Sherif Elaraby

The universality of Islam is an undeniable fact, a characteristic peculiar to Islam, the Righteous Religion. 

“Allah" is the Arabic word for the one true God in Islam. The word "Allah" is the same word that Arabic-speaking Christians and Jews use.

The most important teaching of Islam is that only God is to be served and worshiped.  Also, the biggest sin in Islam is to worship other beings with God. 

Allah created unseen beings called angels who work tirelessly to administer His kingdom in full obedience.  The angels surround us at all times, each has a duty; some record our words and deeds.

Belief in Revealed Books of Allah: Muslims believe that God revealed His wisdom and instructions through ‘books’ to some of the prophets like the Psalms, Torah, and the Gospel. Over time, however, the original teachings of these books got distorted or lost. Muslims believe the Quran is God’s final revelation revealed to Prophet Muhammad and has been fully preserved.

Muslims believe that God communicates His guidance through human prophets sent to every nation. These prophets start with Adam and include Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad, peace be upon them. The main message of all the prophets has always been that there is only One true God and He alone is worthy of being supplicated to and worshipped.

Belief in Day of Judgment: The life of this world and all that is in it will come to an end on an appointed day.  At that time, every person will be raised from the dead.   Allah will judge each person individually, according to his faith and his good and bad actions. Allah will show mercy and fairness in judgment.  According to Islamic teachings, those who believe in God and perform good deeds will be eternally rewarded in Heaven.  Those who reject faith in God will be eternally punished in the fire of Hell.

Belief in Destiny and Divine Decree: Muslims believe that since God is the Sustainer of all life, nothing happens except by His Will and with His full knowledge.

A brief introduction to the six articles of faith that are the main doctrines of Islam.

The Testimony of Faith is the statement, "La ilaha illa Allah wa Muhammad Rasul-ullah", meaning "There is no deity worthy of being worship except God (Allah), and Muhammad is the Messenger of God". The Declaration of Faith is more than just a statement; it must be shown with one's actions. To convert to the faith of Islam, a person has to say this statement.

Daily Prayer: Prayer is a method by which a Muslim connects to God and gathers spiritual strength and peace of mind. Muslims perform five formal prayers a day.

Zakah: A type of charity. Muslims recognize that all wealth is a blessing from God, and certain responsibilities are required in return. In Islam, it is the duty of the wealthy to help the poor and needy.

Fast of Ramadan: Once each year, Muslims are commanded to fast for an entire month from dawn to sunset. The period of intense spiritual devotion is known as the fast of Ramadan in which no food, drink, and sex are allowed during the fast. After sunset one can enjoy these things. During this month Muslims practice self-control and focus on prayers and devotion. During the fast, Muslims learn to sympathize with those in the world who have little to eat.

The Hajj Pilgrimage to Mecca: Every Muslim strives to make a once in a lifetime pilgrimage to the sacred sites in Mecca, in present-day Saudi Arabia.

The Five Pillars of Islam: These are the foundation of Muslim life and Muslims are required to observe them with utmost devotion.