Understanding Islam: Core Beliefs and Principles

In The Name Of God The Most Gracious The Most Merciful

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What is Islam

Muslims believe that Islam did not begin merely 1,400 years ago with the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), but that it represents the timeless and universal message conveyed by all prophets throughout human history. From Noah, Abraham, Jacob, Moses, David, John the Baptist, and Jesus, to Muhammad (peace be upon them all), every messenger came with the same fundamental truth: the call to worship the One true God and to live righteously in accordance with His guidance.

Islam, in this light, is not a new religion, but rather the pure continuation and culmination of God’s message to humanity. It affirms the same core values embraced by sincere believers of the past—faith in God, moral integrity, compassion, and accountability in the hereafter. God is not the author of confusion, and He did not send multiple religions with contradictory beliefs. Instead, divergences emerged over time when people strayed from the authentic teachings of their prophets.

At its heart, Islam means submission to the One God alone—recognizing Him as the sole Creator and Sustainer, and following His messengers—not worshiping them. As the Qur’an declares:

“Whoever seeks a way other than Islam, it will never be accepted from them, and in the Hereafter they will be among the losers.” (Qur’an 3:85)

Far beyond a set of rituals, Islam offers a comprehensive way of life—one that shapes a believer’s spiritual, ethical, and social conduct. It calls upon individuals to embody justice, mercy, peace, and forgiveness—values that nurture harmony within societies and build bridges across differences.

Sadly, this beautiful message is often obscured by widespread misconceptions and negative portrayals. It is therefore vital to look beyond the stereotypes and explore the true essence of Islam: a faith rooted in love for God, reverence for His messengers, and a commitment to compassion and truth.

God has no partners

We need family and children because we are vulnerable and we rely on them for support. Our children ensure that our legacy continues after we die. Unlike us, God is the Most Exalted, He does not require any of these things.

God tells us about Himself:

Quran 2:255: “God: there is no god but Him, the Ever Living, the Ever Watchful. Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. All that is in the heavens and in the earth belongs to Him. Who is there that can intercede with Him except by His leave? He knows what is before them and what is behind them, but they do not comprehend any of His knowledge except what He wills. His throne extends over the heavens and the earth; it does not weary Him to preserve them both. He is the Most High, the Tremendous.”

Quran 59:22-24 : “He is Allah—there is no god ˹worthy of worship˺ except Him: Knower of the seen and unseen. He is the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful. He is Allah—there is no god except Him: the King, the Most Holy, the All-Perfect, the Source of Serenity, the Watcher ˹of all˺, the Almighty, the Supreme in Might,¹ the Majestic. Glorified is Allah far above what they associate with Him ˹in worship˺!. He is Allah: the Creator, the Inventor, the Shaper. He ˹alone˺ has the Most Beautiful Names. Whatever is in the heavens and the earth ˹constantly˺ glorifies Him. And He is the Almighty, All-Wise.”

Quran 112: “Say, ˹O Prophet,˺ “He is Allah—One ˹and Indivisible˺”. Allah—the Sustainer ˹needed by all˺. He has never had offspring, nor was He born. And there is none comparable to Him.”

Discover the 99 beautiful names and attributes of Allah

What Do Muslims Believe

Muslims believe in One, Unique, and Incomparable God. They believe in the Day of Judgement and individual accountability for actions. Muslims believe in a chain of prophets beginning with Adam and including Noah, Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Job, Moses, David, Solomon, and Jesus. God’s eternal message was reaffirmed and finalized by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be on them all). One becomes a Muslim by saying, “There is no deity but God, and Muhammad is the messenger of God.” By this declaration, the person announces faith in all of God’s messengers.

God says in the holy Quran 4:163-165:

We have sent revelation to you [Prophet] as We did to Noah and the prophets after him, to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, to Jesus, Job, Jonah, Aaron, and Solomon- to David We gave the book [of Psalms]-. to other messengers We have already mentioned to you, and also to some We have not. To Moses God spoke directly. To other messengers We have already mentioned to you, and also to some We have not. To Moses God spoke directly.

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Who is Prophet Mohammad

Click here for more details and ebooks about prophet Muhammad

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What is the Quran?

The Quran is the record of the exact words revealed by God through the Angel Gabriel to the Prophet Muhammad. It was memorized by Muhammad and then dictated to his companions. The text of the Quran was cross-checked during the life of the Prophet. The 114 chapters of the Quran have remained unchanged through the centuries. Click here for more details about the Quran and to get your FREE copy of the Quran.

What are the “Five Pillars” of Islam?

1. The Declaration of Faith – This consists of the two sentence declaration described above.
2. Prayer – Muslims perform five obligatory prayers each day. Islamic prayers are a direct link between the worshiper and God. Islam has no hierarchical authority or priesthood.
3. Zakat – Zakat, or charitable giving, “purifies” wealth by setting aside a portion for those in need. This annual payment is usually two and a half percent of one’s capital.
4. Fasting – Every year in the Islamic lunar month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from first light until sunset. Fasting is another method of self-purification.
5. Pilgrimage – A pilgrimage to Mecca, or Hajj, is an obligation for those who are physically and financially able.

Why it should be matter?

**Our eternal life is at stake:** If we were to take a trip to a strange new country that we have never heard of before, what rational people would normally do? We research that country, see what currency they use, the climate, visa requirements, etc. We plan well for the trip, right? How about our final one-way trip we all are going to take sooner or later, from this very short life (like a dream) to our eternal life? Isn’t it something very serious that deserves our utmost attention, research, planning, and preparation? Especially when knowing that eternal life is more real and physical than this (very short) life and knowing about the amazing things that God has prepared for His pious servants in Paradise as described in the Quran and as summarized by Prophet Mohammad:

Allah, the Exalted and Glorious, said: I have prepared for My pious servants which no eye (has ever) seen, no ear has (ever) heard and no human heart has ever perceived those bounties.

Don’t we all want to be saved from hellfire and enjoy living in paradise for eternity?

Humans are rational beings by nature, we make tens of rational choices on a daily basis. Why when it comes to the most important choice that will seriously impact our eternal life, some of us tend to ignore or follow an irrational blind faith? Why gamble and take chances, instead of making a solid, evidence based rational choice?

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Does God Care about us?

Indeed He does! God created us, He didn’t abandon us, He sent us prophets and messengers from our first father Adam to the final prophet Mohammad, including Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus PBUT (May Peace and Blessings be upon them all). God sent us so many messengers to guide us and to help us make the right choice by following His guidance. He gave us intellect and wants us to use it to make a rational choice. However He gave us free will, we’re completely free to believe or disbelieve.

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What they say about The Glorious Quran

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Pastors, Priests, and sincere men and women are finding the truth in Islam (despite distortions and millions of dollars spent on Islamophobia Industry*)

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Click here for more videos on why people are choosing Islam

We care about you , we put together what we hope that you will find both interesting and informative resources to help you in your quest to find the truth, but the first step would be turning wholeheartedly to the only true God, our Creator, and sincerely ask him to guide you.

Check out the tabs above, you can listen to a very informative “What’s the purpose of life” Audio, or watch videos about amazing new Muslims and mush more.

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Islam & Science

*** This is an independent site run by local volunteers, not officially affiliated with WhyIslam.

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