Islam, often recognized as the world’s second-largest religion, is a faith with a rich history and a global presence. It is also one of the youngest of the major world religions, making its historical origins relatively well-documented and verifiable. Understanding Islam requires delving into its origins, core beliefs, and practices that shape the lives of its followers, known as Muslims. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Islam, exploring its foundational tenets and addressing common questions about this Abrahamic faith.
The story of Islam is intrinsically linked to the life of Prophet Muhammad, who was born in Mecca, a city in modern-day Saudi Arabia, around 570 CE. He belonged to the respected Hashemite clan within the Quraysh tribe, a prominent group in Mecca. Details about Muhammad’s early life are scarce, but historical accounts portray him as a respected trader known for his wisdom and integrity. His trustworthiness earned him the title al-Amin, meaning “the trustworthy one,” among his community. This reputation played a significant role in his first marriage to Khadijah, a successful and wealthy trader.
Khadijah employed Muhammad to manage her trade caravans. Impressed by his professional skills and personal character, she proposed marriage to him. They married in 595 CE; Khadijah was forty years old, and Muhammad was twenty-five. Their marriage is described as harmonious, and Muhammad remained monogamous until Khadijah’s death. They had four daughters and two sons, who unfortunately died in infancy.
Muhammad was also known for his spiritual inclinations. He often sought solitude in a cave in the mountains near Mecca, engaging in meditation and reflection. Around 610 CE, when he was forty years old, during one of these retreats on Mount Hira, a pivotal event occurred. The angel Gabriel appeared to Muhammad, marking the first of many divine revelations he would receive throughout his life. This event, known as the first revelation, is commemorated by Muslims as the “Night of Power” and is observed on the twenty-seventh night of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Many Muslims spend this entire night in prayer and worship.
Following the initial revelation, there was a period before further revelations resumed. When they did, they carried a consistent message, forming what are known as the Meccan suras in the Quran. These early revelations emphasized a crucial shift: people had deviated from the true worship of the one God and were instead worshipping idols. The core message called for abandoning idolatry and dedicating worship solely to Allah, the Arabic word for God. Furthermore, it stressed the importance of living ethically and with social responsibility. When Muhammad began to publicly share these revelations, he faced criticism and mockery, which escalated over time.
Around 619 CE, another significant event, known as the “Night Journey” (Isra and Mi’raj), took place. The angel Gabriel visited Muhammad again, and this time, transported him on a miraculous journey. First, Muhammad was carried to Jerusalem on a winged creature called a burqa. From Jerusalem, specifically from the site now marked by the Dome of the Rock, he ascended through the heavens into the presence of God. During this divine encounter, God instructed Muhammad on the final form of daily prayers for Muslims. This event is a primary reason why Jerusalem holds immense significance in Islam, making it, along with Mecca and Medina, one of the three holiest cities in Islam.
As persecution against Muhammad and his followers, who became known as Muslims (meaning “one who submits to the will of God”), intensified in Mecca, they sought refuge and a place to practice their faith in peace. The term Islam itself is derived from the same Arabic root s-l-m, signifying “submission” or “peace.” Around this time, leaders from the city of Yathrib (later renamed Medina) traveled to Mecca and invited Muhammad to lead their city. They pledged to convert to Islam and establish an Islamic way of life in Yathrib if he agreed. Muhammad accepted their invitation and in 622 CE, he secretly migrated to Yathrib, narrowly escaping an assassination attempt in Mecca. Yathrib was subsequently renamed Medina, meaning “city of the Prophet” (medinat al-Nabi). The hijra, this migration to Medina, is considered a pivotal moment in Islamic history, marking the beginning of the Muslim community and the Islamic calendar. The year 622 CE is thus recognized as year 1 in the Islamic calendar.
In Medina, Muhammad continued to receive divine revelations. These later revelations, recorded as the Medinan suras in the Quran, focused on the practical aspects of building and solidifying an Islamic society. They provided guidance on communal norms, rules of behavior, and legal frameworks. It is crucial to understand that while Muslims deeply respect and revere Prophet Muhammad, he is not worshipped in Islam. Worship in Islam is exclusively reserved for God (Allah). However, Muhammad’s role as the final prophet and messenger of God holds immense and lasting significance for Muslims.
The Qur’an: The Divine Word of God in Islam
The Qur’an stands as the central religious text of Islam, believed by Muslims to be the literal word of God (Allah) revealed to Prophet Muhammad through the angel Gabriel. It is considered the ultimate guide for Muslims in all aspects of life. The Qur’an is not just a book; it is revered as the direct and unaltered speech of God, making it the highest authority in Islam.
