Islam and the commandments

Overview of Islam

Islam (Arabic: الإسلام‎, romanized: al-ʾIslām) is an Abrahamic, monotheistic religion that teaches that there is only one God (Allah) and that Muhammad is God’s messenger. It is the world’s second-largest religion, with over 2 billion Muslims, or 25% of the world’s population, commonly referred to as Muslims. Muslims make up the majority of the population in 50 countries. Islam teaches that God is merciful, almighty, and one,[6] and that God has guided humanity through messengers, revealed scriptures, and natural signs. The main scriptures of Islam are the Quran (Qur’an), which Muslims consider to be the literal word of God, and the teachings and normative examples (called sunnah, including records called hadith) of Muhammad (570 – 8 June 632).

Islam is a monotheistic religion, meaning it worships only one God—Allah (God in Arabic). Islam was founded by the Prophet Muhammad in the 7th century on the Arabian Peninsula, and it is now the second-largest religion in the world after Christianity. Followers of Islam are called Muslims.

Origin of Islam

Historically, Islam was born in the 7th century in the Arabian Peninsula, by the Angel Muhammad who received revelations from God to humans through the angel Jibrael (Gabriel). Islam worships only God, the One (Arabic: الله Allāh). For believers, Muhammad is the last Prophet to whom Allah revealed the Holy Quran (also written as Koran) through the Angel Jibrael.

Islam in Arabic means submission, obedience, and compliance. In addition, Islam is also a compound noun of the two words Ikhlas & Salam (Peace, Purity). According to Islam, the noun Islam is used by Allah to call the religion that He sent down and is found in the Quran, so Muslims use this name for their religion.

Key Doctrines in Islam

The fundamental teachings in Islam are recorded in the Quran and the Hadith (sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad). Here are the core principles of Islamic doctrine:

1. Faith in one God (Allah): This is the most fundamental principle of Islam. Muslims believe that there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His messenger.
2. Faith in Angels (Mala’ika): Muslims believe that angels are beings created by Allah from light, with roles that include conveying His message and protecting humanity.
3. Faith in Prophets (Nabi and Rasul): Muslims believe that Allah sent numerous prophets to the world, including Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad. Muhammad is the final prophet and messenger of God.
4. Faith in Holy Scriptures (Kutub): In addition to the Quran, Muslims believe in other holy books, such as the Torah (of the Jewish faith), Psalms (of Prophet David), and the Bible (of Christians).
5. Faith in the Day of Judgment (Yawm al-Qiyama): Muslims believe that a Day of Judgment will come when everyone will be held accountable before Allah for their actions.
6. Faith in Predestination (Qadar): Muslims believe in the fate and divine plan set by Allah, that everything happens according to His will.

The Five Pillars of Islam

The Five Pillars are five basic practices that Muslims are required to follow:

1. Shahada: Declaration of Faith – “There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.” This is the fundamental declaration required to become a Muslim.
2. Salat: Prayer – Muslims pray five times a day, facing the holy city of Mecca.
3. Zakat: Almsgiving – Muslims donate a portion of their income to those who are poor or in need.
4. Sawm: Fasting – During the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset.
5. Hajj: Pilgrimage – Every Muslim who is physically and financially able must undertake a pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca at least once in their lifetime.

The Commandments in Islam

Although there isn’t a specific list of “commandments” like in Christianity, Islam has key ethical principles, including:

• Respect for parents and family, caring for them when needed.
• Honesty in all relationships and dealings.
• Respecting others’ property rights, refraining from stealing or seizing assets.
• Avoiding harm to innocent people.
• Refraining from slander and lying.
• Avoiding gambling, alcohol, and intoxicants.
• Avoiding greed, envy, and jealousy.

Islam contains many detailed ethical guidelines and laws within Sharia (Islamic law), which serve as guidance for Muslims to live in a way that aligns with Allah’s will.