How To Start Learning About Islam

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Some people are afraid of Islam, but near people don't know enough about it to justify their fears. Others are not afraid of it, but are just interested in learning nigh information technology. If yous are looking to learn more near Islam, whether or not yous are a Muslim, or know somebody who has concerns, so this wikiHow is for y'all. With the earth turning into global village the importance of understanding the religion that more than 24% of the globe's population^[1] follows is undeniable.

1

Learn most what Islam actually is. "Islam" (Standard arabic: إسلام‎) ways submission to God. "Muslim" means someone who submits themselves to the will of God; essentially someone who follows Islam.^[ii] Islam, along with Judaism and Christianity, is considered to be one of the 3 Abrahamic faiths.^[3] It is also the second largest religion in the globe.
2
Study the 5 pillars of Islam. These are the fundamental beliefs of Islam, and must be understood and put into practice throughout your life. These practices must be undertaken with the best of effort in social club to be considered a truthful Muslim. They are:^[4] ^[5]
- Shahadah – declaration of organized religion in the oneness of God and that Muhammad is the last prophet of God (Ashhadu an la elaha ella Allah wa anna muhammadan rasool allah);
- Salah – praying five times a day;
- Sawm – fasting (from food, drinks, and sex) during the month of Ramadan from sunrise to sunset, if medically able to (stop consuming);
- Zakah – charity; giving roughly 2.5% of one'southward savings to charitable purposes annually (eastward.g. mostly to the needy, only also to ransom captives, free slaves, help others in debt, etc.).^[6]
- Hajj – pilgrimage to Mecca at to the lowest degree once, if physically and financially able.
3
Larn about the six manufactures of organized religion in Islam. These are likewise basic beliefs that 1 must have in gild to be considered a true Muslim. They are believing in:^[7]
- The i and just God, known as Allah;
- The angels, which are pure and sinless creatures fabricated of light. They worship God and fulfill His commands, never disobeying Him;
- The revealed scriptures, including the formerly preserved Psalms of David (Zabur), Scrolls of Abraham (Suhuf), the Gospel (Injeel), the Torah (Tawraat), and the accurate and unaltered (preserved) Qur'an.
- The prophets sent by God, who were sent to deliver God's message;
- The Day of Judgment, a 24-hour interval when every developed will be judged for their deportment and sent to Heaven or into the Hellfire accordingly;
- Destiny, and that God has control over everything they do and that everything happens for a reason;
4
Realize that Islam is a complete way of life that governs all facets of life. This includes, but not limited to, moral, spiritual, social, sexual, political, and economic issues, which are subject to a fix of laws and penalties derived from the Qur'an and the practices of the Prophet Muhammad.
- A proficient Muslim aims to be mindful of God throughout each 24-hour interval and will spend time each twenty-four hour period contemplating and preparing for the afterlife.
  - Muslims make efforts to strengthen their faith (emaan) every bit this provides protection from Allah'due south punishment in this world and the afterlife.
- Each twenty-four hour period is organized effectually the v daily mandatory prayer times, with worship prioritized over other all activities.
- Seeking and spreading religious knowledge is an important, lifelong obligation on every Muslim, in order that they tin can improve their worship and learn how God wishes them to live their lives.
- Islam includes a mandatory wearing apparel lawmaking for men, women and children, which helps to identify the wearer as a Muslim.
five
Empathise the Islamic concept of God. In Arabic, the word God is "Allah" (الله), which is derived from "the God" (الْإِلٰه, transliteration: al-ilāh).^[viii]. Allah is not a formal name of God (at that place are 99 names of God in Islam, and Allah is not ane of them); it is a title used heavily in Islamic scripture. Allah is the i and only creator of the creation, is beyond anything we can conceive (transcendent and incomprehensible), knows everything (omniscient), is beyond fourth dimension and physical infinite, tin do whatever He wishes (omnipotent), is uncreated, has no gender or sexual activity, and has no children or parents. Allah is forgiving, merciful, and compassionate, but also merely and can be severe in penalization for those that disobey Him if they do non apologize of their sins.^[9]
- Muslims should accept an understanding of Allah's perfect attributes, also known as the 99 names of Allah.^[10]
- Allah is referred to equally "He" because in the Arabic language, "He" is masculine inclusive (the give-and-take is non but limited to refer to males). As Allah is transcendent (does not resemble the creation), Allah has no gender or sex because gender and sex are attributes of the creation.
- Allah is not simply God over the Muslims, but is the God of all people and all creation. Merely because people cull to call God by unlike names does non mean that there are different Gods. Interestingly, nigh Arab Jews and Arab Christians as well refer to God equally "Allah". Muslims often simply don't interpret the give-and-take in order to refer to the Islamic understanding and worship of God (a few qualities being omnipotent, transcendent, incomprehensible, merciful, and beneficent).^[11]
- Muslims, Christians, and Jews worship the same Abrahamic God, despite some differences as to God'southward attributes.^[12] In Christianity, this is the "Father" every bit Islam views the individuals of the Trinity as separate. Notwithstanding, Muslims and Jews deem it impossible and sinful to depict God.
- Allah was never represented by an idol by the Meccan polytheists. He was still worshipped every bit the high God over all other false gods and idols.^[13]
  - Muslims believe that Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) preached Islamic monotheism in ancient Arabia, just the teachings were later corrupted. Idolatry was introduced past a man named Amr Ibn Luhay.^[14] ^[15]
half-dozen

