What is Islam?

What is Islam?

Islam is the religion of complete submission to Allah alone, free from any partners, intermediaries, or associates in worship. It is built upon the correct understanding of Tawhid — the Oneness of Allah in His Lordship (Rububiyyah), His right to be worshipped (Uluhiyyah), and His Names and Attributes (Asma wa Sifat). Muhammad ﷺ is the final Messenger sent to mankind, and the religion he conveyed was completed and perfected, with nothing left for later generations to add to or take away from.

The foundation of this religion rests upon two sources: the Qur'an, the uncreated speech of Allah, and the authentic Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ. Correct understanding of these two sources is not derived from personal opinion or innovation, but from the manner in which the Sahabah (Companions), the Tabi'in, and the pious generations after them understood and practiced the religion — those whom the Prophet ﷺ himself praised as the best of generations. This is the methodology of Ahlus Sunnah wal Jama'ah.

The Five Pillars of Islam

Islam is established upon five pillars

Shahadatayn (The Two Testimonies) — Bearing witness that none has the right to be worshipped except Allah, and that Muhammad ﷺ is His slave and Messenger.
Salah (Prayer) — Establishing the five daily prayers in the manner the Prophet ﷺ prayed, as he commanded: "Pray as you have seen me praying."
Zakat (Obligatory Charity) — Purifying one's wealth by giving a prescribed portion annually to those entitled to it.
Sawm (Fasting Ramadan) — Abstaining from food, drink, and desires from dawn until sunset during the blessed month, seeking nearness to Allah.
Hajj (Pilgrimage) — Performing the pilgrimage to the Sacred House in Makkah at least once, for those who are physically and financially able.

Alongside these pillars stands Iman (faith) in its six articles — belief in Allah, His Angels, His Books, His Messengers, the Last Day, and the Divine Decree (Qadar) — and Ihsan, worshipping Allah as though one sees Him, knowing that though we do not see Him, He surely sees us.

To learn more in detail, read the article by Shaykh Abu Khadeejah:
👉 Islam