Understanding Islam for Beginners

This is the central tenet of Islam, known as Tawhid (Oneness of God). Allah is unique, has no partners, no children, and is incomparable to anything in creation. He is All-Knowing, All-Powerful, All-Merciful, and All-Just.

"Say, 'He is Allah, [who is] One, Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, Nor is there to Him any equivalent.'" (Quran 112:1-4)

Angels are pure and sinless beings. Their roles include conveying revelations (like Jibreel/Gabriel), recording deeds, delivering messages, and carrying out various divine tasks.

"And to Allah prostrates whoever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth from [moving] creatures and the angels, and they are not arrogant." (Quran 16:49)

Muslims believe in the original revelations given to earlier prophets, such as the Scrolls of Abraham, the Torah (Tawrat) to Moses, the Psalms (Zabur) to David, the Gospel (Injil) to Jesus, and finally the Quran to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), which is preserved in its original form.

"He has sent down upon you, [O Muhammad], the Book in truth, confirming what was before it. And He revealed the Torah and the Gospel." (Quran 3:3)

Prophets are human beings chosen by Allah to convey His message. They include Adam, Nuh (Noah), Ibrahim (Abraham), Musa (Moses), Isa (Jesus), and the final prophet, Muhammad (PBUH). All preached the same fundamental message of worshipping One God.

"The Messenger has believed in what was revealed to him from his Lord, and [so have] the believers. All of them have believed in Allah and His angels and His books and His messengers, [saying], 'We make no distinction between any of His messengers.'" (Quran 2:285)

This belief includes the concepts of accountability, Heaven (Jannah) for the righteous, and Hell (Jahannam) for those who disobeyed Allah without repentance. It serves as a motivation for righteous living.

"And this worldly life is not but diversion and amusement. But indeed, the home of the Hereafter — that is the [true] life, if only they knew." (Quran 29:64)

Qadar encompasses Allah's knowledge, His writing (in the Preserved Tablet), His will, and His creation of everything. Humans have the choice to act, and for these choices, they are held accountable.

"Indeed, all things We created with predestination." (Quran 54:49)

Ihsan is about perfecting one's worship and good deeds. It extends to all interactions: with Allah, with fellow humans, and with the environment, striving for beauty and virtue in everything.

Taqwa is often translated as "piety" or "fear of God," but it is more accurately described as a deep reverence and consciousness of Allah's presence, leading one to act in ways pleasing to Him and avoid what displeases Him.

Islam fosters a strong sense of brotherhood and sisterhood among Muslims. The concept of Ummah emphasizes unity, mutual support, and collective responsibility for justice and well-being.

The Quran and Sunnah repeatedly emphasize peace, reconciliation, and the establishment of justice. Muslims are enjoined to stand firmly for justice, even against themselves or their loved ones.