Understand how Muslims perceive prophets. Muslims believe in and admit all the prophets of old, from Adam to Jesus. Muslims believe that they brought the message of peace and submission (Islam) to different nations at different times. Prophets may have fabricated the rare error hither and in that location due to being homo, but did not commit major sins.^[xvi]
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Sympathise how Muslims respect Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) every bit the last and final messenger sent by Allah. Muslims neither worship him nor pray through him. Muslims solely worship the unseen and all-seeing Creator, Allah.
- Muslims enquire God to bless Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) many times each mean solar day, including every time his proper noun is mentioned.
- Muslims must seek to follow the practices and case of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), in all aspects of life, especially worship. This is known as the Sunnah.
- Many Islamic laws and penalties were first applied by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). These helped to uphold the moral standards of Islam and constitute a safe and secure society.
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Sympathise how Muslims perceive other scriptures. Muslims must accept the existence of the original unaltered previous scriptures in the past, since they were revealed by God. However, none of those original scriptures are in existence today in their entirety, or at all. Therefore, Muslims follow the subsequent, final, and preserved revelation of God – the Qur'an.^[17]
- The previous scriptures are:
  - Torah (Tawrat) given to Moses (Musa)
  - Psalms (Zabur) given to David (Dawud).
  - Injil (Gospel of Jesus) given to Jesus (Isa)
    - The New Testament may incorporate fragments of the Injil and Jesus' sayings, but information technology was not revealed past God. Rather, it was written downwards later (according to Christians likewise).
  - Other scriptures include: the Scrolls of Abraham (Ṣuḥuf Ibrāhīm), Book of John the Baptist (Kitāb Yaḥyā), and the Scrolls of Moses (Ṣuḥuf Mūsā).
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Larn almost the Qur'an (Arabic: القرآن‎). It was non authored past Muhammad. It was authored by God, revealed to Muhammad, and written into concrete grade past Muhammad'south companions and memorized.^[18]
- The true Qur'an is the in the oral Arabic form. The non-Standard arabic versions are translations, which is why they differ.
- The Qur'an has no flaws or contradictions. The original Standard arabic scriptures have never been inverse or tampered with.
- Muslims welcome all the laws and punishments set out in the Qur'an as a souvenir from Allah to help ensure a safe and peaceful society.
  - Some may quote verses out of context to claim that in that location are contradictions, nevertheless, these lies are refuted online (e.g. phone call-to-monotheism.com and answering-christianity.com).
- Actual 7th century Qur'ans, complete and intact, are on display in museums in Turkey and many other places around the world.^[xix]
- Muslims believe that the teachings of the Qur'an are as valid today as they take e'er been and the fashion God is worshiped must never be changed or modernized because while the laws of humans are e'er irresolute, God's final laws and punishments are perfect and cannot be improved upon by mankind.^[20]
- Yous tin can read an online copy of the Qur'an at Quran.com.
- Millions of Muslims (chosen Hafiz or "preservers") accept memorized the text letter for letter from start to cease – every word and syllable. Capacity from the Qur'an are precisely recited past retention past every Muslim in each of the v daily prayers.^[21]
- Muslim parents encourage their children to memorize the Qur'an from an early age, as this is when the brain is at its most receptive. It helps develop a beloved of the Qur'an in the child's heart and encourages them to be enthusiastic nigh praying.
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Understand the law of personal responsibleness. Muslims practice not believe in the concept of 'vicarious atonement' simply rather believe in the law of personal responsibility. Islam teaches that each person is responsible for his or her own actions. On the Day of Judgment, Muslims believe that every person (Muslim and not-Muslim) will take to answer to God for their every word, thought, belief and human activity, whether committed openly or in private. Consequently, a practicing Muslim is ever striving to exist righteous.
