4. It was founded by Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon
him) over 1400 years ago in Arabia. Prophet Muhammad (peace and
blessings be upon him) received revelation from Allah (‘The God’) in
which he was told that Islam was the final and most complete religion
for mankind. The followers of Islam are called Muslims.
Islam’s holy book is The Holy Qur’an and this was revealed by
Allah to Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon
him). It is a source of complete guidance. Its teachings are in
agreement with human nature. Islam is a religion revealed for
the whole of mankind for all time to come.
5. The Founder of Islam
The Prophet’s Mosque in Medina – in which he is buried
6. Prophet Muhammad(peace and blessings be upon him) (570-632 CE) was born in
Makkah (Mecca), Arabia. He was known for his honesty and piety. He was also
inspired with a strong love for Allah and mankind.
He married at the age of 25. Fifteen years later he received his first Qur’anic
revelation from Allah whilst meditating in a cave called Hir’a near Makkah. This
marked the beginning of the mission of Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon
him) as the apostle of Allah. His prime message was the Unity of Allah and he
continued to stress this throughout his life.
True to his character Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him)
practised what he preached and provided a living example of all that Islam
teaches. His humility, truthfulness, tolerance, resolve, courage, kindness and
wisdom remain exemplary.
8. The Holy Qur’an is the holy book of Islam. It is the Word of Allah and
was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon
him) over a period of 23 years. It is spread over 30 parts and has 114
chapters.
It contains a vast array of teachings and is a comprehensive code of
conduct for mankind. It also contains numerous prophecies many of
which have been fulfilled and many that remain to be fulfilled.
The Holy Qur’an is written in Arabic – the very language in which it
was revealed. The word Qur’an means something that is recited over
and over again and indeed Muslims recite the Holy Qur’an many
times over in their lives. Despite being over 1400 years old the
Qur’anic text has remained intact – as promised in the Qur’an by
Allah Himself. The translation of the Holy Qur’an is now also available
in more that 50 languages including English.
9. The Teachings of Islam
Allah taught religion to the world
gradually by sending His prophets at
different times and to different peoples.
Muslims are required to believe in and
respect all prophets and their teachings.
This religious guidance from Allah was
completed and perfected through Islam.
11. 1. Shahadah (Declaration of Faith)
This is the declaration of one’s faith in the unity of Allah and
acceptance of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon
him) as a messenger of Allah.
The meaning of the actual declaration is, “I bear witness that there is none
worthy of worship except Allah and I bear witness that Muhammad is the
Messenger of Allah” (‘Allah’ means One Who is free from all defects and
possesses all kinds of good attributes.)
13. 3. Saum (Fasting)
Muslims must fast during the holy month of Ramadan.
Whilst fasting, Muslims cannot eat or drink between
dawn and dusk.
Some people are exempted from fasting including the
sick, pregnant or nursing mothers, young children and
those on journeys. During Ramadan Muslims make an
extra effort to remember Allah and to seek His
forgiveness.
14. 4. Zakat (Alms Giving / Charity)
Muslims are
required to give a
fixed proportion of
their wealth for the
benefit of the poor
and needy. The basic
rate is normally 2.5%
of one’s annual
savings.
15. 5. Hajj (Pilgrimage to Makkah)
Muslims should make a pilgrimage to Makkah at least once in
their lifetime if possible. The Pilgrimage is made during
themonth of Hajj, the twelfth lunar month of the Islamic
calendar.
16. Key Beliefs
Muslims also believe in all prophets of Allah, His angels, His holy
books, life after death, the Day of Judgement and in the Divine
Decree of Allah. Islam also emphasises that men and women are
equal before Allah and only righteous deeds elevate one person
above another.
Islam reinforces the concept of humanity and respect for
individual liberty. It also reminds man of his fundamental human
right of being free to choose his own religion. It is clearly stated
in The Qur’an that there is no compulsion in religion (Holy
Qur’an Ch.2 V.257).
Education is so important that Muslim men and women are
encouraged to seek knowledge wherever it may be.
