UNDERSTANDING ISLAM
What Is Islam?
Islam is a faith centered on the belief that there is only one God—Allah (The Glorified and Exalted), the Creator of everything. Muslims believe that throughout history, Allah (The Glorified and Exalted) sent prophets to every nation with the same message: worship Allah (The Glorified and Exalted) alone, live with honesty, show compassion, and do what is right.
Rather than being a religion limited to worship alone, Islam provides guidance for every part of life. It teaches how to build strong families, care for neighbors, earn an honest living, seek knowledge, and develop good character. The goal is not simply to perform religious rituals but to become a better human being while strengthening one's relationship with Allah (The Glorified and Exalted).
Although news headlines sometimes connect Islam with violence, these actions do not represent the beliefs of the overwhelming majority of Muslims. Islam teaches mercy, justice, forgiveness, and respect for human life.
Who Are Muslims?
Muslims come from every race, language, and culture. They live in nearly every country in the world and represent a wide variety of traditions and backgrounds.
Many people assume that most Muslims are Arabs, but this is not the case. Indonesia has the world's largest Muslim population, and millions of Muslims also live throughout Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. What unites Muslims is not their nationality or ethnicity, but their shared belief in Allah (The Glorified and Exalted).
What Do Muslims Believe?
The foundation of Islam is belief in one God, known in Arabic as Allah (The Glorified and Exalted). Muslims believe that Allah (The Glorified and Exalted) alone created the universe and deserves all worship.
They also believe in:
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Angels, who carry out the commands of Allah (The Glorified and Exalted).
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The prophets, chosen by Allah (The Glorified and Exalted) to guide humanity.
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The revealed scriptures sent by Allah (The Glorified and Exalted).
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The Day of Judgment, when every person will answer for their actions.
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Life after death, where people are rewarded or held accountable.
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The complete knowledge and wisdom of Allah (The Glorified and Exalted) over all things.
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Muslims believe that Allah (The Glorified and Exalted) sent many prophets throughout history, including Prophet Adam (peace and blessings be upon him), Prophet Nuh (peace and blessings be upon him), Prophet Ibrahim (peace and blessings be upon him), Prophet Isma'il (peace and blessings be upon him), Prophet Ishaq (peace and blessings be upon him), Prophet Ya'qub (peace and blessings be upon him), Prophet Yusuf (peace and blessings be upon him), Prophet Ayyub (peace and blessings be upon him), Prophet Musa (peace and blessings be upon him), Prophet Harun (peace and blessings be upon him), Prophet Dawud (peace and blessings be upon him), Prophet Sulayman (peace and blessings be upon him), Prophet Ilyas (peace and blessings be upon him), Prophet Yunus (peace and blessings be upon him), Prophet Yahya (peace and blessings be upon him), Prophet 'Isa (peace and blessings be upon him), and finally Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). Every prophet called people to worship Allah (The Glorified and Exalted) alone.
The Holy Qur'an is the final revelation of Allah (The Glorified and Exalted), delivered to Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) through the Angel Jibril (peace and blessings be upon him).
How Does Someone Become a Muslim?
Becoming a Muslim is simple. A person sincerely accepts Islam by believing in their heart and declaring:
"There is no god worthy of worship except Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah."
This declaration is known as the Shahadah, or testimony of faith. By saying it sincerely and believing in its meaning, a person accepts Islam and affirms belief in all of the prophets and revelations sent by Allah (The Glorified and Exalted).
What Does the Word "Islam" Mean?
The word Islam means willing submission to the will of Allah (The Glorified and Exalted). It comes from an Arabic root that is also connected to the word peace, showing that true peace comes through devotion to Allah (The Glorified and Exalted).
The word Allah (The Glorified and Exalted) is simply the Arabic name for God. Arabic-speaking Christians and Jews also use the word Allah (The Glorified and Exalted) when referring to God.
