Frequently Asked Questions
About Islam and Being MuslimCore Beliefs & The Five Pillars
Islam is one of the world’s major monotheistic religions, with approximately 1.8 billion followers worldwide. The word “Islam” means “submission” or “peace” in Arabic, referring to submission to the will of God (Allah). Muslims believe Islam is the final and complete revelation of God’s guidance to humanity.
Allah is simply the Arabic word for God — the same God worshipped by Jews and Christians. Muslims believe in one God who is all-knowing, all-powerful, and merciful. The use of “Allah” is not exclusive to Islam; Arabic-speaking Christians and Jews also use this word.
Muhammad (pbuh) was born in Mecca, Arabia, around 570 CE. Muslims believe he was the final prophet sent by God to convey His message to humanity. He is deeply respected and loved by Muslims, though he is not worshipped — only God is worshipped in Islam.
The Five Pillars are the core practices that every Muslim is expected to follow:
- Shahada — The declaration of faith: “There is no god but God, and Muhammad is His messenger.”
- Salah — Praying five times a day (at dawn, midday, afternoon, sunset, and night).
- Zakat — Giving a fixed portion of one’s savings to those in need.
- Sawm — Fasting during the month of Ramadan.
- Hajj — Making a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in a lifetime, if able.
Muslims believe in a Day of Judgement when all people will be held accountable for their deeds. Those who lived righteously and with faith will be rewarded with Paradise (Jannah), while those who rejected God and lived wrongfully will face punishment.
Muslims believe in a Day of Judgement when all people will be held accountable for their deeds. Those who lived righteously and with faith will be rewarded with Paradise (Jannah), while those who rejected God and lived wrongfully will face punishment.
Daily Life & Practice
Muslims pray five times a day, facing the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca. Before praying, they perform wudu — a ritual washing of the hands, face, and feet. Prayers involve a set sequence of standing, bowing, and prostrating while reciting verses from the Quran.
The Quran is the holy scripture of Islam. Muslims believe it is the direct word of God as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad over approximately 23 years. It is written in Arabic and covers guidance on faith, morality, law, and stories of earlier prophets.
Yes. Muslims follow dietary laws known as halal (permissible). Key rules include: no pork or pork products, no alcohol, and meat must be slaughtered in a specific way in the name of God. Many Muslims look for halal-certified food when shopping or eating out.
Absolutely. Islam encourages respectful, kind, and fair treatment of all people regardless of their faith. Muslims are encouraged to engage positively with their wider communities and to be good neighbours and citizens.
Common Misconceptions
No. Islam explicitly prohibits the killing of innocent people, and the vast majority of the world’s 1.8 billion Muslims condemn terrorism and extremism. The word Islam shares a root with the Arabic word for peace (salaam). Acts of terrorism carried out in the name of Islam are widely rejected by Muslim scholars and communities worldwide.
Not at all. While Islam originated in Arabia, Muslims come from every corner of the globe. Countries with the largest Muslim populations include Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, and India. Only around 15–20% of Muslims are Arab.
No. Muslims deeply revere and love the Prophet Muhammad, but they do not worship him. Worship is reserved solely for God. This is why Muslims often say “peace be upon him” (pbuh) after his name — as a sign of respect, not devotion.
Muslims, Christians, and Jews all believe in the same one God — the God of Abraham. There are theological differences in how each faith understands God, but Islam sees itself as part of the same Abrahamic tradition, and regards figures like Moses and Jesus as respected prophets.
This is a common misconception. Islam gave women rights to property, inheritance, and education at a time when many societies did not. Experiences of Muslim women vary greatly across cultures and countries — it is important not to conflate cultural practices with religious teachings. Many Muslim women around the world are educated, professionally active, and see their faith as a source of empowerment.
Ramadan & Key Events
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is considered the holiest month of the year. It is the month in which Muslims believe the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. Muslims fast from dawn to sunset for the entire month.
Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. It is an act of worship, self-discipline, and gratitude. It also builds empathy for those who go without food regularly. Muslims use the month to increase prayer, reflection, and charitable giving.
Islam makes allowances for those who are unable to fast. Children, the elderly, pregnant or breastfeeding women, travellers, and those who are ill are generally exempt. Missed fasts can be made up later or compensated through feeding those in need.
Eid ul-Fitr is the celebration marking the end of Ramadan. It is a joyful occasion of communal prayer, feasting, gift-giving, and spending time with family and friends. Before the Eid prayer, Muslims are required to give Zakat ul-Fitr — a charitable payment to ensure those in need can also celebrate.
Eid ul-Adha, the “Festival of Sacrifice,” commemorates the willingness of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. It coincides with the Hajj pilgrimage and involves communal prayer, the symbolic sacrifice of an animal, and distributing meat to family, neighbours, and those in need.
Hajj is the annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia and is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Every Muslim who is physically and financially able is required to perform it at least once in their lifetime. Millions of Muslims from around the world gather each year, making it one of the largest human gatherings on earth.
Umrah is an Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Unlike the Hajj (the major pilgrimage, which is one of the five pillars of Islam), Umrah is voluntary and can be performed at any time of year. It’s sometimes called the “lesser pilgrimage.”
Footnote
This FAQ is intended as a general introduction. For deeper learning, we recommend getting in touch with us via WhatsApp and we can clarify any questions you might have.
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