Questions & Answers

Find answers to common questions about Islam, including its beliefs, practices, and teachings.

Allah is the Arabic word for God. Muslims believe that Allah is the one and only God, who is merciful, all-powerful, and the creator of everything in existence.

Islam is a monotheistic religion that teaches belief in one God (Allah) and follows the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It is based on the Quran, which Muslims believe is the word of God, and the Hadith, which are the sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the last and final messenger of God, sent to guide humanity. He was born in Makkah in 570 CE and received revelations from Allah, which are recorded in the Quran.

The Quran is the holy book of Islam, believed to be the word of God as revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) through the angel Jibreel (Gabriel). It provides guidance on all aspects of life, including faith, worship, morality, and law.

The Shahada is the Islamic declaration of faith, stating, "There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His messenger." It is the most fundamental expression of Islam, affirming the oneness of God and the prophethood of Muhammad (peace be upon him). It is the first step in becoming a Muslim.

Islam, Christianity, and Judaism are all Abrahamic religions that believe in one God. However, Islam sees Muhammad (peace be upon him) as the final prophet, while Christians believe in Jesus as the Son of God, and Jews follow the teachings of the Torah. Muslims also believe that previous scriptures have been altered over time, while the Quran remains unchanged.

Yes, Muslims believe in Jesus (peace be upon him) as a prophet and messenger of God. He is called 'Eesa' in Arabic. However, Muslims do not believe that he is the Son of God or that he was crucified. Instead, they believe that he was raised to heaven by God and will return before the Day of Judgment.

Jihad means "struggle" or "striving" in the way of God. It can refer to a personal struggle to live righteously, resist sin, and improve oneself. It can also refer to defending Islam, but it does not mean unjust violence or terrorism, which is condemned in Islam.

Muslim women wear the hijab (headscarf) as a sign of modesty, obedience to God, and identity. It is part of Islamic teachings on modesty for both men and women. However, wearing it is a personal choice based on faith and conviction.

Halal food refers to food that is permissible in Islam. It includes meat that has been slaughtered according to Islamic guidelines, avoiding pork, alcohol, and certain other prohibited substances.

Muslims believe in life after death. After dying, a person’s soul is judged based on their deeds. The righteous will enter Paradise (Jannah), and the wrongdoers will face punishment in Hell (Jahannam), though Allah’s mercy is vast, and sincere repentance is accepted.

No, Muslims do not worship the Kaaba. It is the direction (Qibla) that Muslims face when praying, as a symbol of unity. The Kaaba is the house of God in Makkah and was originally built by Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his son Ismail (Ishmael).

Yes, non-Muslims are generally welcome in mosques, as long as they show respect for the place of worship. However, in some mosques, there may be restrictions, especially in Makkah and Madinah, which are reserved for Muslims only.

The mosque is a place of worship and community gathering for Muslims. It is where Muslims perform their five daily prayers (Salah), attend religious lectures, and come together for communal events. The mosque is also a center for learning and spiritual development.

Angels are created beings who serve Allah and carry out His commands. Muslims believe in several angels, including Jibreel (Gabriel), who delivered revelations to the prophets, and Mikail (Michael), who provides sustenance. Angels are seen as messengers and protectors of the faithful.

Tawhid is the Islamic belief in the oneness of God. It is the foundation of Islamic faith, emphasizing that Allah is unique, with no partners or associates. This belief calls for the worship of Allah alone and a rejection of any form of polytheism or idol worship.

The Hadith is a collection of sayings, actions, and approvals of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It serves as a guide to understanding the Quran and provides practical examples of how to live according to Islamic principles, covering all aspects of life, including worship, ethics, and social conduct.

Fasting during Ramadan is an obligation for adult Muslims and is considered one of the Five Pillars of Islam. It is a time for self-discipline, reflection, and spiritual growth. Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn to sunset to develop empathy for the less fortunate and strengthen their relationship with Allah.

In Islam, the family is seen as the foundation of society. Muslims are encouraged to respect and care for their parents, maintain strong family bonds, and raise children with good values. The relationship between spouses is based on mutual respect, love, and kindness.

The Sunnah refers to the practices, traditions, and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It complements the Quran and provides further guidance on how to live a righteous life. Muslims follow the Sunnah in addition to the Quran as an essential part of their faith and practice.

Zakat is an obligatory charity, representing 2.5% of a Muslim’s savings and wealth, given annually to help those in need. It purifies a Muslim’s wealth and is considered a means of social justice. The eligible recipients of Zakat include the poor, the needy, orphans, and travelers in distress.

Jannah is the Islamic concept of Paradise, a place of eternal bliss and reward for those who follow Allah's guidance and live righteous lives. It is described as a beautiful, peaceful garden with rivers of milk, honey, and water, where people will live in joy and contentment.

Jahannam is the Islamic concept of Hell, a place of punishment for those who reject Allah, live sinful lives without repentance, and commit acts of injustice. It is described as a place of suffering, but the severity of punishment varies based on one's deeds.

In Islam, marriage is seen as a sacred contract between a man and a woman. It is encouraged as a means of preserving faith, love, and family. Islam emphasises mutual respect, kindness, and compassion in marriage, and it grants both spouses rights and responsibilities.