Some people have incorrectly used the term "Mohammedanism" to describe Islam. Muslims reject this name because they do not worship Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). They worship Allah (The Glorified and Exalted) alone while honoring Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) as His final Prophet and Messenger.
Why Does Islam Sometimes Seem Different?
To many people, religion is something practiced only on certain days or during special occasions. In Islam, faith is part of everyday life. Muslims strive to remember Allah (The Glorified and Exalted) throughout the day, whether they are at home, at work, traveling, or spending time with family.
Islam teaches that there should be no separation between one's faith and one's daily life. A Muslim is encouraged to be honest in business, kind to neighbors, respectful toward parents, generous to those in need, and mindful of Allah (The Glorified and Exalted) in every action. Because faith is woven into daily life, Islam may appear different to those who come from more secular societies.
Do Islam, Christianity, and Judaism Share the Same Roots?
Yes. Muslims believe that Islam, Christianity, and Judaism all trace their origins back to Prophet Ibrahim (peace and blessings be upon him).
Muslims believe that Prophet Ibrahim (peace and blessings be upon him) devoted his life to worshipping Allah (The Glorified and Exalted) alone and became a model of faith, obedience, and trust in his Lord. His legacy continued through many prophets, including Prophet Musa (peace and blessings be upon him), Prophet 'Isa (peace and blessings be upon him), and finally Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).
Although these three faiths differ in certain beliefs and practices, they all recognize Prophet Ibrahim (peace and blessings be upon him) as a central figure who called people to worship the One True God.
What Is the Ka'bah?
The Ka'bah is the sacred House of Allah (The Glorified and Exalted) located in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Muslims believe it was built by Prophet Ibrahim (peace and blessings be upon him) and his son Prophet Isma'il (peace and blessings be upon him) as a place dedicated to the worship of Allah (The Glorified and Exalted) alone.
Today, Muslims around the world face the Ka'bah during their five daily prayers. Muslims do not worship the Ka'bah itself. Rather, it serves as a symbol of unity, giving Muslims everywhere a single direction in prayer.
Every year, millions of Muslims travel to Makkah to perform the Hajj pilgrimage, fulfilling one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
Who Was Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him)?
Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) was born in Makkah around the year 570 CE. He was orphaned at a young age and was raised by members of his family. As he grew older, he became known for his honesty, fairness, generosity, and trustworthiness. Long before receiving revelation, people referred to him as Al-Amin, meaning "the Trustworthy."
Even before he was chosen as a prophet, Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) disliked the idol worship and corruption that surrounded him. He often withdrew to the Cave of Hira to reflect, worship Allah (The Glorified and Exalted), and seek the truth.
How Did Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) Become a Prophet?
At the age of forty, while meditating in the Cave of Hira, Allah (The Glorified and Exalted) sent the Angel Jibril (peace and blessings be upon him) to Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) with the first revelation of the Holy Qur'an.
Over the next twenty-three years, Allah (The Glorified and Exalted) continued to reveal the Qur'an to Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) through Jibril (peace and blessings be upon him).
When Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) began calling people to worship Allah (The Glorified and Exalted) alone, he and his followers faced severe persecution. Many suffered hardship simply because they believed in the Oneness of Allah (The Glorified and Exalted).
Eventually, Allah (The Glorified and Exalted) commanded Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) and his followers to migrate from Makkah to Madinah. This migration, known as the Hijrah, marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar.
Several years later, Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) returned to Makkah with his followers. Instead of seeking revenge against those who had persecuted him, he forgave his former enemies and dedicated himself to establishing justice, mercy, and the worship of Allah (The Glorified and Exalted) alone.
Before Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) passed away at the age of sixty-three, most of the Arabian Peninsula had embraced Islam. Within a century of his passing, the message of Islam had spread across large parts of Asia, Africa, and Europe.
"Read in the Name of your Lord Who created—created man from a clinging substance. Read, and your Lord is the Most Generous, Who taught by the pen, taught man that which he knew not."
(Holy Qur'an 96:1–5)
How Did the Spread of Islam Affect the World?
