Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world, founded by the holy prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) nearly 1,400 years ago in Arabia, through a revelation from Allah (God).
Followers of Islam are called Muslims. The word "Islam" is derived from the Arabic root, SALEMA, purely meaning obedience and peace.
Just like every other religion, Islam also has a holy book. The holy book of Islam is the Holy Qu'ran, and has never been changed since it was revealed.
The word Qu'ran means "something that is often read or recited." The holy book has been revealed in Arabic. It was revealed to the prophet Muhammad over a period of 23 years. The Holy Qu'ran is divided into 30 parts and 114 chapters.
The religion of Islam has sets of beliefs and different acts of worship. The sets of beliefs are called the "Six Articles of Faith."
The first belief is to believe in the oneness of God. Muslims worship only one God and believe that Allah is the creator and controller of all the worlds.
The second is to believe in the angels of God. Angels are spiritual beings who carry out tasks that Allah has given them.
Third is to believe in the books of God. These books include the Torah, Psalms, Gospels and The Holy Quran.
Fourth is to believe in the prophets of God. Prophets are chosen by God to guide humans onto the right path and bring them closer to God.
Fifth is to believe in the last day, the Day of Judgment. On the Day of Judgment, everyone will answer only for what they have done and will be judged based on their deeds.
The sixth is to believe in the decree of God, which is to believe in those things that humans have no control over.
The acts of worship that are followed by Muslims are called the "Five pillars of Islam." They are Kalima, Salat, Zakat, Fasting and Hajj.
Kalima is the declaration that "There is none worthy of worship but Allah, and that Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is his messenger." Salat is to offer the five daily prayers. Zakat is the obligatory alms with a prescribed rate. Fasting is to fast each day during the month of Ramadan. Lastly is Hajj, which is pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, at least once in one's lifetime if possible.
-- Anoshia Ahmed is a member of the Muslim community in Calgary. For more information about Islam, feel free to contact Shahrukh Abid at 403-389-3768 or email at [email protected].
