At its core, Muslims believe in one God (Allah) and that Muhammad is the final prophet sent by God. This central belief is encapsulated in the Shahada, the declaration of faith.
Here's a more detailed breakdown of key Islamic beliefs:
- Belief in One God (Allah):
- Islam is strictly monotheistic. Muslims believe in one God, Allah, who is unique, all-powerful, all-knowing, and merciful. He has no partners, equals, or offspring.
- Allah is the creator and sustainer of the universe.
- Belief in Angels:
- Muslims believe in the existence of angels, created by God from light. They are God's messengers and servants.
- Examples include Jibril (Gabriel), who revealed the Quran to Muhammad, and Mikael (Michael), associated with rain and sustenance.
- Belief in Prophets:
- Muslims believe that God sent prophets to humanity throughout history to guide them.
- Islam recognizes many prophets mentioned in the Bible, including Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus.
- However, Muslims believe that Muhammad is the last prophet sent by God, and his message is the final and complete revelation.
- Belief in Holy Books:
- Muslims believe that God revealed scriptures to various prophets.
- These include the Torah (Tawrat) revealed to Moses, the Psalms (Zabur) revealed to David, the Gospel (Injil) revealed to Jesus, and the Quran revealed to Muhammad.
- Muslims believe that the Quran is the final and complete revelation of God's word and that previous scriptures have been altered or misinterpreted over time.
- Belief in the Day of Judgment:
- Muslims believe in a Day of Judgment when all people will be resurrected and judged by God according to their deeds.
- Those who lived righteous lives and believed in God will be rewarded with paradise (Jannah), while those who rejected God and committed evil will be punished in hell (Jahannam).
- Belief in Divine Decree (Qadar):
- Muslims believe that God has knowledge of everything that will happen in the universe.
- This belief acknowledges both God's power and human free will. Muslims believe that while God knows what choices we will make, we are still responsible for our actions.
In addition to these core beliefs, Muslims also adhere to the Five Pillars of Islam, which are the fundamental duties that all Muslims should perform:
- Shahada (Declaration of Faith): Declaring that there is no god but God (Allah), and Muhammad is his messenger.
- Salat (Prayer): Performing five daily prayers at prescribed times.
- Zakat (Charity): Giving a portion of one's wealth to the poor and needy.
- Sawm (Fasting): Fasting from dawn to dusk during the month of Ramadan.
- Hajj (Pilgrimage): Making a pilgrimage to Mecca (if physically and financially able) once in a lifetime.
In summary, Muslims believe in one God (Allah), His angels, His prophets, His revealed books (especially the Quran), the Day of Judgment, and divine decree. They strive to live according to God's will as revealed in the Quran and the teachings and example of the Prophet Muhammad.