One of the reasons Islam spread so rapidly was the simplicity and clarity of its message. It called people to worship Allah (The Glorified and Exalted) alone and encouraged them to seek knowledge, think carefully, and reflect upon the signs of Allah (The Glorified and Exalted) throughout creation.
As Islam spread, centers of learning began to flourish. Following the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), Muslims placed great value on education and scholarship. He taught:
"Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim."
Inspired by this teaching, Muslim scholars made remarkable contributions to medicine, mathematics, astronomy, physics, geography, architecture, literature, and many other fields. They preserved the knowledge of earlier civilizations while making discoveries that benefited generations to come.
Among their achievements were the development of algebra, the advancement of Arabic numerals, the widespread use of the concept of zero, and improvements in navigation, mapmaking, and scientific observation. These contributions later played an important role in the advancement of learning throughout the world.
What Is the Holy Qur'an?
The Holy Qur'an is the final revelation from Allah (The Glorified and Exalted). Muslims believe its words were revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) through the Angel Jibril (peace and blessings be upon him) over a period of twenty-three years.
Every revelation was memorized by Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) and carefully taught to his Companions. It was also written down during his lifetime by trusted scribes. Through both memorization and written preservation, Muslims believe the Holy Qur'an has remained unchanged since it was first revealed more than fourteen centuries ago.
For Muslims, the Holy Qur'an is the direct Word of Allah (The Glorified and Exalted) and the primary source of guidance for faith and daily life.
What Is the Holy Qur'an About?
The Holy Qur'an provides guidance for every aspect of life. It teaches people about faith, worship, morality, justice, family life, compassion, honesty, and personal responsibility. Above all, it teaches mankind about their relationship with Allah (The Glorified and Exalted) and reminds them of their purpose in this world.
The Holy Qur'an also provides guidance for building a just society, protecting the rights of others, caring for those in need, and living a life based on righteousness and sincerity.
Are There Any Other Sacred Sources?
Yes. Along with the Holy Qur'an, Muslims follow the Sunnah, which is the teachings, actions, and example of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).
The Sunnah has been preserved through authentic narrations known as Hadith. These narrations record what Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said, what he did, and what he approved of during his lifetime. Together, the Holy Qur'an and the Sunnah provide Muslims with a complete guide for worshipping Allah (The Glorified and Exalted) and living according to Islamic teachings.
The Character and Teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him)
Throughout his life, Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) taught people to live with kindness, honesty, humility, and compassion. He reminded his followers that true faith is reflected not only in worship, but also in the way a person treats others.
He taught that a believer should love for others what he loves for himself, show mercy to those around him, care for neighbors, speak truthfully, control anger, and conduct business with honesty. He also reminded people that Allah does not judge individuals by their appearance or wealth, but by the sincerity of their hearts and the righteousness of their deeds.
His mercy extended beyond people to every living creature. Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) told the story of a man who found a thirsty dog suffering from thirst. The man climbed into a well, filled his shoe with water, and gave the dog a drink. Because of this act of compassion, Allah forgave the man's sins. When the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was asked whether kindness shown to animals would be rewarded, he replied that
"There is a reward for kindness shown to every living creature."
These teachings continue to inspire Muslims around the world to live lives of mercy, generosity, patience, and service to others.
The Prophet said:
'Allah (The Glorified and Exalted) has no mercy on one who has no mercy for others.'
'None of you truly believes until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself.'
'He who eats his fill while his neighbor goes without food is not a believer. '
'The truthful and trusty businessman is associated with the prophets the saints, and the martyrs.'
'Powerful is not he who knocks the other down, indeed powerful is he who controls himself in a fit of anger. '
'Allah (The Glorified and Exalted) does not judge according to your bodies and appearances but He scans your hearts and looks into your deeds.'
