Muslims believe in the One, Unique, Incomparable, Merciful God — the Sole Creator, Master, Sustainer and Cherisher of the Universe; in the Angels created by Him; in the prophets through whom His revelations were brought to humankind; in the Day of Judgment, and in individual accountability for actions; in God’s complete authority over destiny, be it good or bad; and in life after death. Muslims believe that God sent His messengers and prophets to all people. God’s final message to humanity was revealed to the last prophet, Muhammad, through the Archangel Gabriel.

Muhammad (peace be upon him) was born in Makkah in the year 570, during the period of history Europeans call the Middle Ages. He was a direct descendant of Ishmael, the eldest son of Abraham.

Muhammad was orphaned at a young age, and was a shepherd in his youth. As he grew up, he became known for his truthfulness, generosity and sincerity; earning the title, al-Amin, the trustworthy one.

At age 25, Muhammad married Khadijah, an honorable and successful businesswoman. They were blessed with two boys and four girls. It was an ideal marriage, and they lived a happy family life.

Muhammad was of a contemplative nature and had long detested the decadence and cruelty of his society. It became his habit to meditate from time to time in the cave of Hira’ near the summit of Jabalan-Nur, the “Mountain of Light,” on the outskirts of Makkah.

At the age of 40, while engaged in a meditative retreat, Muhammad received his first revelation from God through the Angel Gabriel. This revelation continued for twenty-three years and is known as the Qur’an.

Muhammad began to share the revelations he received from God with the people of Makkah. They were idol worshippers, and rejected Muhammad’s call to worship only One God. They opposed Muhammad and his followers in every way. These early Muslims suffered bitter persecution.

In 622, God gave the Muslim community the command to emigrate. This event, the hijrahor migration, in which they left Makkah for the city of Madinah, marks the beginning of the Muslim calendar.

Madinah provided Muhammad and the Muslims a safe and nurturing haven in which the Muslim community grew.

After several years, the Prophet and his followers returned to Makkah and forgave their enemies. Then, turning their attention to the Ka’bah (the sanctuary that Abraham built), they removed the idols and rededicated it to the worship of the One God.

Before the Prophet died at the age of 63, most of the people of Arabia had embraced his message. In less than a century, Islam had spread to Spain in the west, and as far, east, as China.

The “five pillars” of Islam are the basis of Muslim life. Prophet Muhammad is reported to have said:

“Islam is founded on five pillars: to testify that ‘there is no deity except God, and Muhammad is the messenger of God;’ to establish the ritual prayers; to give charity (to the needy); to perform the pilgrimage to the House (of worship in Makkah); and to fast during the month of Ramadan.”

The Testimony of Faith

“There is no deity except God; Muhammad is the messenger of God.”

This simple declaration of faith is required of all those who accept Islam as their chosen way of life. The words have to be uttered with sincere conviction and under no coercion. The significance of this testimony is the belief that the only purpose of life is to serve and obey God; and this is achieved through following the example of Prophet Muhammad.

Prayers

A key element of Muslim life is the obligatory, ritual prayer. These prayers are performed five times a day, and are a direct link between the worshipper and God. This very personal relationship with the Creator allows one to fully depend, trust and love God; and to truly achieve inner peace and harmony, regardless of the trials one faces.

Charity

An important principle of Islam is that everything belongs to God; wealth is therefore a trust held by human beings. Obligatory charity, or zakah, means both “purification” and “growth.” Setting aside a proportion for those in need and for the society in general purifies our possessions. Like the pruning of plants, this cutting back balances and encourages new growth.

Fasting

Fasting in the month of Ramadan is an essential part of being a Muslim. Muslims abstain from food, drink, and from intimate relations with their spouses from dawn until sundown. Ramadan is a special time for Muslims everywhere, a time for reflection and greater spirituality.

The end of Ramadan is observed by a holiday — Eid al Fitr. On this day, Muslims all over the world celebrate with prayers, visit one another and exchange gifts.

Pilgrimage

The pilgrimage to Makkah (the Hajj) is a once-in-a- lifetime obligation for those who are physically and financially able. Over three million people, from all corners of the globe, go for Hajj each year making it the largest gathering for peace. Hajj provides a unique opportunity for people from different nations to meet one another.

The rites of the Hajj include visiting the Ka’bah and standing together on the wide plains of ‘Arafat (a large expanse of desert outside Makkah). Here pilgrims pray for God’s forgiveness, in what is often considered a preview of the Day of Judgment. The Hajj provides a unique opportunity for Muslims to reflect on their lives and to return to their families and homes spiritually rejuvenated.

The family is the foundation of Islamic society. The peace and security offered by a stable family unit is greatly valued and seen as essential for the spiritual growth of its members. It is quite common in the Muslim community to find large, extended families living together; providing comfort, security and support to one another.

Parents are greatly respected in the Islamic tradition. Mothers, in particular are further honored. God says in the Qur’an:

“And We have enjoined upon man to be good to his parents. With difficulty upon difficulty did his mother bear him, and wean him for two years. Show gratitude to Me and to your parents; to Me is your final goal!” (Qur’an 31:14)

Marrying and establishing a family is very strongly encouraged.

"And among His signs is that He created for you mates from among yourselves; that you may find peace with them. And He put between you love and compassion. Surely in this are signs for people who reflect.” (Qur’an 30:21)

Muslims believe that all existence has purpose; that a Merciful and Loving Creator Who has brought everything into existence has also provided a reason for all that exists. Human beings are the pinnacle of God’s creation.

They have been made for one purpose alone ¬— to worship their Maker, their Creator — God Almighty.

“Those who remember Allah standing and sitting and lying on their sides and reflect on the creation of the heavens and the earth: Our Master! You have not created all this in vain! Glory be to You; protect us then from the torment of the Fire.” (Qur’an 3:192)

“Surely I am Allah, there is no god but I, so serve (worship) Me and establish the prayer to remember Me.” (Qur’an 20:14)

Worship, as understood by Muslims, is much more than ritual prayer. Serving one’s fellow human beings; doing good; abstaining from bad; being kind, loving, generous and considerate are all forms of worship. Earning an honest living, being truthful even in the face of adversity is worship. Taking care of oneself, one’s parents, siblings, the elderly, family and the community is all worship.

Muslims therefore understand that inner peace — genuine contentment — real happiness can only be attained when we connect to our Creator through all these forms of worship.