- Killing innocent people is non allowed in Islam. Islam is a religion of peace. The farthermost actions of those who claim to be Muslim may be a event of their ignorance or uncontrolled acrimony. 1 may only use violence in cocky-defense as a final resort.
- Muslims believe that Sky (Jannah) and Hellfire (Jahannam) are existent places that God has prepared for flesh, and that God will make up one's mind each person'southward destiny based on the weight of their adept and bad deeds. This life is simply a transitional period to our eternal abode.^[22]
- Muslims believe that persons that turn down the message of Islam while being aware of it will be sent to Jahannam for eternity. However, Muslims all the same must treat non-Muslims with respect and set a positive example, for individuals' fates are God's responsibleness and every non-Muslim is a potential future convert to Islam.
- Muslims become accountable earlier God for each and every action when they attain puberty. Only those adults sleeping or with mental illnesses cannot exist held accountable for their actions.
- Sincerely praying for forgiveness for any wrongdoings is an of import function of every Muslim'due south daily routine.
  - Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) typically used to ask Allah for forgiveness 70 to 100 times every day.
11
Understand the misconceptions of Islam .
- Understand what Islamic fundamentalism entails. "Islamic fundamentalism" does not mean "Islamic terrorism". Since Islam means "peace", such a term would be an oxymoron. How is it possible to take "peaceful terrorism"? Actually, Islamic fundamentalism is adherence to Islam'south fundamental beliefs and practices.
- Another misconception is jihad; the discussion "jihad" does not mean "holy war". Instead, information technology means the struggle that 1 endures in trying to practise Islam. Some Muslims may say they are going for "jihad" when fighting in a war to defend their faith, just they only say this because they are conceding that it will exist a tremendous struggle. At that place are many forms of jihad (struggle) such every bit the struggle against self-desire, against the temptations of Satan, etc.^[23]
- Be aware of the historical truths. Islam was not spread by the sword. It was spread past the give-and-take of truth and the instance of its followers. Islam teaches that there is no compulsion in organized religion. (Qur'an 2:256 and 10:99) One's belief must be sincere.
- Learn about the role of women and marriage in Islam. Women are non oppressed in Islam, but unfortunately, some ignorant Muslims may oppress them. Any Muslim man that oppresses a adult female is not post-obit true Islam. Prophet Muhammad said, "...the all-time among you are those who treat their wives well."^[24] and "Treat women kindly..."^[25]
  - Islam forbids unnecessary mixing between unrelated men and women outside the bounds of marriage, especially in private.
  - Arranged marriages are allowed in Islam but are not obligatory. The marriage conclusion is left to the individual. Forced marriages are cultural practices and are not Islamic.
  - Islam sets out the rights and responsibilities of women and men within marriage, respecting the different strengths and needs of each gender. Women are encouraged to get educated, and are non forbidden from working, even though the burden of financial responsibility falls to the husband.
  - Divorce is permissible in Islam; however, reconciliation is what is nearly encouraged. Indeed, if in that location are irreconcilable differences, a fair and merely annulment usually is best.
12
Know the difference between Islam and Nation of Islam. Islam and so-called "Nation of Islam" are two different religions. Islam is a religion that was revealed to Prophet Muhammad in the seventh century A.D. It is a religion for all races of people and enjoins the worship of the One unseen God who has no sons, daughters, or partners and who never took human being form. The "Nation of Islam", on the other hand, is a movement geared towards nonwhites for the upliftment of minorities on a social scale. Information technology teaches that God appeared in the form of Fard Muhammad in Detroit in 1930 A.D. and that Elijah Muhammad was a prophet of God. These behavior clearly contradict the fundamental beliefs and teachings of true Islam and the Qur'an. The followers of the Nation attach to some Islamic principles that are mixed up with many other teachings. Moreover, information technology teaches that whites are devils, which is racist and violates Islamic teachings.^[26]
- To understand the difference between the 2 more clearly, read the story virtually Malcolm X, his pilgrimage to Mecca, and his subsequent comments to the media.
- Islam teaches unity and equality amongst the races. (Qur'an 49:13)^[27]
13

