Islam · The Essence of Submission

Masjid an-Nabawi

The Prophet's Mosque in Madina — the second holiest site in Islam.

Madina

Kelime-i Tevhid

The declaration of divine oneness — the heart of Islamic creed.

Calligraphy

Madina HD wallpaper — the radiant city of the Prophet

Madina al-Munawwarah

The radiant city — a place of deep spiritual significance for Muslims.

Holy City

Islamic Heritage

Centuries of art, architecture, and scholarship rooted in faith.

Heritage

Spiritual serenity — the timeless call to reflection

The Call to Reflection

Islam invites every soul to reflect, seek truth, and live in gratitude.

Spirituality

The Essence

Islam (Arabic: الإسلام) literally means “submission” or “surrender” — specifically, surrender to the will of God. It shares its root with salaam (peace). A follower of Islam is called a Muslim, “one who submits to God.”

It is an Abrahamic, monotheistic religion centred on the belief in one God (Allah), the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. Muslims believe that God is merciful, omnipotent, and unique — without partner or equal.

The core message is that God has guided humanity through prophets — from Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus — and that Muhammad is the final messenger, through whom the religion was completed.

The Quran is considered the verbatim word of God, revealed to Muhammad over 23 years. It is the final, unaltered revelation.

Articles of Faith

Islamic creed (Aqidah) asks belief in six core articles:

Belief in God (Allah) — one, unique, incomparable.
Belief in Angels — created from light, they serve God.
Belief in Revelation — including the Torah, Psalms, Gospel, and Quran.
Belief in Prophets — from Adam to Muhammad (the seal of prophets).
Belief in the Day of Judgment — resurrection, accountability, paradise & hell.
Belief in Divine Decree — God’s will and knowledge encompass all things.

These articles form the bedrock of Muslim belief and practice.

Five Pillars of Islam

Shahada — Declaration of Faith

Salah — Five Daily Prayers

Zakat — Almsgiving (2.5%)

Sawm — Fasting in Ramadan

Hajj — Pilgrimage to Mecca

“Indeed, We have sent down to you the Book in truth, so worship Allah, sincere in religion.”

— Quran 39:2 · Saheeh International

Oneness of God (Tawhid): The absolute monotheism of Islam is expressed in the Shahada: “There is no deity except God, and Muhammad is the messenger of God.”

Two main branches: Sunni Islam (about 85–90% of Muslims) and Shia Islam (10–15%). Both share the Quran and core beliefs, differing historically on succession after Prophet Muhammad.

Sharia & ethics: Islamic law (Sharia) provides guidance for worship, finance, family, and society. Its primary sources are the Quran and the Sunnah (teachings and practices of Muhammad).

Global presence: Islam is the world’s second-largest religion, with over 2 billion adherents. It is also the fastest-growing major religion. Muslims live on every continent, with the largest populations in Indonesia, Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh.

Prophet Muhammad: Born in Mecca in 570 CE, he received the first revelation at age 40 in the cave of Hira. By the time of his death in 632 CE, most of Arabia had embraced Islam.

Mysticism & culture: Sufism, the mystical dimension of Islam, emphasises inner purification and direct experience of the divine. Islamic civilisation has contributed richly to art, science, mathematics, and philosophy.