'A man walking along a path felt very thirsty. Reaching a well he descended into it, drank his fill and came up. Then he saw a dog with its tongue hanging out, trying to lick up mud to quench its thirst. The man saw that the dog was feeling the same thirst as he had felt so he went down into the well again and filled his shoe with water and gave the dog a drink. Allah (The Glorified and Exalted) forgave his sins for this action.' The Prophet was asked: 'Messenger of God, are we rewarded for kindness towards animals?' He said, 'There is a reward for kindness to every living thing.'
What Are the Five Pillars of Islam?
The Five Pillars are the foundation of a Muslim's faith and practice. They strengthen a believer's relationship with Allah (The Glorified and Exalted) and provide a framework for living a life of worship, discipline, compassion, and devotion.
The First Pillar: Shahadah (Declaration of Faith)
The first pillar of Islam is the Shahadah, the declaration of faith:
"There is no god worthy of worship except Allah (The Glorified and Exalted) , and Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is the Messenger of Allah."
This simple but powerful testimony is the foundation of Islam. By sincerely believing and declaring these words, a person accepts the Oneness of Allah (The Glorified and Exalted) and believes in Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) as His final Messenger.
The Second Pillar: Salah (Prayer)
Salah is the five daily prayers performed at specific times each day. Prayer creates a direct connection between a believer and Allah (The Glorified and Exalted). There is no intermediary between the worshipper and Allah (The Glorified and Exalted).
The five daily prayers are offered at dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset, and night. They include verses from the Holy Qur'an, which are recited in Arabic, the language in which the Qur'an was revealed. After completing the prayer, Muslims may also make personal supplications to Allah (The Glorified and Exalted) in any language.
Although praying together in a mosque is encouraged, Muslims may pray almost anywhere that is clean, including at home, at work, while traveling, or outdoors.
The call to prayer, known as the Adhan, reminds Muslims throughout the day to pause from their daily activities and remember Allah (The Glorified and Exalted).
A translation of the Adhan is:
Allah is the Greatest. Allah is the Greatest.
Allah is the Greatest. Allah is the Greatest.
I bear witness that there is no god worthy of worship except Allah.
I bear witness that there is no god worthy of worship except Allah.
I bear witness that Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is the Messenger of Allah.
I bear witness that Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is the Messenger of Allah.
Come to prayer. Come to prayer.
Come to success. Come to success.
Allah is the Greatest. Allah is the Greatest.
There is no god worthy of worship except Allah.
The Third Pillar: Zakat (Obligatory Charity)
One of the fundamental principles of Islam is that everything belongs to Allah (The Glorified and Exalted). Whatever wealth people possess is a trust from Him. Zakat purifies a person's wealth and reminds Muslims to care for those who are less fortunate.
Each eligible Muslim gives a portion of his or her wealth each year to those who qualify to receive it. For most Muslims, this is 2.5% of their accumulated wealth after meeting the required conditions.
In addition to Zakat, Muslims are encouraged to give Sadaqah, which is voluntary charity. This may include money, food, clothing, or even simple acts of kindness.
Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
"Even meeting your brother with a cheerful face is charity."
He also said:
"Charity is a necessity for every Muslim."
When asked what someone should do if they had nothing to give, Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) replied that they should work honestly, help those in need, encourage others to do good, and if they could do nothing else, they should refrain from harming others—for even that is a form of charity.
The Fourth Pillar: Fasting During Ramadan
Every year during the blessed month of Ramadan, Muslims fast each day from dawn until sunset. During the fast they refrain from food, drink, and marital relations as an act of worship and obedience to Allah (The Glorified and Exalted).
Those who are ill, elderly, traveling, pregnant, nursing, or physically unable to fast are given allowances according to Islamic teachings.
While fasting has physical benefits, its greatest purpose is spiritual. It teaches patience, self-discipline, gratitude, and compassion for those who struggle with hunger. It also helps believers strengthen their relationship with Allah (The Glorified and Exalted) through increased worship, charity, remembrance, and recitation of the Holy Qur'an.
