Being Muslim

1. Islam: A comprehensive way of life centered on surrendering to God

"Islam is a lifestyle that illuminates every aspect of the otherwise mundane enterprise of life."

A complete system. Islam provides guidance for all spheres of human existence, from personal spirituality to social interactions and governance. It is not merely a set of beliefs or rituals, but a comprehensive framework for living in accordance with God's will.

Three dimensions. The religion encompasses three interconnected dimensions:

• Islam: Outward acts of devotion and surrender
• Iman: Inner beliefs and convictions
• Ihsan: Spiritual excellence and God-consciousness

Purpose and context. Islam teaches that humans were created to worship God and fulfill their role as His representatives on earth. This gives context and meaning to all aspects of life, transforming even mundane activities into acts of devotion when done with the right intention.

2. The five pillars: Core practices of Muslim devotion

"The five pillars of the dimension of islām: to state the Testimony of Faith, to pray the five daily prayers, to fast the month of Ramaḍān, to pay the purifying alms, and, if able, to make pilgrimage to Mecca once in a lifetime."

Shahada (Testimony of Faith). The declaration that "There is no god but God, and Muhammad is the messenger of God" marks entry into Islam and forms the foundation of Muslim belief.

Salah (Prayer). Muslims pray five times daily at prescribed times, facing Mecca. This regular communion with God serves as a spiritual anchor and reminder of one's purpose.

Zakat (Almsgiving). An annual charity given by those who meet the wealth threshold, purifying one's wealth and supporting the needy in society.

Sawm (Fasting). Muslims fast from dawn to sunset during the month of Ramadan, cultivating self-discipline, empathy, and spiritual awareness.

Hajj (Pilgrimage). Those who are able must make a pilgrimage to Mecca once in their lifetime, participating in rituals that commemorate prophetic history and symbolize unity and equality before God.

3. Iman: Six articles of faith forming the foundation of Islamic belief

"We have created man in the finest state, then reduced him to the lowest of the low, but those who believe and do good deeds will have an unfailing reward."

Belief in God (Allah). Islam emphasizes absolute monotheism, affirming God's unity, transcendence, and unique attributes.

Belief in Angels. Unseen beings created from light, serving as God's messengers and carrying out various functions in creation.

Belief in Divine Books. Accepting all divinely revealed scriptures, while affirming the Quran as the final, preserved revelation.

Belief in Prophets. Respecting all of God's messengers, with Muhammad as the final prophet for all humanity.

Belief in the Day of Judgment. Affirming accountability in the afterlife, with eternal reward or punishment based on one's faith and deeds.

Belief in Divine Decree. Accepting that everything happens by God's will and knowledge, while affirming human free will and responsibility.

4. The Prophet Muhammad: The final messenger and perfect example

"The Messenger of God is an excellent model for those of you who put your hope in God and the Last Day and remember Him often."

Life and mission. Born in Mecca in 570 CE, Muhammad received divine revelation at age 40, preaching monotheism and social justice. He faced persecution, migrated to Medina, established the first Muslim community, and ultimately returned victoriously to Mecca, exemplifying mercy and forgiveness.

Character and teachings. Known for his honesty, compassion, and wisdom, Muhammad's teachings emphasized:

• Worship of the One God
• Moral excellence and good character
• Social justice and equality
• Kindness to family, neighbors, and all creation
• Moderation and balance in all affairs

Legacy and example. Muslims strive to emulate the Prophet's character and follow his teachings (Sunnah) in all aspects of life, from worship to daily conduct and social interactions.

5. The Quran: God's eternal and preserved revelation

"We have sent down the most beautiful of all teachings: a Scripture that is consistent and draws comparisons; that causes the skin of those in awe of their Lord to shiver."

Divine origin. Muslims believe the Quran to be the literal word of God, revealed to Prophet Muhammad through the Angel Gabriel over 23 years.

