# Islam Explained: Key Beliefs, Practices, and Misconceptions  


## Introduction to Islam  

Islam, meaning "submission to God," is the world’s second-largest religion with over 1.9 billion followers. It is a monotheistic faith, teaching belief in one God (Allah) and following the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).  


## Core Beliefs in Islam  

Muslims adhere to Five Pillars of Islam and Six Articles of Faith:  

### 1. Five Pillars of Islam  

- Shahada (Declaration of Faith)  

- Salah (5 daily prayers)  

- Sawm (Fasting in Ramadan)  

- Zakat (Charity to the poor)  

- Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca)  


### 2. Six Articles of Faith  

- Belief in Allah (God)  

- Belief in Angels  

- Belief in Holy Books (Quran, Bible, Torah)  

- Belief in Prophets (Adam, Moses, Jesus, Muhammad)  

- Belief in Judgment Day  

- Belief in Divine Decree  


## Who Was Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)?  

- Born in Mecca (570 CE), received revelations from Allah at age 40.  

- Quran, the holy book of Islam, was revealed to him over 23 years.  

- He established the first Islamic community in Medina.  


## Sunni vs. Shia Islam: Key Differences  

- Sunni Muslims (85-90%) follow the caliphate after Muhammad.  

- Shia Muslims (10-15%) believe in 12 Imams, starting with Ali (RA).  


## Common Misconceptions About Islam  

❌ "Jihad means holy war" → Actually means "struggle" (e.g., spiritual growth).  

❌ "Islam oppresses women" → Early Islam granted women rights (inheritance, education).  

❌ "All Muslims are Arab" → Most Muslims live in Indonesia, Pakistan, India.  


## Islam and Modern Life  

- Science & Civilization: Muslims pioneered algebra, medicine, and astronomy.  

- Halal Lifestyle: Permissible food, finance, and ethics.  

- Interfaith Relations: Respects Jews & Christians as "People of the Book."  


## Recommended Books on Islam  

- "The Quran" (English translation by Abdullah Yusuf Ali)  

- "No god but God" by Reza Aslan  

- "The Autobiography of Malcolm X"  

### FAQ About Islam  

Q: Do Muslims worship Muhammad?  

A: No, only Allah. Muhammad is the final prophet.  

Q: Is music forbidden in Islam?  

A: Views vary; many Muslims enjoy art and music within Islamic guidelines.  

Q: Why do Muslim women wear hijab?  

A: Modesty commandment in Quran, but styles differ globally.  

### SEO Optimization Notes:  

✅ Targeted Keywords: "Islam beliefs," "Prophet Muhammad," "Sunni vs Shia," "Quran meaning," "Five Pillars of Islam."  

✅ Readability: Short paragraphs, bullet points, FAQs.  

✅ Internal Links: Can link to pages like "Ramadan guide" or "History of Islamic Science."  

✅ Meta Description: "Discover Islam’s core beliefs, practices, and misconceptions. Learn about Prophet Muhammad, Sunni vs Shia, and the Quran in this simple guide."