The Fifth Pillar: Hajj (Pilgrimage)
Hajj is the annual pilgrimage to the sacred city of Makkah and is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Every Muslim who is physically and financially able is required to perform Hajj at least once in a lifetime.
Each year, millions of Muslims from every race, nationality, and culture gather together to worship Allah (The Glorified and Exalted). During Hajj, all pilgrims wear simple garments that remove distinctions of wealth, status, and nationality, demonstrating that all people are equal before Allah (The Glorified and Exalted).
The rites of Hajj follow the traditions established by Prophet Ibrahim (peace and blessings be upon him). Pilgrims circle the Ka'bah, walk between the hills of Safa and Marwah in remembrance of Hajar (peace and blessings be upon her) searching for water for her son Prophet Isma'il (peace and blessings be upon him), and stand on the plain of 'Arafah, praying to Allah (The Glorified and Exalted) for mercy and forgiveness.
The pilgrimage concludes with Eid al-Adha, a celebration that commemorates the devotion, obedience, and sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (peace and blessings be upon him) and his complete submission to the command of Allah (The Glorified and Exalted).
Does Islam Respect People of Other Faiths?
Yes. Islam teaches Muslims to deal with people of all faiths with justice, kindness, and respect. The Holy Qur'an teaches that Muslims should treat others fairly so long as they are not being persecuted or prevented from practicing their religion.
"Allah does not forbid you from dealing kindly and justly with those who have neither fought nor driven you out of your homes. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly."
(Holy Qur'an 60:8)
Throughout history, people of different faiths lived under Muslim rule while continuing to practice their own religions. Islam recognizes the rights of others to worship according to their beliefs and teaches Muslims to uphold justice for everyone.
One famous example occurred when 'Umar ibn Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) entered Jerusalem. When invited to pray inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, he respectfully declined because he feared future generations might use his prayer there as a reason to convert the church into a mosque. Instead, he prayed outside, demonstrating Islam's respect for the places of worship of other faiths.
What Do Muslims Believe About Prophet 'Isa (Jesus) (peace and blessing be upon him)?
Muslims respect and revere Jesus (peace and blessings be upon him), and await his Second Coming. They consider him one of the greatest of Allah's messengers to mankind. A Muslim never refers to him simply as 'Jesus', but always adds the phrase (peace and blessings be upon him). The Quran confirms his virgin birth (a chapter of the Quran is entitled 'Mary'), and Mary is considered the purest woman in all creation. The Quran describes the Annunciation as follows:
'Behold!' the Angel said, 'God has chosen you, and purified you, and chosen you above the women of all nations. O Mary, God gives you good news of a word from Him, whose name shall be the Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, honored in this world and the Hereafter, and one of those brought near to God. He shall speak to the people from his cradle and in maturity, and shall be of the righteous.'
She said: 'O my Lord! How shall I have a son when no man has touched me?' He said: 'Even so; God creates what He will. When He decrees a thing, He says to it, "Be!" and it is.' (Quran, 3:42-7)
Jesus was born miraculously through the same power which had brought Adam into being without a father:
Truly, the likeness of Jesus (peace and blessings be upon him) with God is as the likeness of Adam (peace and blessings be upon him). He created him of dust, and then said to him, 'Be!' and he was. (Quran, 3:59)
During his prophetic mission, Jesus (peace and blessings be upon him) performed many miracles. The Quran tells us that he said:
I have come to you with a sign from your Lord: I make for you out of clay, as it were, the figure of a bird, and breathe into it and it becomes a bird by God's leave. And I heal the blind, and the lepers and I raise the dead by God's leave. (Quran, 3:49)
Neither Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) nor Jesus (peace and blessings be upon him) came to change the basic doctrine of the belief in One God, brought by earlier prophets, but to confirm and renew it. In the Quran Jesus (peace and blessings be upon him) is reported as saying that he came:
To attest the law which was before me. And to make lawful to you part of what was forbidden you; I have come to you with a sign from your Lord, so fear God and obey Me. (Quran, 3:50)
The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
Whoever believes there is no god but God, alone without partner, that Muhammad is His messenger, that Jesus is the servant and messenger of God, His word breathed into Mary and a spirit emanating from Him, and that Paradise and Hell are true, shall be received by God into Heaven. (Hadith from Bukhari)
Why Is Family So Important in Islam?
