Below you will find some of the most frequently asked questions of Islam and Muslims. If your question is not listed, please feel free to contact us and we will be happy to answer your questions and perhaps list in on this page.
What
is Islam?
Who are Muslims and what do they believe?
What is the Holy Qur'an?
What does "Islam" mean?
What are the Five Pillars of Islam?
Who are the Muslims?
What about the American Muslim community?
What is the role of women in Islam?
Why do Muslim women cover their hair?
What is Jihad?
What
does Islam say about Christianity?
What does Islam say about Judaism?
How does Islam view terrorism?
Does Islam tolerate other beliefs?
What is an appropriate way to greet a Muslim?
A: Islam is Arabic and literally means "peace". Islam is a total system of living. It means more than that: submission to the One Allah, and to live in peace with the Creator, within one's self, with other people and with the environment. Thus, Islam is the religion of peace, mercy and forgiveness.
Q: Who are Muslims and what do they believe in?
A Muslim is anyone that submits their live to serve God hence, a Muslim is any person anywhere in the world whose obedience, allegiance, and loyalty are to Allah (God), the Lord of the Universe. Muslims believe in one Allah (God) and in the Day of Judgment and individual accountability for actions. Muslims believe in a chain of prophets beginning with Adam and including Noah, Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob Joseph, Job, Moses, David, Solomon and Jesus. God's message was reaffirmed and finalized by the Prophet Muhammad. Muslims pray in a mosque in the same way that Christians pray in a church.
A: The Quran is the Muslim holy book, like the Bible is to Christianity. It is the record of the exact words revealed by God to the Prophet Muhammad. It was memorized by Muhammad and his companions and then put into writing.
A: The Arabic word "Islam" means "submission," and it derives from a word meaning "peace." In a religious context it means complete submission to the will of God. "Allah" is the Arabic name for God, which is used by Arab Muslims and Christians alike.
Q: What are the 'Five Pillars' of Islam?
These are the framework for Muslim life:
1. The declaration of faith: "There is no god but God, and Muhammad is the messenger of God."
2. Prayer: Muslims perform five obligatory prayers each day. Islamic prayers are a direct link between the worshiper and God. Islam has no hierarchical authority or priesthood.
3. Zakat: One of the most important principles of Islam is that all things belong to God and that wealth is held in trust by human beings. Zakat, or charitable giving, "purifies" wealth by setting aside a portion for those in need.
4. Fasting: Every year in the Islamic lunar month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. The fast is another method of self-purification.
5. Pilgrimage: A pilgrimage to
A: People who follow the Islamic faith come from all over the world.
No more than 20% of Muslims live in the Arabic-speaking world. The country
with the largest Muslim population is
Q: What about the American Muslim community?
A: An estimated 7 million Muslims live in the
Q: What is the role of women in Islam?
A: Under Islamic law, women have always had the right to own property, receive an education and otherwise take part in community life. Men and women have equality and are to be respected equally.
Q: Why do Muslim women cover their hair?
A: Islam teaches modesty for both men and women. Women are asked to cover
so they do not attract unwanted looks the hair can be very attractive, women spend a lot of time in the beauty parlor to assure this, but in order to help society stay focused on their duties. In the time of Prophet Muhammed (saws) the women asked him how should they dress and he indicated women should reveal only their face and hands. There is no compulsion in Islam, therefore you may see some Muslim women without a scarf or head covering.
A: Jihad does not mean "holy war." Literally, jihad in Arabic means to strive, struggle and exert effort. It is a central and broad Islamic concept that includes struggle against evil inclinations within oneself; struggle to improve the quality of life in society, struggle in the battlefield for self-defense or fighting against tyranny or oppression.
Q: What does Islam say about Christianity?
A: Islam teaches that Christians and Muslims are both "people of the book." By that it means that the two religions share the same basic divine beliefs. The main difference between Christians and Muslims is that Muslims do not believe that Jesus was the son of God. Muslims believe that Jesus was a prophet who was granted special powers by God to show people the power of God.
Q: What does Islam say about Judaism?
A: Islam teaches that Jews and Muslims are both "people of the book." By that it means that the two religions share the same basic beliefs articulated through the Torah and the Koran. The main difference between Jews and Muslims is that Jews do not believe in the prophets after the Jewish prophets including Mohammad and his teachings. Muslims, on the other hand, believe in all the prophets including Moses, Abraham, Jacob, Ishmael, Issac and Jesus.
Q: How does Islam view terrorism?
A: Islam does not support terrorism under any circumstances. Terrorism goes against every principle in Islam. If Muslims engages in terrorism, they are not following Islam. They are wrongly using the name of Islam for political or financial gain.
Q: Does Islam tolerate other beliefs?
A: Yes. It is one function of Islamic law to protect the privileged status of minorities. Islamic law also permits non-Muslims to set up their own courts, which implement family laws drawn up by the minorities themselves.
Q: What is an appropriate way to greet a Muslim?
A: This is not difficult or tricky. Remember that most Muslims grew
up in the
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