Common Questions About Islam

Muslims do not worship Muhammad (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) or anything other than Allah alone. But rather they hold him in high esteem as the Final Prophet of Islam. The worship of any human being or anything other than Allah is strictly forbidden in Islam, which is based on the belief in the absolute oneness and transcendence of Allah (Exalted be He).

Muslims revere Muhammad because he delivered Allah’s final Message to humanity and lived an exemplary life that serves as a model for all believers. He demonstrated unwavering faith, wisdom, compassion, and integrity, among other qualities that make him a paramount figure in Islamic history. Muslims emulate his character and teachings through their daily lives, as detailed in the Sunnah. However, this does not mean that they elevate him to divine status or engage in any form of idolatry. Instead, Muhammad is seen as a Messenger who conveyed Allah’s Words and Commands without alteration or personal interpretation.

As a Messenger of Allah, Muhammad’s role was to convey the divine message and guide people to the right path toward salvation. The concept of dying for sins is not in line with Islamic beliefs because every individual is responsible for their own deeds and will be held accountable for them on the Day of Judgment. The Qur'an clearly states that “no soul shall bear the burden of another,” (53:38) and thus, it was not necessary for Muhammad or anyone else to sacrifice themselves for the sins of others. Moreover, Islam teaches that Allah (Exalted be He) is most Merciful and Forgiving, and repentance is always welcomed by Him. 

Hence, Muslims are encouraged to seek forgiveness directly from Allah through sincere repentance rather than relying on someone else’s atonement. In short, Muhammad did not die for Muslim’s sins because it goes against Islamic faith and principles of individual responsibility and divine mercy.

 

 

In Islam, it is inappropriate to make direct comparisons or rank the prophets or messengers of Allah, including Jesus (`Isa in Arabic) and Muhammad (peace be upon them). Both Jesus and Muhammad (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) are highly revered figures in Islam, and each has a unique role and significance in the Islamic faith.


During recent years, there has been a surge in the number of people converting to Islam. This can be attributed to a variety of factors. Islam offers a clear and concise set of beliefs and practices that guide how one should lead their life. In an increasingly complex world, many people are turning towards Islam that offers clarity and direction. 

Additionally, Islam has been portrayed positively by many Islamic scholars who have emphasized the religion’s peaceful message and its emphasis on social justice. The rise of social media platforms has also played a crucial role in spreading awareness about Islam to audiences worldwide, making it more accessible for those seeking knowledge about the Islamic faith. This is why many people have recently embraced Islam, and this trend is expected to continue in upcoming times.

Asking who created Allah Almighty is considered meaningless and illogical since the concept of causality only applies to the material world. Islam asserts that Allah has no parents or offspring because it contradicts His Nature as an Eternal, Non-Created, Self-Sufficient Being, without beginning or end. The Quran emphasizes that there is nothing like unto Allah nor has anyone the power to see Him. This indicates that Allah transcends human perception and cannot be equated with anything. Therefore, Islamic scholars stress that Allah (Glorified be He) can be known through His Attributes and Actions instead of trying to comprehend His Essence or Origin.

In Islam, Allah is regarded as the Sole Creator and Sustainer of the universe. He existed before time, space, matter, and all other creations came into existence. According to the Islamic religion, Allah is Self-Sufficient and does not require any external source or help or support to maintain His existence or cause His existence. 

Islam (lit. voluntary surrender or submission) means to fully submit to the Will and Law of Allah. It has the same root (S-L-M) as the Arabic words Salam (peace) and Salamah (safety, security). As is clear from the connection between the words, only by submitting to one’s Creator and living according to His Divinely revealed Law can a human attain true peace.

The word Islam, therefore, is descriptive of a state of mind and an attitude to life, not a name that derives from a specific man or nation. It is a whole way of living, thinking, and acting that Allah has ordained for mankind, described with the Quranic precept of: {It is You (alone) we worship, and You (alone) we ask for help.} (Quran 1:5) 

Converting to Islam requires significant contemplation, study, and a genuine desire to embrace the Islamic faith. One should start by researching the fundamental beliefs of Islam, its practices, and its history. This can be done through reading available literature, attending lectures, or consulting with knowledgeable individuals. The next step is to recite the Shahada, which is the declaration of faith in Islam. This entails affirming that there is no god worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) is His Prophet. 

It is also essential to perform Islamic acts of worship such as prayer, fasting during Ramadan, giving Zakat (obligatory charity), and making a pilgrimage to Makkah if the Muslim is physically and financially able to undertake the journey. Joining an Islamic community can significantly aid in one’s conversion as it provides moral support and guidance for new members. Ultimately, sincere commitment and adherence are crucial in embracing the religion fully.

The five pillars of Islam are the fundamental practices that every Muslim must follow. The first pillar is Shahadah, which is the declaration of faith in Allah and Prophet Muhammad. The second pillar is Salah, referring to the obligatory prayers performed five times a day. The third pillar is Zakah, meaning giving alms or charity. 

The fourth pillar is Sawm, or fasting during Ramadan for the entire month as an act of devotion and self-discipline. Finally, Hajj, or pilgrimage to Makkah at least once in a lifetime, during the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah stands as the fifth pillar. 

These pillars represent essential tenets that guide Muslims in their relationship with Allah (Glorified be He), people, and all of creation.

