What is Islam?
Islam is a world religion with over a billion followers. For many, it is known through news and media – but fewer have received a calm explanation of what Muslims actually believe.
The word Islam
The word «Islam» comes from Arabic and means peace, submission, and living in harmony with God's will. A person who practices Islam is called a Muslim – «one who submits to God».
Islam is not just a set of rules. It is a holistic way of understanding life, humanity, and God.
Belief in One God
The core of Islam is belief in One God – called Allah in Arabic. This is the same God that Jews and Christians believe in, although understandings of God may differ.
Muslims believe that God is one, without equal, all-knowing, and merciful. Everything in the universe is created by Him.
The prophets and the message
Muslims believe that God sent prophets to humanity throughout history – including Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad. The prophets carried messages of faith, morality, and justice.
Muhammad is regarded as the final prophet in Islam, but Muslims have deep respect for all prophets who came before him.
A religion for everyday life
Islam includes prayer, fasting during Ramadan, charity, and ethical guidelines for how to treat others. But it is equally about inner faith, gratitude, and meaning in life.
Muslims live out their faith in many different ways – just as in other religions.
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Explore faith, Jesus in Islam, or ask a question if something is unclear.