A unique aspect of the Qur’an is the significance of its original Arabic language. Muslims believe that the divine message is intrinsically linked to the Arabic words in which it was revealed. While translations of the Qur’an exist to aid understanding for non-Arabic speakers, these translations are considered interpretations of the meaning, not the Qur’an itself. Therefore, the Arabic text holds a unique and sacred status. This is why key Islamic practices, such as prayer (salat) and recitation of the Qur’an, are performed in Arabic, even by those who do not understand the language.
Reciting the Qur’an in Arabic is considered a deeply spiritual and meritorious act. Muslims believe that the very act of uttering and listening to the words of God brings them closer to the divine. This reverence for the Qur’an has fostered the practice of Hifz, the memorization of the entire Qur’an. Individuals who achieve this are called Hafiz, meaning “guardian” or “caretaker” of the Qur’an, and are highly respected within the Muslim community. During significant religious occasions, mosques often invite professional Qur’an reciters, known for their beautiful and precise recitation, to lead prayers and enhance the spiritual atmosphere. The act of reciting the Qur’an (tilawah) itself is considered a sacred practice, inviting a sense of divine presence and connection.
The overarching theme of the Qur’an is a call to submission to the will of God and repentance. It emphasizes several key interconnected concepts related to God, humanity, and their relationship:
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God’s Sovereignty and Creation: The Qur’an establishes God as the sole creator and sovereign ruler of the universe. Everything in existence is a creation of God, and therefore, only God is deserving of worship, obedience, and reverence.
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Humanity’s Purpose and Reason: According to the Qur’an, God created humanity with reason and intellect, granting them the ability to discern between right and wrong. This capacity for reason comes with responsibility: humans are given the free will to choose to follow God’s guidance or to deviate from it.
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The Transitory Nature of Life and the Hereafter: The Qur’an teaches that this worldly life is temporary and serves as a testing ground for the eternal life to come. Upon death, every individual will be judged by God based on their actions and beliefs in this life. Righteous living and obedience to God lead to eternal bliss in Paradise (Jannah), while disobedience and rejection of faith lead to eternal punishment in Hell (Jahannam). The Qur’an vividly describes both Heaven and Hell in numerous suras to emphasize the consequences of choices made in this life.
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Prophets as Divine Messengers: The Qur’an highlights that God has sent prophets throughout history to various communities, in different times and places. These prophets, including figures like Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus, were tasked with guiding people back to the worship of the one true God and correcting deviations from divine guidance. Islam recognizes these prophets as predecessors to Muhammad, who is considered the final prophet in this lineage.
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Muhammad as the Final Prophet and the Qur’an as the Complete Revelation: The Qur’an affirms Muhammad as the last prophet sent by God, and the Qur’an itself as the ultimate and complete revelation of God’s word and law. It is presented as a perfect and timeless guide for religious and moral life, superseding previous scriptures and revelations. The Qur’an, therefore, asserts the supreme authority of both Prophet Muhammad and the scripture itself, providing a comprehensive framework for a meaningful and fulfilling life in this world and the hereafter.
The Five Pillars of Islam: Foundational Practices of Muslim Life
The Five Pillars of Islam are the core practices and duties that form the foundation of Muslim life. They are considered essential acts of worship and are instrumental in shaping a Muslim’s individual and communal identity. These pillars are not merely rituals; they are fundamental to the Islamic faith, providing structure and direction to a Muslim’s life and reflecting their commitment to God.
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Shahadah (Declaration of Faith): The Shahadah, meaning “witness,” is the most fundamental pillar of Islam. It is the declaration of faith that encapsulates the core Islamic belief: “There is no god but God (Allah), and Muhammad is the messenger of God.” This simple yet profound statement affirms the absolute oneness of God (Tawhid) and the prophethood of Muhammad. Reciting the Shahadah with conviction is the entry point into Islam and the cornerstone of a Muslim’s faith.
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Salat (Prayer): Salat refers to the obligatory prayers performed five times a day at specific times: dawn (Fajr), noon (Dhuhr), mid-afternoon (Asr), sunset (Maghrib), and evening (Isha). These prayers are a direct form of communication with God and involve a set of ritual actions, including standing, bowing, prostrating, and reciting verses from the Qur’an and supplications in Arabic. Before prayer, Muslims perform ritual purification known as Wudu (ablutions), washing specific parts of the body to ensure physical and spiritual cleanliness before approaching God. Prayer serves as a constant reminder of God’s presence in a Muslim’s life and fosters discipline, humility, and spiritual connection.