Converts to Islam often change their names so as to adopt Islamic or Arabic names, but this is unnecessary unless one’s name reflects servitude to someone or something other than Allah (Exalted be He) or carries a meaning that is unacceptable to Islam. Otherwise, the Prophet (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) did not change anyone’s name after becoming a Muslim except for one of these two reasons.

  However, it is recommended to choose a name that has a good meaning and reflects well on the religion. In Islamic faith, a person’s name holds great meaning and significance, therefore selecting an appropriate name can be seen as an opportunity to strengthen one’s relationship with Allah (Exalted be He). Many Muslims choose Arabic names because of their historical significance in Islamic culture, but non-Arabic individuals do not need to adopt such names. Ultimately, the decision to change or keep one’s name after conversion lies with the individual based on their personal preference and circumstances. It is important for new converts to consult with knowledgeable Muslim scholars or leaders who can guide this process of transition.

As a fundamental pillar of Islam, the act of praying five times a day is an essential component of a Muslim’s daily life. The Quran emphasizes the importance of maintaining a spiritual connection with Allah (Exalted be He) throughout the day, and Salah (prayer) is seen as an opportunity to seek forgiveness, express gratitude, and ask for guidance. 

Moreover, Salah serves as a reminder that Allah Almighty is constantly watching over us and that we should strive to live our lives with piety and mindfulness. By praying at specific times each day – before dawn, midday, midafternoon, sundown, and after dark – Muslims can structure their routines around this central religious practice. Prayer also promotes discipline and self-control while encouraging individual growth in faith by helping people turn away from worldly distractions and focus on their relationship with Allah. For many believers, the daily ritual of Salah provides emotional comfort and an unmatched sense of purpose in life.

Muhammad (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) is the Prophet of Islam who received divine revelations from Allah, which are collectively known as the Quran. Born in Mecca in 570 A.C., he was orphaned at an early age and raised by his grandfather and uncle. In his early life, he worked as a shepherd and then as a merchant. At the age of 40, he began receiving revelations from Allah through Angel Gabriel, which continued until his death.

Muhammad devoted his life to spreading the teachings of Islam and forming a worldwide community of followers, called Ummah, that is based on the principles of justice, charity, and submission to Allah’s Will. Muslims regard him as a model for ethical behavior and follow his example in personal conduct, social relationships, and religious practices. His prophethood marked the beginning of Islamic civilization and continues to shape Muslim identity and spirituality today.

The evidence for the Quran stems from its unique literary style, its coherence, and its historical accuracy. The Arabic language used in the Quran is considered one of the most refined and sophisticated forms of the language, displaying incredible literary beauty and eloquence that is unmatched in any other book or text.

The consistent message, themes, and structure found throughout the entire book represent a coherent message that could not have been produced by an individual without divine intervention. Furthermore, the Quran contains a great deal of accurate information about historical events and places from different periods, which has been confirmed through archaeological discoveries. This consistency in both form and content provides substantive evidence that it is a divine revelation as claimed by Islamic tradition.

In Islam, happiness is not simply a transient emotion but instead, a state of contentment that one can achieve through fulfilling their duties towards Allah (Glorified be He) and living a moral life. True happiness comes from being in harmony with oneself and one’s environment, as well as from engaging in acts of worship, kindness to others, and pursuing righteous actions. 

The Quran describes paradise as the ultimate abode of bliss and joy in which believers will attain true happiness free from all forms of sorrow and grief. Additionally, it is emphasized that material possessions or worldly success should not be equated with happiness or define one's value as a person; rather, true fulfillment lies in leading an ethical life, seeking knowledge, helping those in need, worshiping Allah sincerely, reflecting on His creation, and having faith in His divine plan. Hence, the Islamic perspective on happiness revolves around achieving inner peace by fulfilling one’s spiritual and social obligations while holding onto hope for eternal reward.

The primary difference between Sunni and Shia Muslims can be traced back to a disagreement over who should have succeeded Prophet Muhammad (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) as the leader of the Islamic community. Sunnis believe that Abu Bakr, a close companion of the Prophet, was rightfully appointed as caliph after Muhammad’s death, while Shias argue that Ali, Muhammad’s cousin and son-in-law, was the rightful successor. 

This led to the subsequent theological differences between the two groups. In terms of beliefs and practices, Sunnis make up the majority of Muslims worldwide and tend to emphasize following established schools of thought and practice (madhabs). Shias place greater emphasis on individual interpretation and follow a succession of imams (leaders) who are believed to be divinely guided. There are also notable differences in ritual practices such as prayer styles and holiday observances between Sunni and Shia communities.

Muslims believe in Jesus (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) as a Prophet and Messenger of Allah, but they do not accept the belief that he is the son of Allah or part of the Trinity. According to Islamic teachings, Jesus was one of the most important prophets sent by Allah before Prophet Muhammad (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). Muslims revere and respect him for his teachings and exemplary conduct.

They also firmly believe in his miraculous birth from the Virgin Mary, his healing powers, and his ascension into heaven. However, Islam vehemently opposes any notion that attributes divine qualities to any human being or an entity in partnership with Allah. Therefore, while Muslims have great reverence for Jesus as an honorable Prophet sent by Allah, they do not equate him with divinity as Christians do.