Islam is a faith and way of life that combines belief and practice. Muslims hold to the Six Articles of Iman (Faith) and live by the Five Pillars of Islam. The beliefs are called the Six Articles of Iman (Faith). The actions are called the Five Pillars of Islam. This guide is designed to be clear and practical.
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The Six Articles of Iman (What Muslims believe)
Iman means belief that settles in the heart and shows itself through choices, values, and actions. These six beliefs shape how Muslims understand Allah, life, and the unseen world. They also help make sense of the world: why we are here, what Allah wants from us, and what happens after we die.
1. Belief in Allah
Muslims believe in One God, known in Arabic as Allah. Allah is the Creator and Sustainer of everything, and nothing exists independently of Him. He is perfectly just and immeasurably kind. He is not human, not physical, and not part of creation, and He is not limited by time, space, weakness, or needs. Allah has no partners and no equals, and nothing deserves worship besides Him.
Believing in Allah also means believing that He knows you, hears you, and sees you. He knows what is hidden in the heart and what is shown openly. A Muslim learns to live with that awareness, not in paranoia, but in honesty and sincerity. It also means trusting that Allah is wise, even when you do not understand why something is happening.
Common questions: People often ask whether Allah is the same as the Christian God. Muslims believe in the same God worshipped by Abraham, Moses, and Jesus, but reject ideas like God having children or becoming human. People also ask whether they can talk to Allah directly. The answer is yes – there is no mediator between man and God. You can speak to Allah at any time, in any language, in your own words.
2. Belief in the Angels
Angels are real creations of Allah. They are not divine and are never worshipped. Angels always obey Allah, they do not sin, and they have specific roles. Some angels deliver revelation, some record deeds, some protect by Allah’s permission, and others manage aspects of the universe we cannot see.
Believing in angels teaches a person that the unseen world is real and organised, and that human life is not accidental or forgotten. It also reinforces accountability. Even when nobody else knows what you did, your choices still matter. At the same time, belief in angels can be comforting: Allah has created protectors and helpers, and His mercy reaches you through means you may never notice.
Common questions: Some people wonder if angels can see them all the time. Certain angels record deeds, but Allah’s knowledge is greater than all of them. Others ask whether angels have free will. In Islam, angels do not disobey Allah, unlike humans who make choices and are accountable for them.
3. Belief in the Revealed Books
Allah sent guidance through revelation to prophets. Muslims believe in the Torah given to Musa (Moses), the Psalms given to Dawud (David), the Gospel given to Isa (Jesus), and the Qur’an revealed to Muhammad ﷺ. Muslims respect the original revelations, and believe the Qur’an is the final revelation, preserved by Allah and meant for all people.
The Qur’an is not simply a book of “inspiration”. It is guidance on what to believe, how to worship God, how to improve one’s character, relationships, and how to live responsibly and create a harmonious, caring society. It teaches who Allah is, why we were created, what good character looks like, and how to build a life that pleases Him. Many new Muslims find it helpful to begin with short chapters, a reliable translation, and a simple explanation (tafsir), rather than trying to read everything quickly.
Common questions: People often ask whether Muslims respect the Bible. Muslims respect the original revelation but believe the Qur’an is the final and preserved message. Another common question is whether you need to read the Qur’an in Arabic. Learning Arabic is encouraged, but translations help you understand meaning while you learn, and you can build gradually.
4. Belief in the Messengers
Allah sent prophets to guide humanity across history. Muslims believe in all of them, including Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad ﷺ. They all taught the same core message: worship Allah alone, live with truth and justice, and prepare for the next life.
Muhammad ﷺ is the final messenger. Muslims study his teachings because he shows how Islam is lived in real life – in worship, family life, business, leadership, patience, mercy, and courage. Following the Prophet ﷺ does not mean copying culture. It means learning his guidance, his character, and the principles he taught, then applying them sincerely.
Common questions: People ask why Muslims follow Muhammad ﷺ. Muslims follow him because he delivered the final revelation and lived its teachings clearly in real life. People also ask whether Muslims believe in Jesus. Muslims believe in Jesus as a prophet and the Messiah, but not as divine, and they believe he called people back to worship of Allah.
5. Belief in the Day of Judgement
Muslims believe this life is temporary and meaningful. One day the world will end, people will be resurrected, and everyone will be judged with complete justice. Nothing is forgotten – not effort, not suffering, not injustice, and not intention. This belief gives life weight and meaning. It teaches that you are accountable, but also that justice ultimately belongs to Allah.
Belief in the Day of Judgement can change how a person lives. It encourages sincerity instead of performative goodness. It also creates hope. Many people carry questions like “What was the point of what I went through?” Islam teaches that nothing is wasted with Allah. What you endured, what you tried, and what you sacrificed is known and will be weighed fairly.
Common questions: People wonder whether everyone will be judged fairly. Islam teaches that Allah’s judgement is perfect and considers circumstances, intentions, and effort. Others ask whether there is hope for forgiveness. Islam teaches that Allah’s mercy is vast, especially for those who sincerely turn back to Him, even after repeated mistakes.
6. Belief in Divine Decree (Qadar)
Qadr means believing that Allah knows everything and is in control. This includes Allah’s complete knowledge, Allah’s power, and Allah’s wisdom in what happens. At the same time, humans have real choices and are responsible for them. Islam teaches that Allah’s knowledge of your choices does not force you to choose them. You still decide, you still act, and you are still accountable.