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Zakat (Almsgiving): Zakat is often translated as “almsgiving” or “charity,” but it is more accurately described as obligatory charity. It is a system of wealth redistribution in Islam, based on the principle that all wealth ultimately belongs to God, and humans are merely trustees. Zakat requires Muslims who meet a certain wealth threshold to donate a portion of their wealth annually to designated categories of recipients, such as the poor, needy, orphans, and those in debt. While often calculated as 2.5% of one’s accumulated wealth, specific details can vary. Zakat is not simply charity; it is a religious duty and a means of purification of wealth, promoting social justice and economic balance within the community. It is distinct from Sadaqah, which is voluntary charity given at any time.
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Sawm (Fasting in Ramadan): Sawm refers to fasting during the month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. During Ramadan, Muslims who are physically able abstain from food, drink, and sexual activity from dawn until sunset each day. Ramadan is considered the holiest month in Islam, commemorating the month in which the Qur’an was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad. Fasting in Ramadan is an act of worship that cultivates self-discipline, empathy for the less fortunate, and spiritual reflection. The fast is broken each evening with a meal called Iftar, often shared communally. Ramadan culminates in a major festival called Eid al-Fitr, “the feast of breaking the fast,” marked by celebrations, special prayers, communal meals, and gift-giving.
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Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca): Hajj is the pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, which every Muslim who is physically and financially capable is obligated to perform at least once in their lifetime. Mecca is home to the Kaaba, the holiest site in Islam, believed to have been built by Prophet Abraham and his son Prophet Ishmael as a place of worship to the one God. During Hajj, pilgrims perform a series of rituals over several days, including circling the Kaaba, walking between the hills of Safa and Marwa, and standing in prayer on the plains of Arafat. Pilgrims wear simple, white garments called Ihram, symbolizing unity, equality, and purity before God. The Hajj is a profound spiritual journey that unites Muslims from around the world, fostering a sense of global community and shared faith. It is a reminder of the stories of Prophets Abraham, Hagar, and Ishmael, and a powerful act of devotion and submission to God.
The Concept of Jihad: Understanding its True Meaning in Islam
The term Jihad in Islam is often misunderstood and misinterpreted, particularly in contemporary discourse. While it has been unfortunately associated with violence and terrorism by some, its true meaning within Islam is far broader and primarily focuses on personal and spiritual struggle.
The Arabic word Jihad literally means “to strive” or “to struggle.” In Islamic teachings, Jihad encompasses two main dimensions:
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Greater Jihad (Jihad al-Akbar): This refers to the internal, spiritual struggle of every Muslim to live according to the principles of Islam. It is the struggle against one’s own negative inclinations, ego, and temptations, striving for moral and spiritual purification, and to become a better person and a more devoted servant of God. This form of Jihad is considered by many Muslims to be the most important and challenging aspect of Jihad. A well-known Islamic tradition quotes Prophet Muhammad returning from a military expedition saying, “We return from the lesser jihad to the greater jihad,” highlighting the primacy of the inner spiritual struggle. This “greater jihad” involves striving for personal righteousness, practicing virtues like patience, honesty, compassion, and seeking knowledge and understanding of Islam.
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Lesser Jihad (Jihad al-Asghar): This refers to the external struggle, which can include physical exertion or even military struggle in defense of Islam, justice, or the Muslim community when under attack or oppression. Historically, Islamic texts and traditions have discussed the concept of “holy war” within certain ethical and legal frameworks. However, these conditions are strictly defined and are intended to be defensive and just, not aggressive or for territorial expansion. Classical Islamic jurisprudence outlines rules of engagement in warfare, emphasizing the protection of civilians, places of worship, and the avoidance of unnecessary destruction.
It is crucial to emphasize that the vast majority of Muslims throughout history and today understand Jihad primarily in terms of the “greater jihad,” the internal spiritual struggle. The acts of terrorism and violence committed by extremist groups who misuse the term Jihad are unequivocally condemned by the overwhelming majority of Muslims worldwide. These acts violate the core principles of Islam, including the sanctity of innocent life and the pursuit of justice and peace. True Jihad, in its most profound Islamic sense, is about striving for personal and societal betterment according to God’s will, promoting peace, justice, and compassion in the world.
For Further Reading:
- Islam: Religion, History, and Civilization by Seyyed Hossein Nasr
- Islam: A Thousand Years of Faith & Power by Jonathan Bloom & Sheila Blair
- Islam: Belief & Observances by Caesar E. Farah
- Muhammad: A Biography of the Prophet by Karen Armstrong
- The Oxford History of Islam edited by John L. Esposito
- Islam: Continuity and Change in the Modern World by John O. Voll
[1] One finds this quote in almost every book discussing the concept of jihad. See, for example, Esposito et al., World Religions Today, 243.
