Understanding
Islam
Who are Muslims?
One billion people from a vast range of
races, nationalities and cultures across the
globe from the southern Philippines to Nigeria
are united by the Muslim faith. About 18 percent^
live in the Arab world while the world’s largest^
Muslim population lives in Indonesia; substantial^
parts of Asia and most of Africa are Muslim.
What do Muslims believe?
Muslims believe in one unique, incomparable God^
in the angels created by him; in the prophets through i
whom his revelations were brought to mankind; in the i
day of judgment and individual accountability fori
actions; in God’s complete authority over human destiny^
and in life after death. But God's final message to man N
a reconfirmation of the eternal message and a summary^
r of all that has gone before was revealed to the Prophet^
'Muhammad through Gabriel.
What
Is Islam?
How does someone become a Muslim?
For one-fifth of the
world's population, Islam is a religion and a way
of life. Islam is based on the principles of
peace, mercy and forgiveness.
Followers of Islam believe in God,
who they call Allah and
believe that Muhammad was
a prophet of Allah. The Quran
is the holy book for Muslims.
Simply hy saying, ‘There is no god apart from God, and I
r Muhammad is the messenger of God.' By this declaration, the
fbeliever announces his or her faith in all God’s messengers, and the]
1 scriptures they brought.
What does Islam mean?
The Arabic word “Islam” simply means “submission," and^
[derives from a word meaning "peace.” In a religious context it’
I means complete submission to the will of God. "Mohammedanism" ,
lis thus a misnomer because it suggests that Muslims worship^
i Muhammad rather than God. “Allah” is the Arabic name for God. ,
(which is used by Arab Muslims and Christians alike.
k
XV
What does Islam say about war?
Like Christianity, Islam permits fighting in self-defense, in defense of reli
gion, or on the part of those who have been expelled forcibly from their"
L homes. It lays down strict rules of combat that include prohibitions against"
farming civilians and against destroying crops, trees and livestock. As Muslims"
^ee it. injustice would be triumphant in the world if good men were not prepared'
.to risk their lives for a righteous cause.
According to the Quran, “Fight in the cause of God against those who fight you, but do not
transgress limits. God does not love transgressors." (2:190) “If they seek peace then you seek'
peace. And trust in God for he is the One that heareth and knoweth all things." (8:61)
War, therefore, is the last resort, and is the subject to the rigorous conditions laid down by the sacred law. The
term jihad literally means “struggle,” and Muslims believe there are two kinds of jihad. The other "jihad" is the inner struggle which everyone wages against^
selfish desires, for the sake of attaining inner peace.
What about Muslim women?
Islam sees a woman, whether single or married, as an individual with the right to own and dispose of her property and earnings^
Men and women should dress in a way which is dignified; the traditions of female dress found in some Muslim countries are^
often the expression of local customs.
How does Islam guarantee Human Rights?
The life and property of all citizens in an Islamic state are considered sacred^
whether a person is Muslim or not. Islam is a religion open to alj^
people from any race or background.
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Contributors: Dahlia Denton, Sayeda Ismail,
Emily Martin and Emily Peters * ^;
Design: Sharmila Badkar and Kelly Preiser
Special Jhanks to the members of the
Muslim Student AslociaMh who participated in this project.
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