Exist aware of the breadth of followers of Islam. All Muslims are not Arab, and Arabs are not all Muslim. Islam is a organized religion, whereas Arabs are an ethnicity. Islam is a universal religion and way of life that includes followers from all races of people. At that place are Muslims in and from Europe (due east.thousand. Bosnia and Herzegovina is a Muslim-majority country), Red china, Japan, Southward America, Russian federation, Australia, New Zealand, Jamaica, the Philippines, and throughout Due north America! Arabs just constitute about 20% of Muslims worldwide. Republic of indonesia has the largest concentration of Muslims at virtually 120 million!
14
Learn about Mecca. Muslims e'er face the Kaaba in Mecca, Arabia when praying. It is a cube-shaped stone structure that was originally congenital by Prophet Abraham (or according to some, Adam, and and so later rebuilt by Abraham).^[28] ^[29] Muslims believe that the Kaaba was the outset house of worship on Earth dedicated to the worship of one God. It serves as a central focal signal for Muslims around the world, unifying them in worship and symbolising their mutual belief, spiritual focus and management.
- Muslims do not worship the Kaaba or whatever other physical object. Interestingly, the inside of the Kaaba is empty, has been rebuilt several times (last rebuilt in the 1990's), and people stand on its roof and enter it (which would be considered disrespectful if it was an idol). They also pray on the second and tertiary levels of the G Mosque, in addition to skyscrapers, which are all higher than the Kaaba. If the Kaaba was to be destroyed, Muslims would nonetheless pray in that direction as Muslims do not worship the building.^[xxx] If a Muslim needed to pray but didn't know the management of the Kaaba, they may pray in the most likely management, as their prayers are spiritually to God, not the Kaaba. Furthermore, the Qur'an states to worship God, not his (symbolic) house (the Kaaba): "Let them worship the Lord of this House, Who has fed them, [saving them] from hunger and made them safe, [saving them] from fear." [106:iii–iv]^[31]
- The Hajj is a simultaneous pilgrimage to Mecca fabricated by able-bodied Muslims each year. It is performed namely to commemorate the struggles of Abraham, his son Ismail, and his wife Hagar in submitting their wills to God.
15
The whole of Islam in its cloth and essence has been described in the Qur'an. It is the most important source of Islamic constabulary. There is a huge amount of literature on its explanation (exegesis/commentary). One of the most famous commentaries are the Tafsir Ibn Katheer. Their English translations are available on the internet every bit well.
- In that location is also the Sunnah (Prophetic instance).^[32]

