Islam FAQ
The following are some common questions posed by individuals who want to learn more about Isla
What is Islam?
Islam is not a new religion. It is the same truth that God revealed to all His prophets throughout history. The word "Islam" (related to the word salam, peace) means to surrender, or to join. Islam is to worship only one God and to be at peace with your brother
Who are Muslims and what do they believe?
There are an estimated 1.2 billion Muslims worldwide. No more than 20 percent of Muslims live in the Arabic-speaking world. The country with the largest Muslim population is Indonesia. Muslims believe in One, Unique, and Incomparable God. They believe in the Day of Judgement and individual accountability for actions. Muslims believe in a chain of prophets beginning with Adam and including Noah, Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Job, Moses, David, Solomon, Elijah, Elisha, Zechariah, John, and Jesus. God’s eternal message was reaffirmed and finalized by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be on them all). One becomes a Muslim by bearing witness, “There is no god but God, and Muhammad is the servant and messenger of God.” By this declaration, the person declares faith in all of God’s messengers.
Who is Allah?
Very often, one will here the Arabic word “Allah” being used in regards to Islam. The word “Allah” is simply the Arabic word for Almighty God, and is the same word used by Arabic speaking Christians and Jews. If one were to pick up an Arabic translation of the Bible, one would see the word “Allah” being use where the word “God” is used in English. The Arabic word for Almighty God, “Allah”, is quite similar to the word for God in other Semitic languages—for example, the Hebrew word for God is “Elah”
Our Lord God, we ask You by every name that belongs to You--every name You have given to Yourself; or sent down in Your scripture; or taught to any of your servants; or kept as a secret known only to You--make Your word the springtime in our hearts and the light in our breasts, and wash away with it our worries and our troubles. Amen.
Our Lord God, we ask You by every name that belongs to You--every name You have given to Yourself; or sent down in Your scripture; or taught to any of your servants; or kept as a secret known only to You--make Your word the springtime in our hearts and the light in our breasts, and wash away with it our worries and our troubles. Amen.
What is the Quran?
The Quran is the record of the exact words revealed by God through the Angel Gabriel to the Prophet Muhammad. It was memorized by Muhammad and then dictated to his companions. The text of the Quran was cross-checked during the life of the Prophet. The 114 chapters of the Quran have remained unchanged through the centuries.
What are the "Five Pillars" of Islam?
- The Testimony of Faith –"There is no god but God, and Muhammad is the servant and messenger of God.”
- Prayer – Muslims offer five prayers each day.
- Giving regular charity.
- Fasting – Every year in the Islamic lunar month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from first light until sunset.
- Pilgrimage – A pilgrimage to Mecca, or Hajj, once in a lifetime, for those who are physically or financially able.
Who is Muhammad?
Muhammad, was born in Mecca in the year 570, at a time when Christianity was not yet fully established in Europe. Since his father died before his birth, and his mother shortly afterwards, he was raised by his uncle from the respected tribe of Quraysh. As he grew up, he became known for his truthfulness, generosity and sincerity, so that he was sought after for his ability to arbitrate in disputes. The historians describe him as calm and meditative.
Muhammad was of a deeply religious nature, and had long detested the decadence of his society. It became his habit to meditate from time to time in the Cave of Hira near the summit of Jabal al-Nur, the ‘Mountain of Light’ near Makkah. At the age of 40, while engaged in a meditative retreat, Muhammad received his first revelation from God through the Angel Gabriel. This revelation, which continued for twenty-three years, is known as the Quran. The Mountain of Light where Gabriel came to Prophet Muhammad.
As soon as he began to recite the words he heard from Gabriel, and to preach the truth which God had revealed to him, he and his small group of followers suffered bitter persecution, which grew so fierce that in the year 622 God gave them the command to emigrate. This event, the Hijra, ‘migration’, in which they left Makkah for the city of Madinah some 260 miles to the north, marks the beginning of the Muslim calendar.
After several years, the Prophet and his followers were able to return to Mecca, where they forgave their enemies and established Islam definitively. Before the Prophet died at the age of 63, the greater part of Arabia was Muslim, and within a century of his death Islam had spread to Spain in the West and as far East as China
Muhammad was of a deeply religious nature, and had long detested the decadence of his society. It became his habit to meditate from time to time in the Cave of Hira near the summit of Jabal al-Nur, the ‘Mountain of Light’ near Makkah. At the age of 40, while engaged in a meditative retreat, Muhammad received his first revelation from God through the Angel Gabriel. This revelation, which continued for twenty-three years, is known as the Quran. The Mountain of Light where Gabriel came to Prophet Muhammad.
As soon as he began to recite the words he heard from Gabriel, and to preach the truth which God had revealed to him, he and his small group of followers suffered bitter persecution, which grew so fierce that in the year 622 God gave them the command to emigrate. This event, the Hijra, ‘migration’, in which they left Makkah for the city of Madinah some 260 miles to the north, marks the beginning of the Muslim calendar.
After several years, the Prophet and his followers were able to return to Mecca, where they forgave their enemies and established Islam definitively. Before the Prophet died at the age of 63, the greater part of Arabia was Muslim, and within a century of his death Islam had spread to Spain in the West and as far East as China
How Widespread is Islam in America?
There are an estimated 7 million Muslims in America. The Muslim community in America is made up of people from a wide variety of ethnic backgrounds and national origins. There are almost 2,000 mosques, Islamic schools and Islamic centers in America. Muslims are active in all walks of life. Islam is one of the fastest growing religions in this country and around the world.
In our congregation in Charlottesville, we have had members from over 30 different nationalities--glory be to God.
In our congregation in Charlottesville, we have had members from over 30 different nationalities--glory be to God.
More Information
If you are new to Islam or have any questions about the basics of Islam, click on the links below. They will take you to information packed websites, which will answer many of your questions.
If you want an answer to a specific question, please feel free to email our Imam, Abd'Llah Al-Ansari, at [email protected].
- A Brief Illustrated Guide to Understanding Islam
- Why Islam? - Multiple facilities for non-Muslims to interact, discuss and ask questions on Islam.
- What is Islam? - Understanding Islam and Muslims
- Share Islam - Opening bridges to understanding with all faiths.
- Islam Web - The aim of this site is to provide the viewing community substantial knowledge about Islam, particularly the non-Muslim who may need clarification of common distortions of the media and misrepresentations of ill-informed followers.
If you want an answer to a specific question, please feel free to email our Imam, Abd'Llah Al-Ansari, at [email protected].