Islam is a religion, and Muslims are individuals who follow Islam. Sometimes these two terms can be confused so let’s clarify them from the start. Here are several intriguing and enlightening facts about Islam that may spark curiosity and knowledge:
1. Meaning of Islam
The Arabic root word for Islam signifies surrender, compliance, peace, and integrity. In a religious setting, it signifies “willingly submission to god”. Islam is the act of fully surrendering to the will of Allah and stresses the importance of leading a balanced life with oneself and others.
2. Second largest religion
Islam is the second largest religion in the world with approximately 1.9 billion followers globally. It is commonly observed in nearly every nation with a variety of cultures, languages, and traditions present.
3. The holy book of islam is Quran
Like the Torah in Judaism and the Bible in Christianity, the Quran holds a central place as a holy book in Islamic religion.
Muslim believe that the Quran, translated as “the recitation” in English, consists of the words of Allah revealed to the last prophet Muhammad by Archangel Gabriel. The Quran forms the foundation for Muslim faith in God, worship, morality, knowledge, insight, human connection to God, and interaction among people. The same way that Christians view Jesus as the embodiment of God’s word, Muslim believe the Quran embodies that same word and manifestation. The Quran’s original version is in Arabic language and translation copies can be found online or in major libraries and bookstores worldwide.
4. Holy war’ is not what jihad means
Jihad is a beautiful aspect that revolves around helping others who are struggling. People mostly misinterpret it as Holy war but this aspect is not found anywhere in Islamic beliefs in both Quran and Sunnah.
5. Five pillars
Islam principles coin around five pillars: Shahada (faith), Salah (prayer), zakat (Charity), Sawm (fasting during Ramadan), and Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah). Every one of these rituals highlights the devotion, generosity, and a relationship with Allah
6. Allah means god in Arabic
In Arabic, God is known as Allah. But it’s not a different god than the god of Abraham, Moses or Jesus, as belief states that there is just one creator. Arabic speaking Christians and Jew also use the word Allah in prayer or when talking about God.
7. Shia and Sunni
There are two primary sects within the Islamic religion, referred to as Shia and Sunni. Majority of the Muslims are belong to Sunni, with approximately 15% adhering to the Shia group.
They adhere to the same Quran, but have different viewpoints regarding Hadith, which are accounts of Prophet Muhammad’s words and actions. It is the second source for religious law and moral guidance other than the Quran. After Muhammad’s death, Shia and Sunni split into two groups.
8. Men who mistreat women are not upholding the teachings of Islam.
Muhammad (SAW) also stated that, “the best among you are those who treat their wives well.” True Islam provides women with numerous rights, and any Muslim man who mistreats women is not adhering to the genuine teachings of Allah.
Many nations justify the subjugation of women through their own interpretations of the Quran or adherence to traditional cultural beliefs.
9. It is religion for everyone
Islam does not believe in racism. Everyone is equal in the eyes of Islam and so there is no restriction on anyone as whoever can convert to be Muslim regardless of color, cast and breed. The arabs who are said to be the dominant and more pious practicing muslims have no ranking in islam of being an arab and also they are not more than 15% – minority.
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10. Charity and giving
In islamic religion, zakat, the act of giving charity is a compulsory activity. Muslims must support the notion of justice in society by giving up a portion of your health to those in need. Moreover, Muslims offer Sadaqah as voluntary charity, which is promoted throughout the year.
11. The Islamic calendar was established in the year 622 AD.
In the western world, the calendar begins in the year zero based on the birth of Jesus. The Islamic calendar commences in 622 AD. Therefore, it is currently the year 1443 in the Islamic calendar.
12. Islam, Judaism, and Christianity all date back to Abraham.
Unlike Hinduism’s many gods, the Abrahamic religions are monotheistic, all believing in one god. Only one all-powerful creator exists, with all three religions dating back to Abraham, as well as Adam and eve.
13. Common Facts
- Indonesia has the largest Muslim community.
- Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) holds significance in Islam as a last prophet, yet followers should not worship him.
- Saying “La ilaha illa Allah, Muhammad rasool Allah” is all it takes to convert into Islam, as it means “there is no true god but god.”
- Maryam (Mary), Isa (Jesus)’ mother, is the sole women mentioned by name in the Quran
- Pork and alcohol are both prohibited (Haram)
These insights into Islam showcase faith that is strongly based on principles of peace, justices, and dedication, playing a crucial role in global culture, history, and understanding. The major sunnah that UK muslims do is umrah and hajj. The agency like Haleema limited is now offering Hajj booking 2025 in advance and UK umrah packages for the muslims. Everyone can benefit from it!