What is Islam?

Islam is a monotheistic faith centered on belief in one God known in Arabic as Allah. Muslims believe Islam is the final and complete guidance revealed by God to humanity through the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, and recorded in the Quran. The word Islam itself means submission a voluntary surrender to God’s will in every part of life.

Key Highlights📿

• Guided by the Quran and the Prophet ﷺ: Muslims live by the words of the Quran and the example (Sunnah) of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
• Islam means ‘submission’: A Muslim is someone who willingly submits to the will of Allah.
• One God, One Message: Islam teaches belief in a single, eternal God — without partners, idols, or intermediaries.

The Meaning of Islam and Its Core Beliefs

The word Islam means submission to the will of Allah, and it shares the same root as salaam, meaning peace. As Muslims, we believe true peace comes when we align ourselves with the guidance of our Creator. That’s why Islam isn’t just about belief it’s a way of living, shaping our actions, values, and mindset every day.

At the centre of Islam is Tawheed, the belief that Allah is absolutely one. He has no partners, no equals, and nothing is like Him. He alone created everything and continues to sustain it all. We don’t need any intermediaries every one of us can turn to Allah directly. Personally, I find that deeply reassuring. Whether in sujood during prayer or quietly walking alone, I know I can speak to Allah and that He hears me.

Muslims also believe that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was the final messenger sent by Allah. He followed in the footsteps of earlier prophets like Adam, Moses, and Jesus (peace be upon them). His mission wasn’t to invent a new religion, but to complete the message of all prophets: to worship Allah alone and live with mercy, justice, and sincerity.

That message is preserved in the Qur’an, which Muslims believe to be the literal word of God, revealed over 23 years. Alongside the Qur’an, we follow the Hadith the sayings and actions of the Prophet ﷺ which help us put that guidance into daily practice. These aren’t just texts we read; they shape how we speak to others, how we make decisions, and how we understand life itself.

The 6 Articles of Faith in Islam

Our faith includes six essential beliefs, often called the Articles of Faith:

1. Belief in Allah
2. Belief in the angels
3. Belief in the divine scriptures
4. Belief in the prophets
5. Belief in the Day of Judgement
6. Belief in divine decree (Qadar)

These beliefs help us understand where we came from, why we’re here, and where we’re going. They give us a framework to live with trust, purpose, and accountability.

إِنَّ الدِّينَ عِندَ اللَّهِ الْإِسْلَامُ

“Indeed, the religion in the sight of Allah is Islam.”
(Qur’an 3:19)

The Five Pillars of Islam

Islam is not just a set of beliefs it’s a way of life shaped by action. At the heart of that practice are the Five Pillars of Islam. These pillars form the foundation of a Muslim’s faith and guide everything from daily habits to major life events.

Each pillar is an act of devotion and obedience to Allah, helping us live with discipline, compassion, and spiritual purpose. Whether someone has just embraced Islam or has been practicing for decades, these five pillars remain central throughout their journey.

1. Shahada (Declaration of Faith)

The Shahada is the testimony that “There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.”
It’s the first step in becoming Muslim, and the foundation of all belief. Saying it sincerely affirms our complete trust in Allah and acceptance of the Prophet ﷺ as His final messenger.

2. Salah (Prayer)

Muslims pray five times a day, at dawn, midday, afternoon, sunset, and night.
Each prayer is a moment to pause, reconnect with Allah, and realign ourselves spiritually. For me, it often feels like a reset button in the middle of a busy day, a chance to find stillness, even for a few minutes.

3. Zakat (Charity)

Zakat is an annual obligation to give a portion of our wealth (usually 2.5%) to those in need.
It reminds us that wealth is a trust from Allah, not just something we earn. Giving Zakat purifies what we keep and helps uplift the wider community.

4. Sawm (Fasting in Ramadan)

During the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset.
But it’s not just about going without food or drink, it’s about spiritual discipline, patience, and empathy for those less fortunate. The hunger reminds us how much we depend on Allah for everything.

5. Hajj (Pilgrimage to Makkah)

Hajj is a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Makkah, required only if someone is physically and financially able.
It’s a powerful, unifying experience millions of Muslims from around the world stand shoulder to shoulder in worship, dressed the same, calling on the same Lord.

بُنِيَ الإِسْلَامُ عَلَى خَمْسٍ

“Islam is built upon five [pillars]…”

(Sahih al-Bukhari, Book 2, Hadith 8)

Each of these pillars has its own depth and beauty. Together, they form a framework for living a life grounded in faith, gratitude, and connection with Allah.

Islam in Daily Life

Islam isn’t just a belief it’s part of how we live each day.

For me, it shows up in the small, simple things:

• Saying Bismillah before a meal
• Replying to salaam with intention
• Pausing before speaking, knowing Allah is always aware

These everyday actions aren’t just habits. They’re acts of worship, rooted in sincerity.

Our choices what we eat, how we earn, how we speak are all guided by the Qur’an and Sunnah. Islam teaches us to:

• Choose halal in food and income
• Speak truthfully and act justly
• Keep good company
• Honour the rights of others

Even something as small as a smile is an act of charity.

تَبَسُّمُكَ فِي وَجْهِ أَخِيكَ لَكَ صَدَقَةٌ

“Your smile to your brother is charity.”
(Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 1956 – graded Hasan)

Salah (prayer) is what grounds me most. No matter how busy or chaotic life gets, those five set moments give me space to pause, reflect, and reconnect with Allah.

Islam also keeps us connected to the Ummah the global Muslim family. Whether you’re in London, Jakarta, or Lagos, we all face the same Qiblah and worship the same Lord.

Staying mindful isn’t always easy, but Islam reminds us to reflect and keep moving forward. It’s about progress, not perfection — and trusting that even the quietest acts done for Allah are seen and valued.

Living Islam Moment by Moment

Islam isn’t something that lives only in books or sermons it lives in how we speak, how we eat, how we treat the people around us. For many of us, it’s in those quiet moments of intention: holding the door for someone, helping a neighbour, or whispering a dua when no one else is listening.

What makes Islam so powerful is that it’s designed to be lived not just studied. And when we carry it with sincerity in our daily actions, even the smallest moments can become acts of worship.