PILLARS OF ISLAM AND ARTICLES OF FAITH:
Islam is careful to remind us that it is not a religion to be paid mere lip service; rather it is an all-encompassing way of life that must be practiced continuously for it to be Islam.
The Muslim must practice the five pillars of the religion:
1- testimony of Faith or belief in the Oneness of the God and the finality of the prophethood of Mohammed -peace be upon him-;
2- Establishment of the daily prayers;
3- Self-purification through fasting;
4- Concern for and almsgiving to the needy; and
5- The pilgrimage to Makkah (situated in Saudi Arabia) for those who are able.
Muslims believe in the six articles of faith:
1- belief in God,
There is One God, Supreme and Eternal, Creator and Provider, Who is Merciful and Compassionate. God has neither father nor mother, and no sons or daughters. God has never fathered anyone, nor was He fathered. God has no equals. He is God of all humankind, not of a special tribe, race, or group of people. He is the God of all races and colours, of believers and unbelievers alike. God is Mighty and Supreme, yet is also very near to pious, thoughtful believers, answering their prayers and helping them. God asks us to know Him, to love Him, and to follow His Law, for our own benefit and salvation.
2- the prophets,
All Messengers and Prophets of God such as Noah, Abraham, Lot, Moses, David, Solomon, Jesus and Mohammed -peace be upon them all- were mortal human beings endowed with Divine Revelations and appointed by God to teach humankind how to submit to His will and obey His Laws.
3- the Holy Books,
Muslims believe in the Revelations sent by Almighty God to His Prophets and Messengers including the Qur'an of prophet Mohammed -peace be upon him-, the original Torah of prophet Moses -peace be upon him-, the original Gospel of prophet Jesus -peace be upon him-, the Scrolls of prophet Abraham -peace be upon him- and the original Psalms of prophet David -peace be upon him-.
4- the angels,
Angels are pure and spiritually obedient beings, created by God to fulfill His commands and worship Him tirelessly.
5- the Day of Judgment
After the world ends, Muslims believe that all people who have died will be brought back to life (or, resurrected) in order to face the Judgment rendered to each of them by Almighty God. Muslims believe in an appointed Day of Judgment and in Heaven and Hell.
6- God's decree, whether for good or ill.
Muslims believe that Almighty God has knowledge of, and control over, everything that exists in all time and space.
