Muslims believe in the following core principles:
- Belief in One God (Allah): Muslims believe in the oneness and uniqueness of God, called Allah in Arabic. God is the sole creator, all-powerful, all-knowing, and without any partners or equals. Associating partners with God is considered shirk (idolatry), which is forbidden
- Belief in Angels: Muslims believe in angels as unseen beings created by God who worship Him and carry out His commands. The angel Gabriel (Jibril) is especially significant for delivering God's revelations to the prophets
- Belief in Holy Books: Muslims accept the Quran as the final and unaltered word of God revealed to Prophet Muhammad. They also believe in earlier scriptures revealed to other prophets, such as the Torah (Moses), the Psalms (David), and the Gospel (Jesus), though they believe these earlier texts have been altered over time
- Belief in Prophets: Muslims believe God sent many prophets throughout history to guide humanity, including Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and finally Muhammad, who is considered the last prophet and the one who completed God's message
- Belief in the Day of Judgment: Muslims believe in a final Day of Judgment when all humans will be resurrected and held accountable for their deeds. The righteous will be rewarded with paradise, and the wrongdoers will be punished in hell
- Belief in Divine Predestination: Muslims believe that everything happens according to God's divine will and decree, although humans have free will to choose their actions. Believers are encouraged to respond to life's events with patience and gratitude
Additionally, Muslims follow the Five Pillars of Islam , which are fundamental acts of worship and practice:
- Declaration of faith (Shahada): Affirming that there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His messenger.
- Prayer (Salat): Performing ritual prayers five times a day.
- Charity (Zakah): Giving a portion of one's wealth to those in need.
- Fasting (Sawm): Abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs during the month of Ramadan.
- Pilgrimage (Hajj): Making a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in a lifetime if physically and financially able
In summary, Muslims believe in one God, His angels, His revealed books, His prophets, the Day of Judgment, and divine destiny, and they live by the Five Pillars of Islam as a framework for worship and ethical conduct.
