Introduction to Islam
The Call of Islam
The shahadah is comprised of two fundamental faith statements in Islam that “There is no god but God, and Muhammad is the Messenger of God.” This spiritual calling is expressed through auditory calls to prayers or adhan five times a day. Download (PDF)...
Islam Means Being “Muslim”
Islam affirms submission and the alignment of life missions with God’s will. Practiced by more than one billion people in the world, Islam recognizes God the Creator; Muhammad, the final messenger; and the Qur’an, God’s final word. Download (PDF) Islam is...
Qur’an: The Word of God
The Qur’an is a sacred book for Muslims, revealed to Prophet Muhammad and written in Arabic. Literally “recitation,” the Qur’an is primarily an oral text, preserved through listening and reciting. Download (PDF) The Qur’an, the central scripture of Islam...
Muhammad: The Messenger of God
The Prophet Muhammad received his first revelation during an annual devotion at Mount Hira outside of Mecca. The Prophet’s message of tauhid (unity and oneness of God) challenged the polytheistic 7th century Meccan society; Muhammad was met with...
One Ummah with Many Views
Diverse traditions within Islam have different interpretations of the Qur’an, hadith (teachings of Prophet Muhammad), and views on Islamic leadership. Some of the traditions are: Sunni, Shi’i, and Sufi movements. Download (PDF) “You who believe, obey God...
Sunni and Shi’i Interpretations
The differences between Sunni and Shi’i Muslims stem from questions about Muhammad’s successors. Shi’i groups historically argued that Ali was Muhammad’s successor, and continued recognizing successors from within the Prophet Muhammad’s family. Sunni...
Sufism: Seeking God
Sufism refers to the inner dimension of Islam which aims to attain mystical knowledge and love of God through meditative practices, or dhikr, ethical cultivation, and purification of the heart and self. Though Sufism began with individuals, Sufi...
Shari’ah: Following the Straight Path
Shari’ah refers to the system of law, ethics, and guidelines in Islam that govern a Muslim’s practical life. Shari’ah began with the Prophet Muhammad, and was later codified and taught by the ‘ulama. Along with schools, judges, courts, and rulers, the...
Islamic Practices
Among Sunni Muslims, the key practices of Islam are referred to as “The Five Pillars” and include: shahadah (statement of faith), salat (prayer five times a day), zakat (giving a portion of one’s possession, usually 2.5% of annual wealth, through local...
Islamic Beliefs
Islamic beliefs inform the worldview, lifestyle, and practices of Muslims worldwide. Amongst Sunni Muslims, the key tenets of faith are belief in: God, angels, revelations, prophets and messengers, the Day of Judgement, and divine decree. While Shi’a...
Expansion of Islamic Civilization
From the 7th through the 18th centuries, Islam spread across the globe, as Muslim rulers expanded their control throughout North Africa, West Africa, and Central Asia. During this time Muslim rulers, soldiers, traders, Sufis, scholars, poets and...
The Rise of European Colonialism
European colonization from the 17th through the 20th century often replaced the religious foundation of Islam and Islamic educational, legal and cultural institutions. The late 19th century saw movements for independence in different Muslim cultures...
Resurgence and Migration: The Muslim World Today
Among other factors, diversity in Islam emerges from revival/reform movements within the religion, and from Muslims’ experiences of migration. Some examples of revival/reform movements in Islam are traditional reformers, modernist reformers, and strict...
