What is "G-d"?
Imam W. Deen Mohammed, leader of the largest indigenous group of Muslims, has explained that in order to show due reverence to the Name of G-d Almighty, that we not use any spelling that could in the reverse mean "dog"
What is Al-Islam?
Al-Islam is an Arabic term literally meaning "The Peace". The root word of Al-Islam is the "salama" which means to enter into peace, or to submit. The dominant idea of the religion of Al-Islam is the attainment and promotion of peace through submission to the Will of G-d (Arabic term is Allah). This religion tells humanity that "Whoever submits his whole self to G-d and is a doer of good, he will get his reward with his Lord; on such shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve." (HQ 2:112) Muslims (the followers of Al-Islam) greet each other with "As-salamu Alaikum" which means "The Peace Be Unto You".
How is Jesus Christ Seen in Al-Islam?
In Al-Islam, Jesus Christ (PBUH) is seen as a righteous Prophet held equal to all of the prophets sent to spread the Word of G-d. "Behold! The angels said: 'O Mary! G-d giveth thee glad tidings of a Word from Him: his name will be Christ Jesus. The son of Mary, held in honor in this world and the Hereafter and of (the company of) those nearest to G-d; He shall speak to the people in childhood and in maturity. And he shall be (of the company) of the righteous. She said: "O my Lord! How shall I have a son when no man hath touched me"? He said: "Even so: G-d createth what he willeth: When He hath decreed a plan, He but saith to it, "Be", and it is! And G-d will teach him the Book and Wisdom, the Law and the Gospel, and (appoint him) a messenger to the Children of Israel..." (HQ 3:45-49) It is important to note that Prophet Jesus (PBUH) is not referred to as the son of G-d rather he is referred to as the son of Mary. Al-Islam is a strictly monotheistic religion that associates no partners or equals with G-d not even a son. "No son did G-d beget, not is there any god along with him...Glory to G-d! (He is free) from the things they attribute to Him! He knows what is hidden and what is open: too high is He for the partners they attribute to Him!" (HQ 23:91-92) In addition, the Holy Qur'an reveals: "That they said (in boast), "We killed Christ Jesus, the son of Mary, the Messenger of G-d"--But they killed him not, nor crucified him, but so it was made to appear to them, and those who differ there are full of doubts, with no (certain) knowledge, but only conjecture to follow, for of a surety they killed him not--Nay, G-d raised him up unto Himself; and G-d is Exalted in Power, Wise". (HQ 4:157)
Why do Muslims Pray 5 Times a Day?
Muslims pray five times a day after the example of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). To strive for a clean life, free of corrupt thoughts, motives and intentions, we must devote ourselves regularly to the worship of G-d, and we must ask his forgiveness for our sins. The Holy Qur'an says, "Recite what is sent of the Book by inspiration to thee, and establish regular prayer: for prayer restrains from shameful and unjust deeds; and remembrance of G-d is the greatest (thing in life) without doubt. And G-d knows the (deeds that ye do)". HQ 29:45
Why do Muslims Fast During the Month Ramadan?
Muslims fast during Ramadan to show gratitude for all the gifts G-d has bestowed upon creation.Fasting especially celebrates the revelation of the Holy Qur'an. To show appreciation for this gift of renewed and purified knowledge given by G-d, Muslims traditionally read the entire Holy Qur'an during this month. Fasting is also prescribed in the Holy Qur'an to teach discipline and self-restraint.
Why do Muslim Women Cover Themselves?
The Holy Qur'an tells Muslim women to cover their beauty and guard their modesty. This covering serves as a form of protection for women in society. Muslim women only display their beauty to their husbands and family members. It is important to note that males are also told to guard their modesty and lower their gaze. The Holy Qur'an teaches that the best covering for both males and females is G-d-consciousness (Taqwaah).
Aren't all Muslims Arabs?
No. Most Muslims live east of Karachi; 30 percent of Muslims live in the Indian subcontinent; 20 percent in Sub-Sahara Africa, 17 percent in Southeast Asia, 18 percent in the Arab world; 10 percent in the states of the former Soviet Union/Russia. There is a significant Muslim population in China, Latin America and Australia.Click here for additional information.
What is Jumah?
Jumah literally means in Arabic "congregation" and is the most important day of all days to Muslims. Jumah Prayer is on every Friday, just past midday.
Who is Prophet Muhammed?(Peace Be Upon Him/PBUH)
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) came after Prophet Jesus (PBUH) and inherited the message Prophet Jesus received as well as the message of the Prophets that preceded Prophet Jesus(PBUH). The Holy Qur'an revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) tells Muslims to observe the teachings of Prophet Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Moses, Noah, Lot, David, Solomon, Joseph, Jesus, and every other true Prophet or Messenger of G-d (Peace Be Upon Them). The main teaching being that "G-d is the One and Only and there is none like unto Him." (HQ 112:1,4)
What is the Holy Qur'an?
The Holy Qur'an is guidance from G-d to all of mankind. It was revealed through the Angel Gabriel to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) over 1400 years ago. The Holy Qur'an contains the wisdom of Sacred Books (the Bible and the Torah) that were revealed before it. Parts of these books however were changed by man, therefore G-d revealed the Holy Qur'an to remove teachings that had corrupted the religion of the people. After 1400 years, there is established proof that not a word of the Holy Qur'an's original Arabic text has been changed.
What are the Five Basic Pillars of Al-Islam?
Al-Islam has five basic principles for its followers:
- To bear witness that nothing deserves to be worshipped except G-d (Allah), and that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is his servant and last messenger
- To observe prayers 5 times a day
- Zakat-To give in charity
- To fast during the month of Ramadan
- Hajj-To perform Pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in one's lifetime, if physically and financially able
What is the significance of Hajj?
Hajj is a pilgrimage to Mecca that Muslims should make at least once in their lifetime. The Pilgrimage is a coming together of people from all around the world; people who have been drawn together by their reverence of G-d, and they worship as equals before Him. Regardless of race, gender or nationality, Muslims view themselves as one community (Ummah). The Holy Qur'an teaches against racism and prejudice with the verse: "O Mankind! We created You from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise each other)". HQ 49:13
What Holidays do Muslims Celebrate?
Eidul-Adha is a festival that marks the close of Hajj, and Eidul-Fitr is a feast day the marks the close of Ramadan. These are the two holidays on the Muslim calendar. They are celebrated with prayers and the exchange of gifts in Muslim communities everywhere.
What Else do Muslims Believe?
Muslims believer in all the prophets from G-d, from Adam down through the chain of Prophets to Muhammed, who is the Last Prophet. Muslims believe in all the Scriptures that the Prophets came with from G-d. Muslims believe in the Angels, the most notable in the Qur'an being Jibril (Gabriel). Muslims believe in Life after death or the Resurrection. Muslims believe in the Day of Judgment, when everyone will be called to reckon for their deeds before G-d.
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