What Is Islam?
A welcoming, beginner-friendly introduction to Islamic belief and practice, with direct Qur'an and hadith references.
Learning goals
Define Islam
Understand the word Islam as submission to Allah and the religion taught by His messengers.
Recognize the central belief
Identify the worship of Allah alone and the testimony concerning Muhammad ﷺ.
Discover the practices
Name the five pillars and know where to study them further.
1. What does Islam mean?
Islam is the religion of submitting to Allah through worship of Him alone and following His guidance. A Muslim is someone who embraces Islam. The Qur'an describes Islam as the religion accepted by Allah; see Qur'an 3:19 ↗.
Islam teaches belief in one God, accountability for our actions, compassion, justice, truthfulness, and responsibility toward others. The religious understanding of Islam involves both inward belief and outward actions.
2. One God — Allah
Allah is the Arabic word for God. Muslims worship Allah alone, without partners. The Qur'an's short chapter Surah Al-Ikhlas (112) ↗ emphasizes Allah's oneness and uniqueness.
Muslims believe that Allah sent prophets to guide humanity, including Adam, Nuh (Noah), Ibrahim (Abraham), Musa (Moses), Isa (Jesus), and finally Muhammad, peace be upon them all. Islam respects the prophets as human messengers; worship belongs to Allah alone.
3. Muhammad ﷺ and the Qur'an
Muslims believe Muhammad ﷺ was Allah's final prophet and messenger, and the Qur'an is the revelation conveyed to him. The Sunnah refers to his example and teachings, which Muslims study through authenticated reports. Read Qur'an 33:21 ↗ about the Prophet's example.
Translations can help beginners read the Qur'an, while the Arabic Qur'an remains central to worship and close study. Read a translation alongside context and reliable explanations.
4. The five pillars of Islam
The Prophet ﷺ described Islam as built upon five foundations: the testimony of faith, prayer, zakat, pilgrimage, and fasting Ramadan.
Read the full hadith ↗- Shahadah: Testifying that none has the right to be worshipped except Allah and that Muhammad is His messenger.
- Salah: Establishing the prescribed daily prayers.
- Zakat: Giving obligatory charity when its conditions apply.
- Sawm: Fasting during Ramadan, with applicable concessions.
- Hajj: Pilgrimage to Makkah for those who are able.
The order of pillars in teaching lists may vary, but the five foundations are the same.
5. Faith, character, and learning
The six pillars of iman, covered in Course 101 Lesson 4, include belief in Allah, His angels, books, messengers, the Last Day, and divine decree. Good character and sincere worship are essential parts of a Muslim's life.
People interested in Islam can start by reading the Qur'an, asking respectful questions, and talking with a knowledgeable, trustworthy Muslim teacher. There is no need to know everything before beginning to learn.
6. Review your understanding
1. What is the central act of devotion in Islam?
Worshipping Allah alone without associating partners with Him.
2. What is the Shahadah?
The testimony that none has the right to be worshipped except Allah and Muhammad is His messenger.
3. Name the five pillars of Islam.
Shahadah, Salah, Zakat, fasting Ramadan (Sawm), and Hajj.
4. Where can you read a short Qur'anic chapter about Allah's oneness?
Surah Al-Ikhlas, chapter 112.
5. Which hadith in this lesson introduces the five pillars?
Sahih al-Bukhari 8.
6. Why consult a qualified teacher?
To understand teachings in their proper context and address detailed questions accurately.
Independent study
Read Qur'an 3:19, Surah Al-Ikhlas, and Sahih al-Bukhari 8. Write a sentence explaining Tawheed and list the five pillars from memory. For an introduction to prayer and purification, explore Course 102.
Return to Learning Library →Continue learning: Course 103 · Lesson 2 — Who Is Allah? →