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ISLAM 101

Basics of Islam

Islam: Submission to the will of God
Muslim: One who submits their will to God
Holy Book: The Holy Quran (the words of God) 
Hadith: The teachings of Prophet Muhammad PBUH, the final messenger 
Place of Worship: Masjid/Mosque

The Five Pillars of Islam:          

1. Shahada/Proclamation of Faith: There is no God but Allah SWT, and Prophet Muhammad PBUH is his finalmessenger. (La ilaha ilAllah Muhammadur RasulAllah)
2. Salat/Prayer: Praying five times a day towards the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca- obligatory
- Fajr
- Dhuhr 
- Asr 
- Maghrib
- Isha

3. Sawm/Fasting: Fasting during the month of Ramadan from sunrise to sunset
Obligatory unless pregnant, ill, old, menstruating

4. Zakah/Charity or Almsgiving: Giving a portion of our wealth (2.5% income) to the needy yearly. 

5. Hajj/Pilgrimage: Spiritual journey to Makkah at least once in life if you have the means 
5 Pillars

    The Pillars of Imaan/Faith:

    Belief in the oneness of God 
    Malaaikah: Belief in the angels 
    Kutubih: Belief in God’s revealed books for the guidance of mankind (Quran to Prophet Muhammad, Bible to Isa( Jesus), Torah (to Moses), Psalms to David (Daood)). 
    Rusulih: Beliefs in all of the messengers of God 
    Belief in Yawm il Qiyamah (the Day of Judgment)
    Belief in Al-Qadr/Taqdeer (Predestination)

    Quran Revelation: 
    • The Holy Quran was revealed by Angel Gabriel to the Prophet Mohammed. The initial word revealed by Angel Jibreel (Gabriel) to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was "Iqra/اقرا," signifying "Read." In contrast to common misconceptions, Islam places significant emphasis on the acquisition of knowledge for all adherents, regardless of gender, underscoring the importance of learning.