Islam FAQs

What does the word “Islam” mean? It means submission to the will of God. Islam is known for being a religion of peace, is actually a religion that understands human nature. Islam is the second largest religion in the world with about 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide.
Who are Muslims? Followers of Islam.
Who does Muslims worship? Muslims are monotheistic and worship one God, who in Arabic is known as Allah.
Where do Muslims pray? They worship in Mosques. Men and women pray separately.
What is the holy text of Islam? The Quran. The book is written with Allah as the first person, speaking through angel Gabriel to Muhammad. It contains 114 chapters, which are called surahs.
Is there any other texts of Islam? The Hadith is another important book. It’s a collection of traditions that has sayings of the prophet Muhammad with accounts of his daily practice (the Sunna). It’s a major source of guidance for Muslims apart from the Quran.
Why is Arabic so important in Islam? Quran is written in Arabic, the language in which it was revealed, the direct word of God. Therefore, all Muslims, regardless of their native language, memorize and recite the Quran in Arabic, whether they fully understand this language or not. Also, when Muslims pray they do so in Arabic. Until modern times, the Quran was printed in Arabic only, but it is also available in translations now.
How do Muslims worship Allah? By praying and reciting the Quran. They believe that there will be a day of judgment, and life after death.
What is the goal of Muslims in their life? They aim to live a life of complete submission to Allah. They believe that nothing can happen without Allah’s permission.
Which prophet do Muslims believe in? They believe that several prophets were sent to teach Allah’s law. Some of these prophets include Abraham, Moses, Noah and Jesus. But Muhammad was the final prophet sent by Allah to reveal their faith to mankind.
More about Prophet Muhammad? Muhammad was born in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, in 570 A.D. According to Islamic texts and tradition, an angel named Gabriel visited Muhammad in 610 A.D. while he was meditating in a cave. The angel ordered Muhammad to recite the words of Allah. Muhammad began preaching throughout Mecca the messages he received. He taught that there was no other God but Allah and that Muslims should devote their lives to this God. Muslims believe that Muhammad continued to receive revelations from Allah throughout the rest of his life.
What are some important Islamic holy places? The Kaaba shrine in Mecca, the Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem, and the Prophet Muhammad’s mosque in Medina.
What are the Muslim holidays? There are two major holidays. Eid al-Adha, celebrates the Prophet Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son for Allah. Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan which is the holy month of fasting.
What are the core beliefs that unite all Muslims? There are five pillars of Islam that unites all Muslims. First, Shahada, declaration of faith in Allah and belief in Muhammad. Second, Salat, pray five times a day (at dawn, noon, afternoon, sunset, and evening). Third, Zakat, an individual and communal responsibility to give to those in need. Fourth, Fasting during Ramadan, the month in which the first revelation of the Quran came to Muhammad. Fifth, Hajj, make a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once during a person’s lifetime.
Are women second-class citizens in Islam? The Quran declares that men and women are equal in the eyes of God; man and woman were created to be equal parts of a pair. The revelation of Islam raised the status of women by prohibiting female infanticide, putting an end to women’s status as property, establishing women’s legal capacity, granting women the right to receive their own dowry, changing marriage from a ownership to a contractual relationship, and allowing women to retain control over their property and use their maiden name after marriage. The Quran also granted women financial maintenance from their husbands and free ability to divorce.
Why do some Muslim women cover their heads? It’s a religious obligation for Muslim women. Women who choose to cover their hair do so for their own spiritual connection. It’s part of being a true believer.
What is the head scarf called? Hijab. The term hijab is actually a way that a Muslim women should carry herself in her everyday life. So, hijab is more than just a headscarf or a piece of cloth over the head. It’s a full embodiment of modesty. It’s a code of both behavioral and dressing ethics, applying to men and women alike. It’s a combination of how you speak, behave and treat others in addition to how you present yourself to the world through what you wear.
Is it compulsory for all women to wear hijab? It is an order from the Creator. But Islam encourages understanding and acknowledge pure intentions. Therefore, hijab is not enforced on others.
Is Muslim men required to cover up? Yes the Quran instructs both Muslim men and women to dress in a modest way. Muslim men are also encouraged to dress in an appropriate attire.
What does the word halal or haram mean? Halal is a Arabic word for permissible. Haram is an Arabic word for forbidden in Islam.
Is dating allowed in Islam? why or why not? In Islam, a halal way of dating means getting parents or a third party involved early on with the intention of marriage; abstaining from casual dates, hookups and sex. It is very different from Western practices because it’s difficult to avoid Zina (fornication) during the process of dating. It is why scholars say no to dating in Islam because they know what it means and the dangers that come hand in hand with it.
What does the Quran says about forgiveness? Allah SWT knows that humans are prone to sinning and so we do. Allah encourages Muslims to ask Him for forgiveness. Quran declares, “Oh son of Adam, so long as you call upon Me, and ask of Me, I shall forgive you for what you have done. If your sins were to reach the clouds of the sky and you ask for forgiveness of Me, I would forgive you.”