Core Beliefs (Imaan)
Faith in Islam is built on these six beliefs:
- Belief in Allah: The one and only God, who is merciful, loving, and just.
- Belief in Angels: Spiritual beings who carry out Allah’s commands.
- Belief in the Divine Books: Including the Qur’an, revealed as guidance for humanity.
- Belief in Prophets: Messengers sent by Allah, from Adam to Muhammad (ﷺ).
- Belief in the Day of Judgment: When every soul will be held accountable for its deeds.
- Belief in Qadr (Divine Decree): Trusting that Allah’s plan is perfect, even when we don’t understand it.
The Five Pillars of Islam
These are the core practices every Muslim follows:
- Shahada (Testimony of Faith): The declaration that there is no god but Allah and Muhammad (ﷺ) is His Messenger. It is the foundation of belief and the first step in becoming a Muslim.
- Salah (Prayer): Muslims pray five times a day to connect with Allah. Each prayer is a beautiful moment of reflection, gratitude, and submission. Don’t worry if you can’t pray perfectly at first—just start with what you know and grow from there.
- Zakat (Charity): Giving a portion of your wealth (if eligible) to those in need. This act purifies your wealth and helps build a compassionate community.
- Sawm (Fasting during Ramadan): Fasting from dawn to sunset during the holy month of Ramadan. It teaches self-discipline, gratitude, and empathy for those less fortunate.
- Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca): A once-in-a-lifetime journey to Mecca, if you are physically and financially able, to commemorate the devotion of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his family.
The Qur’an
The Qur’an is Allah’s final revelation to humanity. It is a source of guidance, comfort, and wisdom.
- Start Small: Begin with shorter surahs (chapters) and use a good translation to understand their meaning.
- Listen to Recitation: Apps and online resources make it easy to hear the Qur’an in its original Arabic.
*This guide also contains links to in-depth Qur’an study notes as well as resources to help you pursue you own study of the Qur’an.
The Sunnah
The Sunnah refers to the teachings and practices of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). It complements the Qur’an and helps us understand how to live as Muslims.
- Example: The Sunnah teaches daily habits, from how to greet others to how to eat and pray.
A Note on Perfection
You’re not expected to know or do everything perfectly right away. Islam is about progress, not perfection. Take small, meaningful steps, and trust that Allah appreciates every effort you make.