Belief in Qadr gives balance. It teaches you to take responsibility without drowning in regret, and to trust Allah without giving up on effort. You plan, you work, you make du’a (ask God), and you keep trying, while knowing that outcomes are ultimately in Allah’s hands. This belief helps a person handle tests with patience, and blessings with gratitude, without becoming either arrogant or hopeless.
Common questions: People often ask if Allah knows everything, do we really have free will. Islam teaches yes. Allah’s knowledge does not force your choices. Another question is why bad things happen. Some reasons are known and others are not. Islam teaches trust alongside effort, patience, seeking help, and remembering that this life is not the final chapter.
The Five Pillars of Islam (What Muslims Do)
The Five Pillars are core acts of worship that give structure to a Muslim’s life. They connect belief to daily practice in a steady and practical way. Many people find that practicing the pillars strengthens iman over time, because faith grows through consistent worship.
1. The Shahadah (Declaration of Faith)
The Shahadah is the statement that brings a person into Islam: there is no god worthy of worship except Allah, and Muhammad ﷺ is the Messenger of Allah. Whoever believes this sincerely is Muslim, even if they are still learning everything else. The Shahadah is not just a sentence; it is a commitment. It means you are choosing Allah as your Lord, and you are choosing the Prophet’s guidance as your model for belief and practice.
For many new Muslims, the Shahadah feels like coming home to clarity. It is also the beginning of learning. Islam expects growth, not instant mastery.
Common questions: Some people ask whether they need witnesses to become Muslim. Sincerity is what matters, and you do not need a formal audience. Others worry that they still have questions. Questions do not cancel faith, learning continues after the Shahadah, and it is normal to take time.
2. Salah (The Five Daily Prayers)
Muslims pray five times a day at set times. Prayer is a daily connection with Allah, a pause from distractions, and a source of structure. Over time, Salah becomes one of the most stabilising parts of a Muslim’s life, because it pulls you back to Allah repeatedly, no matter what is happening around you.
Learning prayer takes time. Most people start by learning the movements, then the short Arabic recitations, then improving gradually. If you are new, it is enough to begin sincerely, learn step by step, and keep going. Islam values consistency, even if it is small.
Common questions: People ask why Muslims pray five times a day. Muslims pray five times because Allah commanded it, and because regular prayer keeps your connection with Allah steady throughout the day. It breaks up the rush of life, trains consistency and self-discipline, and keeps faith practical rather than occasional. People ask what if they miss a prayer. The best response is to make it up and continue – missing does not mean giving up. People also ask whether they can pray in English. The formal prayer uses Arabic, but personal supplication and talking to Allah can be in any language.
3. Zakah (Obligatory Charity)
Zakah is an annual obligation on savings above a certain amount. It is a way of circulating wealth, supports those in need, and builds social responsibility. Zakah is not a “nice extra”. It is a right that others have in your wealth, and it protects the heart from greed, entitlement, and attachment.
Zakah is separate from voluntary charity (Sadaqah), which can be given at any time in any amount. Many Muslims give Sadaqah regularly, even if it is small, because it softens the heart and keeps generosity alive.
Common questions: A common question is whether new Muslims pay Zakah immediately. Zakah only becomes due once you meet the conditions, and after a full year has passed on qualifying wealth. If you are unsure, you can learn the basics and ask a trusted local scholar or calculator resource. Muslims are one of the most generous communities in the world.
4. Fasting in Ramadan
During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. Fasting is not only about hunger. It trains patience, discipline, gratitude, and control over desires. Ramadan is also a month of increased Qur’an, prayer, remembrance, and charity. It is a spiritual reset that many Muslims look forward to because it changes the atmosphere of life.
Fasting also builds empathy. You feel hunger and thirst and remember those who live with hardship regularly. Ramadan is designed to move a person towards humility and gratitude, and to strengthen the connection with Allah.
Common questions: People ask what if they cannot fast. Islam makes allowances for illness, travel, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and genuine hardship. Others ask whether they have to fast immediately as a new Muslim. Learn gradually and do what you can. Allah does not burden a soul beyond its ability, and sincerity matters.
5. Hajj (Pilgrimage to Makkah)
Hajj is performed once in a lifetime if someone is physically and financially able. It gathers Muslims from every background in humility and worship, all doing the same actions for Allah. It reminds a person that status and wealth do not matter to Allah, sincerity does. It also reminds people of the Day of Judgement, because of the simplicity, crowds, and focus on du’a and repentance.
Hajj is not required if you cannot afford it or are not able. Islam does not demand what a person cannot carry.
Common questions: People often ask whether Hajj is mandatory for everyone. It is only obligatory for those who are able. Another question is whether someone can do Umrah instead. Umrah is a blessed pilgrimage, but it does not replace the obligation of Hajj if Hajj becomes possible later.
Advice for New Muslims
Take Islam step by step. Focus on learning the basics well, building prayer slowly, staying connected to patient and grounded people, and asking questions without fear. It is normal to have ups and downs. What matters is continuing, even if it is slowly, and returning to Allah again and again. Growth in Islam is rarely dramatic; it is usually quiet, consistent, and built over time.