Islam FAQ

• What is Islam?
  Although Islam can be described as a religion, it is practiced as a complete and natural way of life, designed to bring God into the center of one’s consciousness.  The core belief of Islam is in the Oneness of God, a theme found in earlier monotheistic religions as well.  Therefore, the core message of Islam is a not a new one, however it represents the last reiteration of God’s Oneness. 
  
  The word Islam is an Arabic word that ultimately means to achieve peace (with God, with oneself, and with God’s creation) through complete submission to God and accepting His guidance.
  
  The Prophet (peace be upon him) gave a beautiful summary of the essence of Islam:
  
  “Submission means that you should bear witness that there is only One God (Allah) and that Muhammad is God’s messenger, that you should perform the ritual prayer, pay the alms tax (zakat), fast during Ramadan, and make the pilgrimage to the House (Kaaba) if you are able to go there.  Faith means that you have faith in God, His angels, His books, His messengers, and the Last Day, and that you have faith in the measuring out, both its good and its evil.  Doing what is beautiful means that you should worship God as if you see Him, for even if you do not see Him, He sees you.”