Muslims as a World Population
Islam is the second largest religion in the world, with more than 1.5 billion adherents. In the United States alone, Muslims come from more than 80 countries and represent a mosaic of ethnic, linguistic, ideological, social and economic groups. Confusion sometimes arises about the difference between Islam and Muslim Islam is the name of the religion, comparable to the names Christianity and Buddhism. A Muslim is a follower of or a believer in Islam, as a Christian is a person who follows Christianity and a Buddhist is a person who follows Buddhism. The term ‘Allah’ is the Arabic word for ‘God’.
Source: Department of State
The Islamic Worldview
Islam is a monotheistic religion based on the tradition of Abraham, as are Judaism and Christianity. Muslims use the Arabic word Allah for God, the Creator. This is the same word used by Christians in the Middle East. Islam arose during the seventh century C.E. in the Arabian Peninsula. Muslims believe that Allah chose Muhammad ibn Abdullah to be the last prophet of the monotheistic religions.
The Qur’an is the holy book of Islam. Muslims believe that its text was divinely revealed to the Prophet Muhammad through the Archangel Gabriel. The Qur’an forms the basis of belief for Muslims. The sunna, or teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, provide additional guidance.
The Arabic root of the word Islam—slm—means peace and submission (to the will of God); the word Muslim literally means ‘submitter.’ The Islamic worldview enjoins people to live in peace. Allah has placed them as His stewards on earth.
Islam directs Muslims to do good and to avoid evil. Humans have free will and can choose which actions to take. An important component of leading a good life is to have taqwa, or a consciousness of Allah at all times.
Muslims do not come under one worldwide authority. Instead, a variety of religious leaders and learned individuals interpret the Qur’an and the sunna and other religious texts for the faithful. As in any global religion, Islamic religious leaders and scholars may differ widely among themselves on matters of faith and practice.
Taken from: “Muslim Refugees in the United States” by the COR (Cultural Orientation Resource) Center
The Basic Tenets of Islam
Six articles of faith characterize Islam. They affirm a Muslim’s belief in a divine being and human responsibility. All are based upon the Qur’an. The articles of faith are:
1. Belief in the tawhid (oneness) of Allah: The term tawhid means both Allah’s oneness and the acknowledgement of this by humans.
2. Belief in angels: Muslims believe that angels have an active role in this temporal life and in the afterlife. The Angel Gabriel brought the divine revelation of the Qur’an to the Prophet Muhammad.
3. Belief in the Holy Books: The Qur’an clearly states that Allah sent books, or revelations, to both the Jews and Christians before the revelations to the Prophet Muhammad. Muslims believe that each of the holy books, including the Torah and the Bible, contains Allah’s revelations to mankind, with the final revelation being given to the Prophet Muhammad.
4. Belief in Allah’s messages: Muslims believe that Allah sent messages to humans in various ways through special people. The latter are referred to as prophets or messengers. Muslims believe that the messengers of God started with Adam and included Noah, Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, and Jesus. Muslims believe that the Prophet Muhammad is the last prophet sent by God.
5. Belief in the Judgment Day & the afterlife: The concept of tawhid brings together the oneness of Allah and human responsibility. On the Judgment Day, Allah will bring all people together and each person will be accountable for his or her actions during life.
6. Belief in Allah’s Decree: Muslims believe that all things happen by the will of Allah. However, this does not preclude the individual Muslim from taking responsibility for his or her condition. Muslims are exhorted to persist in improving their own condition through planned efforts, but to ultimately leave the outcomes of their efforts to Allah.
The tenets of Islam and the events of the life of the Prophet Muhammad are integral to the cultures of Muslim peoples. For this reason, both observant and non-observant Muslims frequently use certain expressions that may sound “religious” to Western ears. One such common expression is insha ’Allah (God willing), which connotes a sense of hope that one’s efforts will meet with success by the will of Allah. When referring to the Prophet Muhammad, Muslims customarily follow the mention of his name with the phrase es-salamu alaihi (peace be upon him, abbreviated as ‘pbuh’sall ’Allahu alaihi wa sallam (May God’s blessings and salutations be upon him). A common expression of thanksgiving is wal hamdu l’Illah (thanks be to God). in English texts) or
Taken from: “Muslim Refugees in the United States” by the COR (Cultural Orientation Resource) Center
Practices & the 5 Pillars of Islam
Many Islamic communities emphasize correct practice, or orthopraxy, in addition to correct doctrine, or orthodoxy. The correct observance of ritual practice is outlined in the five pillars of Islam. For many observant Muslims, Islam is more than a system of beliefs; it is an entire way of life, founded on these five pillars.
1. The Shahadah: The profession of faith that affirms belief in the oneness of Allah and in the role of the Prophet Muhammad as Allah’s messenger.
2. Salaat: Ritual prayers, which are performed five times a day, at Fajr (dawn), Zuhr (midday), ‘Asr (late afternoon), Maghrib (evening), and ‘Isha (night). Prayers may take place in a mosque, at home, or in any place that is clean and appropriate. Muslims wash their hands, mouths, and feet before praying. When praying, a Muslim follows a prescribed series of standing and kneeling postures and focuses the mind on Allah.
3. Zakat: Almsgiving, especially to help the poor. Zakat helps to assure support for the needy and provides for an equitable distribution of wealth. The word ‘Zakat’ means both piety and purity, emphasizing the relationship of financial responsibility to virtuous living.
4. Observance of Ramadan: the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and the time when Muslims believe the Qur’an was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. The Islamic calendar is lunar and consists of 354 days. Therefore, Ramadan begins 10 days earlier each Western (Gregorian) year than the year before, and, over time, it moves through the seasons. Ramadan is a time of prayer, fasting, contemplation, and reflection on what is important in life, individual behavior, relationships with others, and why the believer is here on earth. Muslims beyond the age of puberty fast between sunrise and sunset (abstain from eating, drinking, & smoking.)
5. Hajj: Pilgrimage to Mecca (Saudi Arabia). Each Muslim should try to make this pilgrimage at least once in life, health and finances permitting. The Hajj takes place during Dhul Hijjah, the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar.
In addition to the five pillars, many observant Muslims adhere to religious customs regarding aspects of everyday life that are strongly influenced by culture and therefore vary depending on the individual Muslim’s country of origin, ethnic group, and personal level of observance.
Muslim refugees combine Islamic teaching, the culture of national origin, and American culture as they build their new lives in the United States.
