Its talked about every day, the news paints contradictory pictures, many are curious, but at the same time concerned about the actions of Muslims. This article will clear up the myths and misconceptions and allow all open minded people to appreciate what Islam really is.
There is merely a summary of the key points, or an overview of the central concepts within Islam so that someone who is not familiar with Islam can quickly see what Islam is all about, obviously there is more to it, but this should give the honest reader a great introduction to Islam.
Beliefs
There are many concepts that define what Islam is, we are going to focus on the core beliefs that make Islam what it is. These are quotes directly from the Quran and therefore the strongest evidence of Islam’s position.
Freedom of thought
2|256|There shall be no compulsion in religion; the right way has become distinct from the wrong way. Whoever renounces evil and believes in God has grasped the most trustworthy handle; which does not break. God is Hearing and Knowing.
Don’t follow the masses
2|170|And when it is said to them, “Follow what God has revealed,” they say, “We will follow what we found our ancestors following.” Even if their ancestors understood nothing, and were not guided?
Be just
4|135|O you who believe! Stand firmly for justice, as witnesses to God, even if against yourselves, or your parents, or your relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, God takes care of both. So do not follow your desires, lest you swerve. If you deviate, or turn away—then God is Aware of what you do.
5|8|O you who believe! Be upright to God, witnessing with justice; and let not the hatred of a certain people prevent you from acting justly. Adhere to justice, for that is nearer to piety; and fear God. God is informed of what you do.
Be truthful
Belief in One God
Practices
Prayer
29|45|Recite what is revealed to you of the Scripture, and perform the prayer. The prayer prevents indecencies and evils. And the remembrance of God is greater. And God knows what you do.
Fasting
Charity
Pilgrimage
2|125|And We made the House a focal point for the people, and a sanctuary. Use the shrine of Abraham as a place of prayer. And We commissioned Abraham and Ishmael, “Sanctify My House for those who circle around it, and those who seclude themselves in it, and those who kneel and prostrate.”
Do not Murder
6|151|Say, “Come, let me tell you what your Lord has forbidden you: that you associate nothing with Him; that you honor your parents; that you do not kill your children because of poverty—We provide for you and for them; that you do not come near indecencies, whether outward or inward; and that you do not kill the soul which God has sanctified—except in the course of justice. All this He has enjoined upon you, so that you may understand.”
5|32|Because of that We ordained for the Children of Israel: that whoever kills a person—unless it is for murder or corruption on earth—it is as if he killed the whole of mankind; and whoever saves it, it is as if he saved the whole of mankind. Our messengers came to them with clarifications, but even after that, many of them continue to commit excesses in the land.
People
Old Prophets may God bless them all.
3|84|Say, “We believe in God, and in what was revealed to us; and in what was revealed to Abraham, and Ishmael, and Isaac, and Jacob, and the Patriarchs; and in what was given to Moses, and Jesus, and the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and to Him we submit.”
Prophet Muhammad may God bless him.
Places
Ka’aba