Introduction To Islam
Posted:
13/11/2010
Source:
Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat NZ
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678
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URL: http://www.ahmadiyya.org.nz
The word Islam is an Arabic word meaning peace and obedience. The religion is called Islam because it offers peace and requires complete submission to the Will of God. It provides a complete code of life. Its teachings explain in detail how to coordinate beneficently all the human faculties and the bounties provided by Allah, our Creator.
According to the Holy Qur'an, there is only one religion acceptable to God and that is complete submission to His Will. In the broader sense, Islam was also the religion of the earlier prophets like Abrahimas, Mosesas,
Davidas and Jesusas, because they all also submitted themselves to the will and obedience of God. This element of universality is unique to Islam and goes beyond the traditional barriers set up between religions. Islam not only endorses the bona fide status of all earlier prophets and revealed books, but also of any future prophets that may come. In fact the scriptures of all major world religions have foretold of the coming of a Prophet in the latter days. Therefore Islam is not a religion of an ethnic group or nation, but is the universal religion for all of mankind.
Sacred Books
The Holy Qur'an
Essential Beliefs of Islam
There are six articles of Faith or Eaman which is the acceptance of beliefs which constitute the Islamic Faith.
These are:
1. Belief in Allah ( One God)
2. Belief in the Angels
3. Belief in the revealed Books
4. Belief in the Prophets
5. Belief in the Day of Judgment
6. Belief on the Decree of God
Acts of Worship
The five fundamental acts of worship i.e. means by which the faith is practiced are:
1. Declaration of Faith
2. Observance of Prayer
3. Paying of Zakat
4. Fasting in the month of Ramadan
5. Pilgrimage to Mecca
Codes of Conduct and Purpose of Life
The social and moral codes which relate to a Muslim's conduct with his fellow human beings are also required to
be followed. These are based on the teachings of the Quran and the Traditions of the Prophet Mohammed
(Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him).
Distinctive Features of Islam
Islam is a universal religion Islam advocates the Truth of all the prophets and their Books
Islam is an eternal Religion - its message is complete and guaranteed to be preserved The Qur'an is guaranteed
to be safeguarded by the Almighty Allah Islam combines all the Truth in a New Perspective
Islam is a complete code of conduct and a Perfect Model for all.
This Article Originated from Religious Founders Day (Theme: Establishing Peace Through Religions) symposium organised and hosted by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in New Zealand on the 13th of November 2010
