Islam: An Introduction

Islam is the second largest religion in the world with over 1 billion followers. There are 6-8 million Muslims in the USA or around 2% of the population and around 2 million in Britain, around 2.7% of the population.

The word 'Islam' in Arabic means submission to the will of God and is etymologically related to the Arabic word 'peace'.

Followers of Islam are called Muslims. Muslims believe there is one true God Allah (the Arabic word for God).

Muslims believe that Islam was revealed over 1400 years ago in Mecca, Arabia through a man called Muhammad. Muhammad is so revered that it is usual for Muslims to say 'peace be upon him' whenever they mention his name.

Muhammad is believed by Muslims to be the last prophet sent by God (Allah). According to Muslims, God sent prophets to mankind to teach them how to live according to His law. Jesus (Isa), Moses (Musa) and Abraham (Ibrahim) are other respected prophets.

The Muslim holy book is called the Qur'an. Muslims believe this to be the word of Allah as dictated to Muhammad. They also have the Sunnah, which Muslims believe to be the practical example of Prophet Muhammad. Muslims follow the five basic Pillars of Islam. The Five Pillars of Islam are an essential part of Muslim life.
These pillars are:

* the declaration of faith (Shahada)
* praying five times a day (Salat)
* giving money to charity (Zakah)
* fasting (Sawm)
* a pilgrimage to Makkah at least once in a lifetime(Hajj)

Muslims worship in a building called a Mosque. On Friday at noon, the most important of the weekly services is held. When Muslims pray, they must always face Makkah.
(Above is adapted from the BBC website)
Learn more about Islam on the BBC Islam website
Watch the Deen Show for videos about Islam
and lots more at Islamopedia
and Rasoulallah.net
Dr. Mohammad Salah on Huda TV

Watch more Islamic Television at Huda TV

To Muslims: Why does our God order us to cut the hands of thieves? Is this punishment applied to all thieves?

Eman Refaat Taha, Al Azhar University

In your opinion, who is guilty when a Muslim (or a member of any religion) commits a crime? Islam (or any religion) or the individual person?

Alshaimaa Mohammed, Al Azhar University

Have you traveled to any Muslim country? What was your experience like? What is your view of Islam after traveling?

Alshaimaa Mohammed, Al Azhar University

What sources do you trust for accurate information about Islam? Why do you trust them?

Mostafa Mahmoud, Al Azhar University
Alshaimaa Mohammed, Al Azhar University

What do you want to know about Islam?

Mona, Al Azhar University

What is the worst thing you know about Islam?

Mohammed Farouk Zaki, Al Azhar University

What is the best thing you know about Islam?

Mohammed Farouk Zaki, Al Azhar University

What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word "Islam"? Do you know what this word means?

Somia, Faculty of Commerce, Al Azhar University

Have you already made up your mind about what Islam is or do you have more to learn?

Project Coordinator

Can Americans change the situation between America and Islam?

Mohammed Hamdy, Faculty of Commerce (Accounting), Al Azhar University

What can Egyptians do to correct the image of Egypt?

Mohammed Hamdy, Faculty of Commerce (Accounting)

What can Egyptians do to correct the image of Islam?

Mohammed Hamdy, Faculty of Commerce (Accounting), Al Azhar University

What can Muslims do to improve the image of Islam?

Mohammed Megahed, Faculty of Agriculture, Al Azhar University

What is your opinion about men having up to 4 wives in Islam?

Ibrahim, Faculty of Science (Chemistry), Al Azhar University

Why do you have misconceptions about Islam? What are the reasons?

Afaf, Faculty of Commerce (Accounting) and Noha, Faculty of Islamic Studies, Al Azhar University

Do you hate Muslims? Why or why not?

Afaf, Faculty of Commerce (Accounting) and Emad, Faculty of Agriculture (Pesticides), Al Azhar University

What do you know about the prophet Muhammad?

Abdullah, Faculty of Islamic Studies (Sharia Law) and Ayman, Faculty of Islamic Studies, Al Azhar University

What is the American image of Islam? Why?

Mohammed Hamdy, Faculty of Commerce (Accounting), Al Azhar University

What do you know about Islam?

Afaf, Faculty of Commerce (Accounting), Al Azhar University and Aml, Faculty of Islamic Studies and Ayman, Faculty of Islamic Studies, Al Azhar University

Is killing in the name of Allah OK?

Project Coordinator

Do Muslims believe that all non-believers should be killed?

Project Coordinator