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What Is Islam

What is Islam?

Who was the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)? Is Allah the same as God? What makes someone a Muslim? Here, we answer these questions, and more, with a brief introduction to Islam.
The word Islam means ‘submission’. Muslims are those who humble themselves before God and follow His teachings. Muslims call God Allah, which means the ‘One and only God’. The most important belief of all Muslims is to worship God alone, and not to prescribe any partners to Him.
Muslims believe in angels, Heaven and Hell, the Prophets and Holy Books. We believe in the original scriptures sent from God; the Torah, given to Moses, Psalms, given to David, and Bible, given to Jesus (peace be upon them all). Muslims believe Jesus was a messenger of God, born to Mary, without a father. Muslims believe that the last and final messenger was the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who received revelation of the Holy Qur’an from Allah, through the archangel Gabriel.

And this Qur’an is such that it could not be composed by any, unless it be revealed from Allah. It is a confirmation of the revelation made before it, and a detailed exposition of the Book. Beyond doubt, it is from the Lord of the universe.

Qur’an 10:37
Masjid Al-Nabawi, the mosque of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, in Medina, Saudi Arabia.
The Qur’an is a book unlike any other, and not one letter of it has changed in 1400 years. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was unlettered, yet over a period of 23 years, he received revelation from God and passed them to his followers. This oral tradition is how Muslims recite and memorise the Holy Qur’an today, perfecting their recitation – exactly the way the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught.
The Qur’an is full of advice to all of mankind, on how to live our lives in the best way, and deal with each other fairly. The Qur’an made clear that women’s rights were of utmost importance, and all men and women are judged equally, regardless of race or nationality. Islam, a religion of peace, is not a faith for one people, but for all mankind, and is the fastest growing religion in the world.

We created you from dust, then from a sperm-drop, then from a clinging clot, and then from a lump of flesh, formed and unformed—that We may show you.

Qur’an 22:5
There are many scientific discoveries, described in the Qur’an, that we have only fully understood in the last century, such as the Big Bang, the development of the fetus in the womb, and the geology of mountains.
The Qur’an tells us that no amount of sin cannot be forgiven, if one turns their heart to Allah. He is the All-Forgiving and Most-Merciful. By seeking His forgiveness, a Muslim can set themselves on the straight path to Heaven. We do this through the five pillars; belief in one God, prayer (five times a day), giving charity, fasting (not eating or drinking during the daylight hours, in the month of Ramadan), and a pilgrimage to Makkah, at least once in our lives. Makkah is where Prophet Abraham built the Kaaba.
The Kaaba, which Muslims turn towards when they pray, in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
If you are interested in learning more about Islam, or want to meet others that are new to Islam, why not consider joining our Re-View group? We meet regularly for a friendly chat, and to share our ideas and experiences. Please click the button below, to register.

I first attended Re-View in April 2021, due to my curiosity around Islam. I was greeted by Suzan and Dan who were so welcoming and encouraging. The group was small but full of kindness and wisdom. I got the answer to so many of my questions. I felt reassured and listened to. The group is an eclectic mix of ages and ethnicities with one common thread, starting/continuing our journey in Islam. There is such a relaxed atmosphere, open to questions and no pressure. I felt so at home and at peace at TOP, I made the decision to take my Shahada there. My only regret is I did not do it sooner in life. The support is ongoing via monthly Re-View groups and also from Suzan & Dan on a regular basis when required.

Joanne - Re-View Attendee

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West Midlands
B92 7EB
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Kineton Green Rd, Olton, Solihull,
West Midlands, B92 7EB

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