With over 1.8 billion followers worldwide — nearly one in four people on Earth — Islam is the world’s second-largest religion. Yet for many people in the United States and the West, Islam remains deeply misunderstood. This article answers the most fundamental question: What is Islam, and what do Muslims actually believe?
The Meaning of the Word “Islam”
The word Islam comes from the Arabic root s-l-m, which carries the meaning of peace, purity, submission, and obedience. In a religious context, Islam means voluntary submission to the will of God. A Muslim is therefore one who submits to God — not out of compulsion, but out of love, recognition, and gratitude.
This concept of submission is not unique to the religion founded in 7th-century Arabia. Muslims believe that every prophet sent by God — from Adam, to Abraham, to Moses, to Jesus, to Muhammad ﷺ — taught the same essential message: worship the One God and live a life of righteousness.
The Five Pillars of Islam
Islam is built on five foundational practices, known as the Five Pillars. These are the framework of a Muslim’s daily life:
- Shahada (Declaration of Faith) — Bearing witness that “There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His messenger.” This is the entry point into Islam and the core of a Muslim’s belief.
- Salah (Prayer) — Muslims pray five times a day — at dawn, midday, afternoon, sunset, and night — facing the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca. Prayer is a direct connection between the individual and God, without any intermediary.
- Zakat (Charity) — Muslims who possess wealth above a minimum threshold are required to give 2.5% annually to those in need. Zakat is not optional charity — it is an obligation, rooted in the belief that wealth ultimately belongs to God.
- Sawm (Fasting) — During the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset — abstaining from food, drink, and intimate relations. Ramadan is a month of intense spiritual focus, gratitude, and self-discipline.
- Hajj (Pilgrimage) — Every Muslim who is physically and financially able must perform Hajj — a pilgrimage to Mecca — at least once in their lifetime. It is the largest annual gathering of human beings on earth, drawing over 2 million pilgrims each year.
What Do Muslims Believe?
The core beliefs of Islam are known as the Six Articles of Faith:
- Belief in Allah (God) — Muslims believe in one God — Allah — who is unique, without partners, children, or equals. He is the Creator of everything and is not like anything in creation.
- Belief in the Angels — Angels are beings created from light who carry out God’s commands. The Angel Jibreel (Gabriel) brought revelation to the prophets.
- Belief in the Revealed Books — God sent scriptures to guide humanity — including the Torah (Tawrah), the Psalms (Zabur), the Gospel (Injeel), and the final revelation, the Quran. Muslims believe that the Quran, as it exists today, is the preserved, unchanged word of God.
- Belief in the Prophets — God sent prophets to every nation throughout history, beginning with Adam and ending with Muhammad ﷺ. Muslims honor all prophets, including Abraham, Moses, and Jesus, as righteous messengers of God.
- Belief in the Day of Judgment — Every human being will be held accountable before God for their deeds. Those who lived with faith and righteousness will enter Paradise; those who rejected God and lived in wrongdoing will face consequences.
- Belief in Divine Decree (Qadar) — Everything that occurs — good or bad — is within the knowledge and permission of God. Muslims believe in free will while also trusting in God’s ultimate wisdom and control.
Is Islam a New Religion?
One of the most common misconceptions about Islam is that it was “started” by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in the 7th century. Muslims understand Islam differently. They believe that Islam — the call to worship One God and live righteously — is the original religion of all humanity, going back to the first human being, Adam.
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was the final messenger sent to restore and complete this original message, which had been altered or forgotten over time. The Quran was revealed as the final, preserved scripture for all of humanity until the Day of Judgment.
Islam and Jesus
Many Americans are surprised to learn that Muslims deeply revere Jesus — known in Arabic as Isa (عليه السلام). The Quran speaks of Jesus extensively, affirming his miraculous birth to the Virgin Mary (Maryam), his miracles, and his role as a prophet of God. Muslims believe Jesus was one of the greatest prophets in history.
Where Islam and Christianity differ is in the nature of Jesus. Muslims do not believe Jesus was the son of God or God incarnate. The Quran states clearly: “Allah has not taken any son, nor has there ever been with Him any deity.” (Quran 23:91). Muslims believe this is the original, authentic message that Jesus himself preached.
Common Misconceptions About Islam
Given the media landscape in the United States, it is worth directly addressing some of the most widespread misconceptions about Islam:
- “Islam promotes violence.” The Quran explicitly forbids the killing of innocent people. The word “jihad” primarily means an internal struggle against one’s own ego and desires — not holy war. Islam permits self-defense under strict ethical rules, but prohibits aggression, terrorism, and the harming of civilians.
- “Muslims worship Muhammad.” Muslims do not worship Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. They honor and love him as the final messenger of God, but worship is reserved exclusively for Allah. This is why, when the Prophet ﷺ died, Abu Bakr said: “Whoever worshipped Muhammad, know that Muhammad has died. Whoever worships Allah, know that Allah never dies.”
- “Islam oppresses women.” Islam gave women the right to own property, to divorce, to inherit, and to education — rights that women in Europe would not receive for another thousand years. The problems some Muslim-majority countries have with women’s rights are cultural and political failures, not Islamic teachings.
Conclusion: Islam in One Sentence
If Islam could be summarized in one sentence, it might be this: Recognize the One God who created you, live with justice and compassion, and prepare for the day you will return to Him.
Islam is not a religion of fear — it is a religion of clarity, purpose, and profound connection to the Creator. If you have more questions, we invite you to ask directly or explore our other articles.
Written by Hafiz Khalid Saifullah — Islamic scholar, Hafiz of the Quran, and content creator dedicated to sharing authentic knowledge about Islam.