ân 61:9)
The
Prophet Mohammed (also spelled Muhammad, Muhammad, Mohammad), Peace Be
Upon Him (PBUH, SAW, صلى الله عليه وسلم)
was chosen by God (SWT, سبحانه وتعالى) to deliver His Message of Peace,
namely Islam. Mohammed (PBUH, SAW, صلى الله عليه وسلم) is considered to
be the summation and the culmination of all the prophets and messengers
that came before him. He purified the previous messages from adulteration
and completed the Message of God (SWT, سبحانه وتعالى) for all humanity.
Clearly Islam encompasses many of the same prophets as Judaism and Christianity,
in fact all three religions (the monotheistic faiths) trace their roots
back to Abraham (AS, عليه السلام), and all three religions consider Arbraham
(AS, عليه السلام) a prophet. There are also many other similarities among
these three religions. "All of the monotheistic faiths originated
in what is known today as the Arab World and more specifically, within
an area that spans no more than 300 miles. An emphasis on family values,
charity and respect for others are shared by these three religions...A
central principle of all three faiths is the belief in one God. There
is a belief in angels, prophets, an afterlife, holy scriptures and a holy
Messiah who will address the world. Significantly, all three faiths believe
the Messiah will return to the region from where these religions originated."
(Reference: AANM
Monotheistic Booklet)
The word “Islam” refers to the religion/faith, and the word “Muslim” refers to a person who follows the Islamic faith. The word “Islam” is derived from the root word aslama meaning “to submit peacefully.” Central to the core of Islam are the concepts of “peace” and “submission.” The submission is only to God (SWT, سبحانه وتعالى), the creator and sustainer of all that exists, seen and unseen. Muslims are not to be confused with Arabs. Muslims may be Arabs, Americans, or any other nationality.
Allâh (SWT, سبحانه وتعالى) is the Arabic word for the one God that all Muslims, Christians, and Jews believe in.
The documented sources of Islam are the Qur'ân (also spelled Koran) and
hadith. The Qur'ân is the exact word of Allâh (SWT, سبحانه وتعالى)
as revealed to the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH, SAW, صلى الله عليه وسلم); its
authenticity, originality and totality are intact in Arabic. In addition,
the Qur'ân has been preserved by generation after generation of Muslims
who have memorized the Qur'ân in Arabic in it’s entirety. Hadith
is the report of the sayings (sunnas), deeds, and approvals of
the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH, SAW, صلى الله عليه وسلم). The life of the
Prophet (PBUH, SAW, صلى الله عليه وسلم) is documented as seerah
and provides examples of daily living for Muslims.
The Five Pillars of Islam
The five pillars of Islam comprise five acts considered obligatory for
all Muslims. The pillars are noted in the following hadith:
"It is narrated on the authority of ('Abdullah) son of Umar (may Allah be pleased with them) that the Prophet (PBUH, SAW, صلى الله عليه وسلم) said: (The superstructure of) al-Islam is raised on five (pillars), i. e. the oneness of Allâh (SWT, سبحانه وتعالى), the establishment of prayer, payment of Zakat, the fast of Ramadan, Pilgrimage (to Mecca). A person said (to 'Abdullah b. Umar the narrator): Which of the two precedes the other-Pilgrimage or the fasts of Rarnadan? Upon this he (the narrator) replied: No (it is not the Pilgrimage first) but the fasts of Ramadan precede the Pilgrimage." (Reference: Hadith in Muslim collection Book 001, Number 0018). See also Hadith in Bukhari collection, Book 001, Volume 1, Book 2, Number 8, Hadith in Muslim collection Book 001, Number 0019, Hadith in Muslim collection Book 001, Number 0020, and Hadith in the Muslim collection Book 001, Number 0023)These pillars are listed below.
1. Creed (Shahada): Believing and testifying that there is only One God (and that one God is Allâh SWT, سبحانه وتعالى), and that Mohammed (PBUH, SAW, صلى الله عليه وسلم) is His servant and messenger. Islam rejects the idea of the trinity, which implies more than one God in one, or any Godship association of anything or anyone (e.g. partner or son) with Allâh (SWT, سبحانه وتعالى). This declaration is required for one to convert to Islam.
“Mohammed (PBUH, SAW, صلى الله عليه وسلم) is not the father of any of your men, but he is the Messenger of Allâh (SWT, سبحانه وتعالى) and the last (end) of the Prophets...” (Reference: Qur'ân 33:40)
"Muhammad (PBUH, SAW, صلى الله عليه وسلم) is the messenger of Allâh (SWT, سبحانه وتعالى). And those with him are hard against the disbelievers and merciful among themselves..." (Reference: Qur'ân 48:29)
"The (true) believers are those only who believe in Allâh (SWT, سبحانه وتعالى) and His messenger (PBUH, SAW, صلى الله عليه وسلم) and afterward doubt not, but strive with their wealth and their lives for the cause of Allâh (SWT, سبحانه وتعالى). Such are the sincere." (Reference: Qur'ân 49:15)
Hadith references: Bukhari Book 1 Volume 2 Hadith 7 and Bukhari Book 1 Volume 2 Hadith 50, both of which explicitly lists this testimony as a the first principle of becoming Muslim.