The family is the foundation of a healthy society. Islam teaches that love, respect, responsibility, and compassion begin at home. Strong families build strong communities.
Children are commanded to honor and care for their parents, while parents are instructed to raise their children with wisdom, mercy, and good character.
The Holy Qur'an says:
"Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him, and that you show kindness to your parents. If one or both of them reach old age while with you, do not even say 'uff' to them, nor rebuke them, but speak to them with gracious words."
(Holy Qur'an 17:23)
A peaceful home built upon faith and mutual respect is one of the greatest blessings granted by Allah (The Glorified and Exalted).
What Does Islam Teach About Women?
Islam teaches that men and women are equal in their value before Allah (The Glorified and Exalted) and that both are responsible for their faith and their actions.
The Holy Qur'an says:
"Indeed, the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous among you."
(Holy Qur'an 49:13)
Islam grants women the right to own property, earn income, inherit wealth, conduct business, and keep their own family name after marriage. A woman's mahr (marriage gift) belongs to her alone and cannot be taken from her.
Both men and women are instructed to dress modestly, lower their gaze, and treat one another with dignity and respect.
Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
"The best of you are those who are best to their wives."
Can a Muslim Have More Than One Wife?
Islam permits a Muslim man to marry more than one wife only under strict conditions of justice and fairness.
The Holy Qur'an states:
"...Marry women of your choice, two, three, or four. But if you fear that you cannot deal justly with them, then marry only one..."
(Holy Qur'an 4:3)
Because treating multiple wives with complete justice is a serious responsibility, many Muslim men have only one wife.
Is Marriage a Sacred Commitment in Islam?
Marriage is regarded as one of the most important relationships in Islam. It is a sacred covenant based on faith, love, mercy, trust, and mutual responsibility.
Neither a man nor a woman may be forced into marriage against his or her will. Both have the right to accept or reject a marriage proposal.
Although Islam allows divorce when every sincere effort at reconciliation has failed, it is considered a last resort after patience, counseling, and attempts to preserve the marriage.
The Holy Qur'an describes the relationship between husband and wife by saying:
"And among His signs is that He created for you spouses from among yourselves so that you may find tranquility in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy. Indeed, in that are signs for people who reflect."
(Holy Qur'an 30:21)
Islamic Marriage Compared to Christian Marriage
Islamic marriage is not viewed as a sacrament in the same way it is in Christianity. Instead, it is a legal contract (nikah) that allows either partner to propose and include specific conditions.
This flexibility means marriage customs can vary significantly across different cultures and countries.
Divorce is permitted in Islam as a last resort but is generally discouraged. Importantly, no Muslim woman can be forced into marriage against her will—her family may suggest suitable matches, but her consent is essential.
How Muslims Care for the Elderly
In traditional Muslim societies, there are typically no nursing homes or old people’s facilities in the same sense as in the West. Caring for aging parents is considered a profound honor, a blessing, and a key opportunity for spiritual growth. Islam emphasizes treating parents with utmost compassion and selflessness, remembering how they cared for their children when they were young and helpless. Mothers, in particular, hold a very high status—the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught that “Paradise lies at the feet of mothers.”
Serving one’s parents is a religious duty second only to prayer. The Quran explicitly commands kindness and respect:
“Your Lord has commanded that you worship none but Him, and be kind to parents. If either or both of them reach old age with you, do not say ‘uff’ to them or chide them, but speak to them in terms of honor and kindness. Treat them with humility, and say, ‘My Lord! Have mercy on them, for they did care for me when I was little.’” (Quran 17:23-24)
Expressing irritation toward elderly parents, even when they become difficult, is considered highly inappropriate.