1
Obtain an introductory book almost Islam. Books that give an overview regarding the basic behavior, the pillars of Islam and faith, prayers, rituals, etc. Brand sure that the volume is non biased against Islam and if possible written by a practicing Muslim, for instance, a scholar.
- Read books by many famous Muslim theologians and mystics. I example is The Alchemy of Happiness by Al-Ghazali, which talks about how Muslims should alive their lives (with references to Islamic scripture).
two

Meet other Muslims. Locate a mosque in your areas and visit them at prayer times, for instance, just before dusk or in the afternoon. Await to see the people exiting the mosque and effort to engage in a chat with them.
3

Visit an Islamic Center. Telephone call them beforehand and tell them your purpose for learning about Islam. They'll probably invite you to come over. Before heading out write several primal questions and bring along a tape recorder or notebook to tape whatever data.
four

Read the Qur'an . Don't forget to refer to Muslims or the commentaries of scholars if there is anything in the Qur'an you don't sympathize.
5
Read the hadith . These are the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad and observations of his deportment by his companions (Sunnah). This is Islam's secondary source of guidance. Over 1400 years, scholars have graded the authenticity of the hadith, written commentaries, and compiled them.
- The Sunnah is the Prophet's example,^[33] whereas the hadith are his sayings and sayings of his companions nearly him.^[34]
- One hadith is composed of:^[35]
  - Sanad/isnad: The chain of transmission.^[36] ^[37] Hither's a real instance: Al-Humaidi told us bin Abdullah al-Zubayr, he said Sufian told us, said Yahya bin Said al-Ansari told me, told me Mohammed bin Ibrahim al-Taymi, he heard Alqmah ibn Waqas al-Lithi, says Omar bin al-Khattab—May God be pleased with him—heard him on the pulpit said I heard the Messenger of Allah—May God honor him and grant him peace—say: [hadith].^[38]
  - Matn: The bodily contents of the narration.^[39] It must not contradict the Qur'an.
- The main hadith gradings are:
  - Sahih: Accurate.
  - Hasan: Good. Not as accurate as a Sahih narration but is acceptable.
  - Da'if: Weak. The Prophet may non take said this. They cannot be used equally a source of knowledge. If someone quotes i, yous should enquire them for improve testify.
  - Mawdu': Fabricated. The Prophet certainly did not really say this, so they also cannot be used equally a source of knowledge.
- The most famous Sunni hadith collections are Sahih Al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim, Sunan an-Nasa'i, Sunan Abu Dawud, Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Sunan Ibn Majah, and Muwatta Imam Malik. The most famous Shia hadith collections are Al-Kutub Al-Arb'ah. There are many more.
- Websites similar Sunnah.com accept online translated versions.
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Be wary of online websites providing information about Islam. They may be biased confronting Islam.
- Be extremely careful of wikis, since anyone can edit them. They are oftentimes anti-Islamic.
  - Wikipedia is a skillful starting point for Islamic cognition due to its strict rules (due east.g. Neutral Point of View, No Original Research, Reliable Sources, and Verifiability), still, some pages are tagged with notices and other issues may get unnoticed. wikiHow contains more instructional information. Information technology is mostly a good source for information, but remember that it is a wiki and risks containing wrong information as any non-scholars tin can edit them. Verify what you read with scholars.

Add New Question

Question

My Muslim friend asked me to convert. Is it ok if I do it because he asked me to?

You lot should only go a Muslim if you truly believe in the teachings of the organized religion.
Question

I honey Allah and I want to convert to Islam, simply I don't know how I can or where to go for it. Whatsoever communication?

Read How to Go a Muslim. You tin can meet a local Masjid Imam to help you lot to convert. Likewise, if you have friends who are Muslim they can help you to convert to Islam. The local Imam will help you to acquire more than about the organized religion and practice in daily life!
Question

If I am a teen and believe Islam is correct for me, does my whole family accept to convert in order for me to catechumen?

No, nobody else likewise you needs to convert.
Question

How can I teach a non-Muslim about Islam?

Be patient. Go slow, teach them most Allah, then the prophets and angels, then the celebrations and rules of Islam. Teach them what they should and shouldn't do!
Question

How do I fit in time for prayer during work?

You must pray on time. Allot time to pray. Inquire the management to help you, they should exist flexible. Otherwise, modify your work hours, job, or contact higher management.
Question

What is the meaning of a tasbih?

Information technology is a form of dhikr that tin be done someday, commonly after prayer, in which y'all recite praises for Allah.
Question

How do I become a Muslim without leaving my parents?

Yous tin can get a Muslim without leaving your parents. Contact a local imam or masjid for direction.
Question

Would a child be accustomed by their family and into the Muslim community if he/she converts?

The Muslim community is very welcoming. With regard to his family, this would depend on the human relationship he/she has with them, also as their own religious behavior.
Question

I'grand a Christian and my boyfriend is a Muslim and I desire to bring together Islam, what are the rules?

Make sure you have Islam from your heart and that no ane has forced y'all to accept. All you demand to do is recite shahada, which is "Ash-hadu anla elaha illa-Allah wa ash-hadu anna Mohammadan rasul-Allah." The translation is, "I behave witness that there is no deity (none truly to be worshiped) only Allah, and I bear witness that Mohammad is the messenger of Allah." One time you recite this with true intentions you will become a Muslim. Try to learn basic things like praying, fasting, etc. and implement them in your life.
Question

I'm dislocated almost what plagues Allah sent to Egypt in what gild. I heard the terminal plague was the Nile turning into blood, but another source said it was the firstborn of Egypt being killed.

According to the Bible the final plague was the firstborn beingness killed, but the last sign mentioned in the Qur'an in chapter seven poesy 133 is water turning into blood.

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If you are in doubt of anything, don't hesitate to ask a knowledgeable Muslim. Mufti Menk, Yasir Qadhi, Nouman Ali Khan, Yasmin Mogahed, and Bilal Phillips are amazing speakers and scholars, whose lectures are available online.

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Be very conscientious when searching the Internet. This cannot be stressed enough. There are many websites on the internet intended to misinform people about Islam. Be especially careful with anonymous websites, since y'all are talking to an anonymous person, he or she might not provide yous with authentic information. A few practiced websites are IslamReligion.com, AboutIslam.net, and Oxford Islamic Studies Online. You may too consult the bottom of this article.
Be careful of those who say that there is only i "valid" form of Islam. All denominations and sects of Islam are equally valid.