2. Prayers (Salat): Praying 5 times daily facing the ka’ba (the first sacred house of worship built by Abraham, in Makkah).These prayers serve as public testimony of the believer's submission to Allâh (SWT, سبحانه وتعالى) and adherence to Islam.(For more information on praying, please visit our prayer guide)
"...Abu Mas'ud say that he heard Abu Mas'ud say that he heard the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) say: Gabriel came down and acted as my Imam, then I prayed with him, then I prayed with him, then I prayed with him. then I prayed with him. then I prayed with him. reckoning with his fingers five times of prayer." (Reference: Hadith related by Ibn Shibab in Muslim Collection Book 004, Number 1268).
"And perform as-salât (iqâmat-as-aalât), at the two ends of the day and in some hours of the night [i.e. the five compulsory salât (prayers)]. Verily, the good deeds remove the evil deeds (i.e. small sins). That is a reminder (an advice) for the mindful (those who accept advice)." (Reference: Qur'ân 11:114)
"Perform as-salât (iqamât-as-salât) from mid-day till the darkness of the night (i.e. the Dhuhr, 'Asr, Maghrib, and 'Ishâ' prayers), and recite the Qur'ân in the early dawn (i.e. the morning prayer). Verily, the recitation of the Qur'ân in the early dawn is ever witnessed (attended by the angels in charge of mankind of the day and the night)." (Reference: Qur'ân 17:78)
"So bear patiently (O Mohammed (PBUH, SAW, صلى الله عليه وسلم)) what they say, and glorify the praises of your Lord (Allâh, SWT, سبحانه وتعالى) before the rising of the sun, and before its setting, and during some hours of the night, and at the ends of the day (an indication for the five compulsory congregational prayers), that you may become pleased with the reward which Allâh (SWT, سبحانه وتعالى) shall give you." (Reference: Qur'ân 20:130)3. Fasting (sawm): Fasting from food, drink, and marital relations during the daylight hours of the lunar month of Ramadan. (For more information on Ramadan, please visit our Ramadan page.)
“O you who believe! Observing as-saum (the fasting) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become al-muttaqûn (the pious).” (Reference: Qur'ân 2:183).4. Almsgiving (Zakat): Giving a small percentage (2.5%) of one's saved/surplus wealth to the poor every year. Zakat is only required of non-poor Muslims in order to draw closer the disparity and financial gap between them and the poor, needy, and destitute Muslims. Giving an amount exceeding the zakat requirement is encouraged and rewarded as a charity deed, but is not mandatory. The Qur'ân both instructs almsgiving and also defines who should receive the contributions. For more information about zakat, we recommend visiting this page: http://www.islamicity.com/articles/Articles.asp?ref=IC0909-3952.
"And they were commanded not, but that they should worship Allâh (SWT, سبحانه وتعالى), and worship none but Him Alone (abstaining from ascribing partners to Him), and perform as-salât (iqâmat-as-salât) and give zakât: and that is the right religion." (Reference: Qur'ân 98:5)
"As-sadaqât (here it means zakât) are only for the Fuqarâ' (poor), and al-masâkin (the poor) and those employed to collect (the funds); and to attract the hearts of those who have been inclined (towards Islâm); and to free the captives; and for those in debt; and for Allâh's (SWT, سبحانه وتعالى) cause (i.e. for mujâhidûn - those fighting in the holy battle), and for the wayfarer (a traveller who is cut off from everything); a duty imposed by Allâh (SWT, سبحانه وتعالى) . And Allâh (SWT, سبحانه وتعالى) is All-Knower, All-Wise." (Reference: Qur'ân 9:60)
5. Pilgrimage (Hajj): Performing pilgrimage at least once in one's life, for those who are physically and financially capable.