Muslim Perspectives on Death
Like Jews and Christians, Muslims believe this life is a temporary test preparing us for the eternal life to come.
Core beliefs include the Day of Judgment, bodily resurrection, Heaven, and Hell.
When a Muslim dies, the body is washed (usually by family members), wrapped in a simple white shroud, and buried as soon as possible, ideally the same day, accompanied by prayers. This process is seen as one of the final acts of service to the deceased and a reminder of our own mortality.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) taught that three things continue to benefit a person after death: ongoing charity they established, beneficial knowledge they left behind, and prayers offered by righteous children.
What Does Islam Say About War?
Islam permits fighting in self-defense, to protect religious freedom, or to aid those who have been unjustly expelled from their homes. It imposes strict ethical rules on warfare, including prohibitions against harming civilians, women, children, the elderly, and against destroying crops, trees, or livestock.
The Quran states:
“Fight in the cause of God against those who fight you, but do not transgress limits. God does not love transgressors.” (2:190)
“If they seek peace, then seek you peace. And trust in God, for He is the One that hears and knows all things.” (8:61)
War is regarded as a last resort, governed by rigorous rules under Islamic law. The term jihad primarily means “struggle” or “striving.” While it can include defensive military action, the greater jihad refers to the inner struggle against one’s own ego, desires, and selfishness in pursuit of spiritual growth and inner peace.
Dietary Guidelines in Islam
Islamic dietary laws are relatively straightforward compared to Jewish kosher rules. They prohibit the consumption of pork and all intoxicating substances (alcohol and drugs).
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) emphasized that the body has rights over the person, making healthy eating and lifestyle choices religious obligations. He also taught: “Ask God for certainty [of faith] and well-being; for after certainty, no one is given any gift better than health.”
Human Rights in Islam
The Quran affirms freedom of conscience with the clear statement:
“There is no compulsion in religion” (2:256).
In an Islamic society, the life and property of every citizen—Muslim or non-Muslim—are considered sacred. Racism is fundamentally incompatible with Islam. The Quran teaches universal human equality:
“O mankind! We created you from a single soul, male and female, and made you into nations and tribes, so that you may come to know one another. Truly, the most honored of you in God’s sight is the greatest of you in piety. God is All-Knowing, All-Aware.” (49:13)
Islam in the United States
American Muslims are highly diverse—converts and immigrants, professionals, blue-collar workers, and entrepreneurs all contribute to the fabric of the nation. This community is united by shared faith and supported by a nationwide network of mosques and Islamic centers.
Muslims have deep historical roots in America. Thousands arrived as enslaved Africans in the 17th and 18th centuries. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Arab, Eastern European, and other Muslim immigrants settled in industrial cities. The first Albanian mosque opened in Maine in 1915, and a Polish Muslim community established one in Brooklyn in 1928. The Washington Islamic Center was founded in 1947 during the Truman administration, with more organizations emerging in the 1950s.
Today, the Diyanet Center of America in Lanham, Maryland, serves the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Its beautiful mosque reflects classical Ottoman architecture. Estimates place the current U.S. Muslim population at several million, making it one of the most dynamic and growing faith communities in the country.
The Global Muslim Community
The worldwide Muslim population exceeds one billion people (with more recent estimates significantly higher). Muslims live across every continent, with large populations in the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Arab world. Significant minorities exist in Europe, North America, Latin America, and elsewhere. Turkey, Iran, and Afghanistan represent important centers in the non-Arab Muslim world.
Despite cultural diversity, Muslims are united by core beliefs and the Quran’s message of human dignity and equality:
“O mankind! We created you from a single soul, male and female, and made you into nations and tribes, so that you may come to know one another. Truly, the most honored of you in God’s sight is the greatest of you in piety. God is All-Knowing, All-Aware.” (Quran 49:13)
This rewrite maintains the original spirit and key teachings while improving clarity, flow, and modern readability. Let me know if you'd like any section expanded, shortened, or adjusted further!