What is Islam?

Welcome. Whether you are a new Muslim, on the way, or simply curious, this course presents the basics of Islam simply, with the sources.

The word "Islam" comes from an Arabic root (s-l-m) linked to peace and trusting submission. Being Muslim means entrusting oneself to Allah, the One God, Creator of all things, and following the way He taught through His prophets.

One account sums up the religion: the hadith of Jibril. The companion 'Umar reports that a man in very white clothes came and sat in front of the Prophet ﷺ and questioned him. (Muslim 8) • "What is Islam?" The Prophet ﷺ named the five pillars: the testimony of faith, prayer, almsgiving (zakat), fasting in Ramadan and pilgrimage for those who are able. • "What is faith (iman)?" To believe in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, the Last Day, and destiny, its good and its bad. • "What is excellence (ihsan)?" To worship Allah as if you see Him; and if you do not see Him, He sees you. At the end, the Prophet ﷺ explained that this was the angel Jibril, who had come to teach people their religion.

This course follows that outline: the shahada, the six pillars of faith, the five pillars of Islam (with wudu and the prayer), then good character, which is the fruit of ihsan.

Islam is not imposed: "There is no compulsion in religion" (meaning of verse 2:256). Take your time and ask your questions. The imam and the centre's team are there to welcome you.

Understanding the lesson

Explanation The hadith of Jibril presents the religion on three levels. Islam is the visible acts: prayer, fasting, charity… Faith (iman) is the convictions of the heart. Excellence (ihsan) is the quality of one's relationship with Allah, which gives the first two their soul. Scholars explain that when these words are mentioned together, each has its own meaning; when only one is mentioned, it often includes the others.

Ihsan has two degrees: worshipping Allah as if you see Him, with love and a present heart; and, if you cannot reach that, at least remembering that He sees you. This second degree is already enough to change behaviour: we do not cheat and we do not hurt, even when nobody is watching.

Notice the way of teaching: Jibril asks questions to which he knows the answers, so that the companions learn. Asking questions is therefore part of learning the religion. The Prophet ﷺ concludes: "That was Jibril, who came to teach you your religion." (Muslim 8)

Common misunderstandings: thinking Islam is only outward rules; or, on the contrary, that "faith is in the heart" and excuses one from acts. The hadith shows that all three go together.

Lessons to draw • Grow on all three levels at once: learn an act, strengthen a conviction, take care of your intention. • Remind yourself during the day that Allah sees you: that is the beginning of ihsan. • Dare to ask the imam or a teacher your questions: that is how the companions learned. • Take your time: no one is compelled (2:256), and faith grows with understanding.

Key points • Islam = acts; iman = faith of the heart; ihsan = worshipping Allah as if you see Him. • The hadith of Jibril (Muslim 8) is the outline of this course. • There is no compulsion in religion (2:256).

The main message Islam is a complete way of life, made of acts, convictions and a constant awareness that Allah sees us.