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What do Muslims Believe?

Just as we have fundamental beliefs in Al-Islam, we also have five fundamental practices which we must observe. By increasing our knowledge of these fundamentals we increase our understanding of Al-Islam. These fundamental practices are the pillars upon which a Muslim’s entire Islamic life, which is based on the Holy Qur’an and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad , is structured. They are listed in their progression:

To bear witness that there is no deity except Allah, and that Muhammad is His Servant and Messenger; to observe prayers five times a day; to pay Zakat (charity as an obligation); to fast during the month of Ramadan; and to perform Pilgrimage (Hajj) to Makkah at lease once in a lifetime, if one is financially and physically able.

First pillar of Al-Islam: Shahadah ( Declaration of Faith)

If we do not have the courage to acknowledge the worship of Allah, The Creator, and if we do not have the courage to live a life which shows others our worship of Him, then we are not strong enough to accept the first Pillar of our religion. When people declare themselves Muslims, they make their faith known by openly bearing witness that, “There is no deity except Allah, and Muhammad is His Servant and Messenger.” A person who claims to be a Muslim, but who hides his faith is not a believer. When we openly bear witness that nothing is worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad is His Messenger, We are telling the world that Allah is One, and that Muhammad is not a divinity, but a Messenger of Allah.

A Muslim must embrace Al-Islam in a public declaration. However, if he fears that making his declaration publicly may bring him harm, he may make it secretly, until such time as circumstances permit him to make it publicly. Even when the declaration is made secretly one must fulfill all his obligations and avoid what is forbidden. If he cannot fulfill obligations where he is, he must leave the areas of harm.