"And (remember) when we showed Ibrâhim (Abraham, AS, عليه السلام) the site of the (sacred) house (the Kabba at Mekka) (saying): "Associate not anything (in worship) with Me, [Lâ ilâha ill-allâh (none has the right to be worshipped but Allâh, SWT, سبحانه وتعالى) Islâmic Monotheism], and sanctify My house for those who circumambulate it, and those who stand up (for prayer), and those who bow (submit themselves with humility and obedience to Allâh, SWT, سبحانه وتعالى), and make prostration (in prayer);" (26) And proclaim to mankind the hajj (pilgrimage). They will come to you on foot and on every lean camel, they will come from every deep and distant (wide) mountain highway (to perform hajj)." (Reference: Qur'ân 22:26-27)
About the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH,
SAW, صلى الله عليه وسلم) :
Mohammed ibn Abdullah (often referred to by just his first name Mohammed
or as the Prophet Mohammed, PBUH, SAW, صلى الله عليه وسلم) was born in
570 C.E. in Makkah, Arabia and died in 632 C.E. Through the angel Gabriel
(Jibril), Allâh (SWT, سبحانه وتعالى) revealed the Qur'ân to Mohammed
(PBUH, SAW, صلى الله عليه وسلم) over the course of 23 years. During this
time, as with all the prophets before him, Mohammed (PBUH, SAW, صلى الله
عليه وسلم) taught the people to worship Allâh (SWT سبحانه وتعالى) as the
one and only God (SWT, سبحانه وتعالى), who had no partners, intermediaries,
sons or daughters.
Sunni vs. Shi’a (Sheite)
The two primary sects of Islam are Sunni and Shi’a (also spelled Shia,
Sheite). Both sects adhere to the most fundamental Islamic beliefs. These
sects were developed as a result of political strife at the time of the
death of the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH, SAW, صلى الله عليه وسلم) over who
was to take leadership of the Muslims. Over the centuries, the practices
and positions between the two sects have grown in difference. This is
in opposition to Qur'ânic teachings: “And hold fast, all of you together,
to the Rope of Allâh (SWT, سبحانه وتعالى) (i.e. this Qur'ân), and be not
divided among yourselves, and remember Allâh's (SWT, سبحانه وتعالى) favour
on you, for you were enemies one to another but He joined your hearts
together, so that, by His Grace, you became brethren (in Islâmic Faith),
and you were on the brink of a pit of Fire, and He saved you from it.
Thus Allâh (SWT, سبحانه وتعالى) makes His ayât (proofs, evidences,
verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.,) clear to you, that you may
be guided.” (Reference: Qur'ân
3:103)
For additional information, we recommend visiting: http://islam.about.com/cs/divisions/f/shia_sunni.htm. For a table comparing Sunni vs Shi'a, visit http://www.religionfacts.com/islam/comparison_charts/islamic_sects.htm.
Religious leaders in Islam
Formal or informal leaders exist in Judaism, Christianity and Islam.
- Judaism: Leaders such as rabbis, cantors.
- Christianity: Clergy such as priests, ministers, pastors, deacons, and bishops.
- Islam: Leaders such as imams (إمام). Sunni also includes mufti (مفتي) and muala (مولى); In Shia Islam are ulema (علماء) imams.
The roles of these leaders differ among the three faiths and even within sects of each faith. However, there are also similarities in roles and responsibilities across these leaders. For example, religious leaders may lead their congregations in prayer, counsel those in need, and perform marriages. However, in Judaism and Islam, the congregational prayer may also be led by adult individuals without formal roles. Some sects of Christianity include the role of priest as an intermediary between God (SWT, سبحانه وتعالى) and humans, with authoritative power in capacities such as taking confession, forgiveness of sins, etc. Islam and Judaism, however, do not have any such intermediary roles. In some sects of Christianity, some roles (e.g. priests) have specific religious education requirements.
The leaders in Islam do not require any religious ordination and do not any have any legitimate power. Imams are generally scholars of religion and often lead prayers and provide guidance. Islam does not believe in intermediaries between God (SWT, سبحانه وتعالى) and humans.
Comparison between monotheistic religions
Some of the differences and many similarities between Islam and Judaism
and Christianity have been noted above. In addition, below is a high-level
comparison between the three religions. Information was attained from
the following website: http://www.religionfacts.com/islam/comparison_charts/islam_judaism_christianity.htm.
Current adherents Type of theism Name of same God worshipped by all 3
(SWT, سبحانه وتعالى)Other spiritual beings Identity of Jesus
(AS, عليه السلام)
(SWT, سبحانه وتعالى), whose true original message later got corrupted
(SWT, سبحانه وتعالى),
God (SWT, سبحانه وتعالى) incarnate, died to save Christians from their sinsHuman nature Means of salvation
(SWT, سبحانه وتعالى), good deedsGod's (SWT, سبحانه وتعالى) role in salvation
Divine revelation and forgivenessGood afterlife Bad afterlife View of fellow Abrahamic religions
Recommended resources
- The movie “The Message” featuring Anthony Quinn tells of the start of Islam. This movie can be purchased here. You can also request to view this movie with some local Muslims via our 'Buddy' page.