ISLAM
BASED IN ARALINKS
Islam is the most prominent religion in Asia with over 1.1 billion followers. It is an Abraham religion
whose followers adhere to the teachings of Mohammad (God’s last prophet). These teachings are
articulated in the Qur’an. Southeast Asia and South Asia are home to some of the most populous Islamic
nations like Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Indonesia with each having over a hundred million
Muslims. In central Asia; Uzbekistan and Afghanistan are the two countries with the largest Muslim
population, while the non-Arab nations of Turkey and Iran have the highest number of Muslims in
Western Asia. Some of the 23 major Muslim countries in Asia include Lebanon, Oman, Yemen, Bahrain,
Iran, Iraq, and Qatar among others. Bangladesh is 90% Muslim, Pakistan is 97% Muslim, and Indonesia
which has the largest Muslim population is only 87% Muslim.
I. Belief
● Belief in one God (Allah) Only God is to be worshipped; associating partners with Him is the
gravest sin.
● Belief in the Angels Unseen beings created by God who carry out His commands and record
human actions.
● Belief in Revealed Books: God revealed scriptures like the Psalms, Torah, and Gospel, but the
Qur'an is the final, preserved revelation.
● Belief in all the prophets sent by God including Noah, Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, Moses,
Jesus and Muhammad. Although Muslims believe in Isa or Jesus they don't think of Jesus as
the Son of God the way Christians do.
● Belief in the Day of Judgment and life after death. Everyone will be resurrected and judged
based on faith and deeds, leading to eternal reward or punishment.
● Belief in Destiny and Divine Decree: This means that God is all-powerful and nothing can
happen without His permission, however, he has given human beings freedom to choose whether
to be good or bad. In the end, everyone will be questioned about how they lived in this life.
● Muslims believe that the last revealed scripture sent by God is the Qur'an or Koran.
● The Qur'an was written down by scribes and memorized during Muhammad’s lifetime.
● The Sunnah records Muhammad’s words and actions.
● The Sunnah helps interpret the Qur'an and provides guidance on belief, worship, and behavior.
II. Practices
III. Worship
The Essence of Islamic Worship: A Deeper Dive
The core of Islamic worship, known as ibadah, is a multifaceted expression of devotion to God, referred
to as Allah in Arabic. This concept transcends mere ritualistic practices and delves into a profound
relationship between the believer and the Divine.
The Foundation: Belief in One God
Islam's monotheistic foundation, known as tawhid, forms the bedrock of worship. Muslims believe that
Allah is the one and only true God, the Creator of the universe, and the sole being worthy of worship. He
is considered all-powerful, all-knowing, all-merciful, and free from any partners or limitations. This
belief is expressed in the first pillar of Islam, the Shahadah, which declares: "There is no god but God,
and Muhammad is the Messenger of God."
The Five Pillars: Pillars of Worship
The five pillars of Islam are not merely rituals but rather a framework for living a life dedicated to Allah.
Shahadah (Declaration of Faith): This foundational belief sets the stage for all other acts of worship.
Salah (Prayer): This five-times-daily ritual, performed at specific times, is a direct communion with
Allah. Muslims face the direction of Mecca (the qibla) and recite specific prayers, seeking guidance and
blessings.
Zakat (Alms-giving): This pillar emphasizes social responsibility and compassion. Muslims are
obligated to donate a portion of their wealth to the poor and needy, fostering a sense of community and
shared well-being.
Sawm (Fasting): During the month of Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food and drink from dawn to
sunset. This act of self-discipline cultivates empathy for the less fortunate and strengthens spiritual
connection.
Hajj (Pilgrimage): Every able-bodied Muslim is expected to perform Hajj, a pilgrimage to Mecca, at
least once in their lifetime. This journey symbolizes unity, submission to Allah, and a renewal of faith.
Beyond the Pillars: A Spectrum of Devotion
Beyond these pillars, a vast spectrum of acts of worship enrich the spiritual journey.
Du'a (Supplication): Muslims engage in heartfelt supplication, praying for forgiveness, guidance, and
blessings, expressing their needs and desires to Allah.
Dhikr (Remembrance): Reciting verses from the Quran, praising Allah, and reflecting on His attributes
strengthens the bond with the Divine and fosters a sense of peace and tranquility.
Istighfar (Seeking Forgiveness): Repenting for sins and seeking God's forgiveness is an essential part of
spiritual purification.
The Essence of Worship: A Transformative Relationship
Ultimately, Islamic worship is not merely a set of rules but a path towards a transformative relationship
with Allah. It is a journey of self-reflection, humility, and gratitude, leading to a deeper understanding of
the Divine and a more meaningful life guided by faith.
IV. Values
Islamic values are the ethical and moral principles derived from the Quran, the teachings of Prophet
Muhammad (Hadith), and Islamic traditions. These values shape a Muslim's behavior, decision-making,
and interactions with others. Islam promotes a way of life centered on faith, responsibility, and social
harmony. The fundamental values of Islam emphasize monotheism, justice, compassion, honesty, and
community well-being, guiding Muslims in their personal and collective lives.
These are the some examples of Islamic Values:
Tawhid (Monotheism) – The belief in Allah’s absolute oneness as the sole creator and sustainer, shaping
a Muslim’s devotion and way of life.
Justice and Fairness (Adl) – Upholding justice at all levels, ensuring equality, fairness, and the
protection of rights, even against personal interests.
Compassion and Mercy (Rahmah) – Emphasizing kindness, empathy, and charity, following Allah’s
example as "The Most Merciful."
Honesty and Truthfulness (Sidq) – Integrity and truthfulness are vital, fostering trust and righteousness
in personal and professional life.
Patience and Perseverance (Sabr) – Encouraging endurance through hardships as a test of faith, with
patience leading to spiritual growth.
Humility (Tawadhu) – Avoiding arrogance and recognizing that all accomplishments come from Allah,
promoting gratitude and social harmony.
Gratitude (Shukr) – Expressing appreciation for Allah’s blessings through prayers and a positive,
contented mindset.
Modesty (Haya) – Extending to clothing, behavior, and speech, reflecting self-respect and moral
integrity in both men and women.
Charity and Generosity (Zakat & Sadaqah) – Supporting the less fortunate through obligatory and
voluntary charity, fostering economic balance and social welfare.
Respect for Parents and Elders – Honoring and caring for parents, especially in old age, recognizing
their sacrifices and contributions.
Responsibility and Accountability (Amanah) – Fulfilling duties with sincerity, as individuals are
accountable before Allah in all aspects of life.
Seeking Knowledge (Ilm) – Valuing education and intellectual growth, with learning strengthening faith
and benefiting society.
Environmental Stewardship (Khilafah) – Protecting and conserving the Earth as a divine responsibility,
discouraging wastefulness.
Peace and Non-Violence (Salam) – Promoting harmony, patience, and forgiveness to resolve conflicts
and maintain social stability.
Loyalty and Friendship – Emphasizing sincerity, trust, and meaningful bonds with family and friends.
Forgiveness (Afw) – Encouraging letting go of grudges and seeking reconciliation, as Allah forgives
those who forgive others.
Self-Discipline (Tazkiyah) – Striving for moral and spiritual purification by avoiding harmful habits and
seeking righteousness.
Hard Work and Excellence (Ihsan) – Encouraging sincerity and excellence in all aspects of life, from
worship to work and relationships.
Trustworthiness (Amanah) – Keeping promises and being reliable, ensuring justice and integrity in all
social interactions.
