Islam means peace and submission to the will of God. Islam is a religion, which asks its believers to submit themselves to a life of peace and harmony with all of creation.

Islam enjoins respect for all Prophets beginning with Adam and ending with Muhammad. Prophets were sent to all ancient nations.

Blessed Muhammad was not haughty of wealth or worldly power. He mended his own clothes and cobbled his own shoes Contentment pervaded his whole character for he never did complain of his lot. Muhammad said, “Ye shall not enter heaven until ye believe and ye shall not believe until ye love one another.” “Thy most bitter enemy is thine own soul that lies within thy breast.”

The Muslims accept the holy Qur’an as the Message of God and a standing miracle that never ceases to provide wonders to the reader. The Qur’an speaks about medicine, astronomy, social behavior, science, history, laws of God and many others. It also contains references to animals: “There is not a living creature on earth, nor a bird that flies with its two wings but are communities like you.” (Q 6:38), Muhammad’s communications which are termed Sunnah are recorded in the Hadith, which is the second source of Islamic teachings.

In Islam there are five major practices (Arkanul Islam).

• The attestation of faith (Shahadah)
• There is one God and Muhammad is the Prophet of God.
• Prayer (Salat)
• To pray five times a day. Prayer time is a time of tranquility.
• Obligatory tax (Zakat)
• Literally means purification. It is a socio-development tax.
• Fasting (Sawm)

Fasting from dawn to dusk in the month of Ramadan is an exercise that eventually leads to patience, stronger will power and self-discipline.

• Pilgrimage (Hajj)

• Muslims who can afford it are urged to perform the hajj to witness that all men are equal in the sight of God at the site of the House of Worship built originally by Adam.

Muslim Missionary Society Singapore (JAMIYAH)
www.jamiyah.org.sg
info@jamiyah.org.sg