Leatham, Jeremy, et. al. "Islamic Beliefs." Faithology.com. Faithology, 12 March 2013. Web. 19 May 2013.

Leatham, J., et. al. (2013, Mar 12). Islamic Beliefs. Faithology. Retrieved from http://faithology.com/beliefs/islam

Leatham, Jeremy, et. al. "Islamic Beliefs" Faithology, LLC. Last modified March 12, 2013. http://faithology.com/beliefs/islam

Leatham, Jeremy, et. al. Islamic Beliefs. Faithology, LLC, 2012. http://faithology.com/beliefs/islam (Accessed May 19, 2013).

  • Quran quotations taken from Arberry, Arthur J., trans. The Koran Interpreted. New York: Macmillan, 1955.
  • Ḥadīth quotations are taken from Khan, M. Muhsin (translator), "Translation of Sahih Bukhari," CMJE.org. Center for Muslim-Jewish Engagement of the University of Southern California, (n.d.). http://www.cmje.org/religious-texts/ḥadīth/bukhari. (Identified as [al-Bukhari, Volume:Book:Number])
  • Esposito, John L., ed. The Oxford Encyclopedia of the Islamic World. Oxford Islamic Studies Online, 2011. Web. 6 Dec. 2011.
  • Esposito, John L., What Everyone Needs to Know About Islam. New York: Oxford Press, 2002.
  • "Islām," Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Encyclopædia Britannica, 2011. Web. 07 Sep. 2011. http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/295507/Islam.
  • Last Updated: March 12, 2013
  • Originally Published: July 18, 2012

PRIMARY CONTRIBUTOR

Jeremy Leatham

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

  • The Faithology Editorial Staff

  • Islamic Beliefs

Introduction

Islamic adherents, known as Muslims, are divided into two primary sects, Sunnism and Shi'ism Despite the theological differences between the groups—as well as the numerous divisions within those two primary categories—most Muslims share some basic beliefs.

Islamic Beliefs

Muslims are expected to pray five times every day; this is one of the Five Pillars of Islam

  • God: Islam is monotheistic; the one God is Allah, creator and master of the universe.
  • Evil: Iblis1Iblis is the Arabic equivalent to the Christian Satan. was cast out of Allah's presence for rebellion; he encourages mankind to rebel.
  • Prophets: Messengers and prophets were sent by Allah from the beginning of the world to warn all mankind. Muhammad is the last and principal of these prophets.
  • Sacred Texts: The Quran, considered by Muslims to be the literal word of God, contains revelations from Allah given directly to Muhammad orally through the archangel Gabriel. These revelations were eventually recorded and compiled by Muhammad's followers, and they constitute Islam's most sacred text. The hadith, which are records of the life, sayings, and traditions of Muhammad and his immediate followers, also comprise important texts for Muslims, though they are not considered scripture or the literal word of God.
  • Five Pillars of Islam: Sunni and Shi'a Muslims are united in their acceptance of five foundational doctrines:
    • Declaration of Faith: To become a Muslim, one must declare, "There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the Apostle of God."
    • Prayer: Muslims are expected to offer prayers at five set times throughout the day.
    • Almsgiving: Muslims are expected to pay 2.5 percent of their wealth and assets to the poor annually.
    • Fasting: Each year during the month of Ramadan, Muslims are expected to fast each day from dawn to sunset.
    • Pilgrimage: Every Muslim who is physically and financially able is expected to visit Mecca at least once during his or her lifetime.
  • Day of Judgment: All mankind will be resurrected and face judgment by Allah. Those who have submitted to Allah will enter into paradise; those who have not submitted will be consigned to hell.
  • Calendar: The Islamic calendar begins in 622 CE, which Muslims refer to as AH 1. This calendar follows the lunar cycle.