Facts about Islam

What does Islam mean?

Islam is an Arabic word and means 'submission'. In the religious context it means 'submission to God' which is what the Islam faith is about.


What were the origins of Islam?

• According to history-Islam dates back to the 7th century,Muhammed introduced Islam in 610 AD after experiencing what he claimed to be a visit from an angel, he then dictated the Qur'an which Muslims belive to be the pre-existent words of Allah
• According to Islam- Islam began long before Muhammed walked the earth, the Qur'an was given by God through the angel Gabriel to the prophet Muhammad.

How does someone become a  Muslim?

To become a Muslim, one has to simply testify “La ilah illa Allah, Muhammad rasoolu Allah.” which translated to “I testify that there is no true god (deity) but God (Allah), and that Muhammad is a Messenger (Prophet) of God.” This can be performd in a public ceremony.

How do Muslims practice their religion?

Muslims are required to pray five times a day (prayer times are fixed by the sun and change daily), wash themselves before prayer and face in the direction of Mecca (Mekkah) while praying.

 

What were the highlights of Mohammads life?

In his late 30s Muhammad regularly visited a cave in Mount Hira, on the outskirts of Mecca, to seek solitude and contemplation. When he was 40, Muhammad returned from one such visit telling his wife that he had been visited by an angel.

Muhammad claimed that while in a trance-like state, the Angel Gabriel appeared to him and said "Proclaim!" But he replied, "I am not a proclaimer." The angel persisted, and the Prophet repeatedly resisted, until the angel finally overwhelmed Muhammad and commanded him:

Proclaim in the name of your Lord who created!
Created man from a clot of blood.
Proclaim: Your Lord is the Most Generous,
Who teaches by the pen;
Teaches man what he knew not. (Qur'an 96:1-3)

After receiving his wifes' support, and additional angelic visits, Muhammad became co

nfident he had been chosen as the messenger of God and began to proclaim.

What is the Quran?
A book from which the Islam beliefs and practices originate from. Muslims believe that the Qur'an is from Allah and every word is sacred.

What is the ka'ba? (image)