Structure and content. Consisting of 114 chapters (surahs) of varying lengths, the Quran addresses:

• Theology and beliefs
• Moral and ethical teachings
• Legal rulings and social guidance
• Historical narratives and parables
• Descriptions of the afterlife

Preservation and impact. Memorized and written down during the Prophet's lifetime, the Quran has been perfectly preserved. Its linguistic beauty, wisdom, and spiritual power continue to move hearts and transform lives.

Guidance for all times. The Quran provides timeless principles that can be applied to new situations, offering guidance for personal, social, and spiritual development in every era.

6. Spiritual refinement: The path to purifying the heart

"The heart is the center of the soul (rūḥ), just as the physical heart is the center of the body."

Importance of the heart. In Islamic spirituality, the heart is seen as the locus of spiritual perception and the key to nearness to God. Purifying and refining the heart is essential for spiritual growth.

Process of refinement:

• Recognizing and removing spiritual diseases (e.g., envy, arrogance, greed)
• Cultivating virtues (e.g., sincerity, patience, gratitude)
• Practicing constant remembrance of God (dhikr)
• Self-reflection and accountability
• Seeking knowledge and applying it in one's life

Stages of the soul. Islamic tradition describes three stages of spiritual development:

1. The commanding soul (an-nafs al-ammarah): Dominated by base desires
2. The self-reproaching soul (an-nafs al-lawwamah): Aware of shortcomings and striving for improvement
3. The tranquil soul (an-nafs al-mutma'innah): At peace with God and aligned with His will

7. Islamic ethics: Guidelines for righteous living in all spheres

"The best among you are those who have the best character and best manners."

Foundation in revelation. Islamic ethics are derived from the Quran and the example of Prophet Muhammad, providing a divinely-guided framework for moral conduct.

Key principles:

• Justice and fairness in all dealings
• Honesty and trustworthiness
• Kindness and compassion towards all creation
• Modesty in dress and behavior
• Respect for parents and elders
• Fulfilling rights and responsibilities in social relationships
• Environmental stewardship

Comprehensive scope. Islamic ethics cover all aspects of life, including:

• Personal conduct and character development
• Family relationships and responsibilities
• Business transactions and economic ethics
• Social interactions and community welfare
• Political leadership and governance

8. Muslim community: Brotherhood, diversity, and social responsibilities

"The believers are but brothers, so make settlement between your brothers. And fear Allah that you may receive mercy."

Unity in diversity. The global Muslim community (Ummah) encompasses diverse cultures, ethnicities, and schools of thought, united by core beliefs and practices.

Brotherhood and sisterhood. Islam emphasizes the bonds of faith that transcend racial, ethnic, and national boundaries, encouraging mutual support and cooperation among believers.

Social responsibilities:

• Caring for the poor and needy
• Enjoining good and forbidding evil
• Seeking and spreading beneficial knowledge
• Reconciling disputes and promoting peace
• Defending the oppressed and standing for justice

Balancing individual and collective duties. While personal spiritual development is essential, Islam also emphasizes the importance of contributing to the welfare of the broader community and society.

9. Islamic history: From revelation to the spread of a global faith

"Indeed, We have sent you [O Muhammad] as a witness and a bringer of good tidings and a warner."

Prophetic era. The foundations of Islam were laid during the 23-year prophetic mission of Muhammad in Mecca and Medina, establishing a model Muslim community and state.

Rightly-guided Caliphs. The first four successors to the Prophet (Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali) oversaw the rapid expansion of the Muslim state and the preservation of Islamic teachings.

Golden Age of Islamic civilization. From the 8th to the 14th centuries, Muslim societies made significant contributions to science, philosophy, art, and culture, influencing global civilization.

Spread and diversity. Islam spread through trade, scholarship, and sometimes conquest, adapting to diverse cultures while maintaining core principles. Today, Muslims constitute a global community of over 1.8 billion people.

Contemporary challenges. Muslims face the task of preserving authentic teachings while engaging with modernity, addressing issues such as extremism, Islamophobia, and the need for reform and renewal in some areas.

Last updated: September 26, 2024