What Do Muslims Believe?

Islam is a major world religion with more than 1.5 billion followers globally. Its teachings, shared across the Muslim world, are centered on the belief of one God and one mission from Him – that humanity live a life of peace, love, and justice. While Muslims’ beliefs, culture, and practices vary widely across the world, one thing that remains constant is the core message of Islam. Here, we will explore the basics of what Muslims believe in.

God

Above all, Muslims believe in one God, called Allah in the Arabic language. Allah is all-powerful and merciful, the creator and sustainer of the universe. He is just, merciful, and forgiving, and He promises a day of reckoning and rewards after death. Muslims affirm the sacred texts of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam as revelations from this single source and view them all with reverence.

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

Muslims also believe in the Prophethood of Muhammad, peace be upon him (PBUH). Muhammad was the final messenger of Allah and his example is the model to which all Muslims should adhere. To Muslims, the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) are the embodiment of truth and the epitome of righteousness. In fact, the basis of the Islamic faith is adherence to the message of Muhammad (PBUH) and the teachings of the Quran.

The Five Pillars

At the heart of Islamic practice is submission to the will of Allah and acknowledgement of his power. This is expressed through the Five Pillars of Islam, five core responsibilities that are mandatory for all Muslims. They are belief in the One God and the Prophethood of Muhammad (PBUH), prayer five times a day, fasting during the holy month of Ramadan, almsgiving and charity, and performing a pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca. The Five Pillars are considered to be the foundation of the Islamic religion and its teachings.

Conclusion

The Islamic faith is centered on the belief in one God and His messengers, and its teachings direct believers to live a life of justice, kindness, and peace. Although there is great diversity among Muslims in terms of culture, ethnicity, geography, and language, what binds them together is the unity of faith in the teachings of Islam.