The word ISLAM means voluntary “Submission” or “Surrender” to the Will of GOD(ALLAH). It derives from the root word “salam” meaning peace. In the Quran, GOD (ALLAH)defines that the only purpose for which He created mankind is to Worship Him. Islam recognizes that humankind has free choice in whether to obey or disobey GOD(ALLAH), but ultimately we will be held accountable to GOD(ALLAH) in the next life for the choices that we make in this life. GOD(ALLAH) sent Prophets to teach mankind how to worship Him; starting with Adam, including Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and the last of the messengers, Muhammad (peace be upon them all). The Islamic position is that all of these prophets came with the same message, that there is no deity worthy of worship except the One True GOD(ALLAH), known in Arabic as ALLAH.

Islam recognizes the close relationship between the body and soul. Whereas the body originates from the earth and has a defined period of life on this earth, the soul originates from GOD(ALLAH)and does not die. Islam encourages the individual to focus on keeping the soul healthy, through the remembrance, obedience and worship of GOD(ALLAH). There should be a correct balance in strengthening the soul and not over-indulging with the pleasures of the body. A Muslim is someone who adopts the Islamic way of life by believing in the Oneness of GOD(ALLAH) and the prophethood of Muhammad, peace be upon him (pbuh). The most essential principle in Islam is the purely monotheistic belief in one GOD(ALLAH). GOD(ALLAH) is the Creator of everything in the universe and is unique from His creation. Muslims are encouraged to develop a direct and personal relationship with GOD(ALLAH) without any intermediaries.

GOD(ALLAH) describes Himself in the holy book of Muslims, the QURAN (also spelled ‘KORAN’), by stating: “Say, ‘He is GOD(ALLAH) the One, GOD(ALLAH) the eternal. He begot no one nor was He begotten. No one is comparable to Him.’” Muslims also believe that GOD(ALLAH) sent revealed books as guidance to humanity through His prophets. These include the Torah given to Moses, the Gospel conferred upon Jesus, and the QURAN received by Muhammad (pbuh). The QURAN is the last revelation from GOD(ALLAH), consisting of GOD’s(ALLAH) literal speech. It confirms truths from the previous scriptures and maintains the same core message of worshiping GOD(ALLAH) and living righteously.

WORSHIP IN ISLAM The fundamental aspects of worship in Islam are encompassed within five pillars, which enable Muslims to cultivate their relationship with GOD(ALLAH). 1. Testimony of Faith (Shahadah):The first of the five basic foundations is knowingly and voluntarily asserting that, “There is nothing worthy of worship except GOD(ALLAH),and Muhammad is the Messenger of GOD(ALLAH).” 2.Salah (Mandatory Worship [Prayer])It is the duty of every Muslim, male and female, after reaching the age of puberty, to perform five Salats (Prayers) at specific times during the day and night. These five specific times are: - Dawn, Noon, Afternoon, Sunset, and Night. A ritual called Wudu (Cleaning several parts of the body with water) is a prerequisite to Salat.

3. Charity (Zakah):This is an annual charity given to the poor. Muslims must give 2.5% of their yearly savings to help the poor, the needy, and the oppressed. Charity is one of the vital sources of social welfare in Islam, encouraging a just society where everyone’s basic needs are provided for. 4.Sawm(Fasting):Fasting during the month of Ramadan (the ninth month of the lunar calendar) is from sun up to sun down only and is an obligation on every adult healthy Muslim, male or female. Fasting is total abstinence from everything.Fasting is also a time to discipline one's self from bad behaviors.Those who are ill or unable to fast for health or reasons of age are exempt from fasting. However, they should feel the poor one meal for every day they miss of fasting. Women who are pregnant, menstruating, or nursing, or any who are traveling, are also exempt from fasting. However, when their situation changes, they make up the days of fasting or feed the poor one meal for each day of fasting they missed

5.Hajj (Pilgrimage):The performance of the pilgrimage to Makkah,is required once in a lifetime of every Muslim, if financially able, as well as physically able. Hajj begins every year during the month of Dul Hejja; Dul Hejja is the 12th month of the Islamic (lunar) calendar year. The Hajj is a spiritual journey where a Muslim forgets all worldly things and devotes his\her attention and time to GOD(ALLAH) alone. In Islam, there are six pillars of faith: Belief in Allah, His angels, His books to mankind, His Prophets and Messengers, the Day of Judgment, and Destiny. 1. Belief in God (Allah):Islam teaches that there is one Unique GOD (ALLAH) who should be worshipped and obeyed.

2.Belief in Mala-eka (Angels):Muslims believe that GOD(ALLAH) created unseen creatures such as Angels. Muslims believe in their existence, their names, their tasks, and descriptions as explained in the QURAN and in the Sunnah (Teachings of the Prophet). 3.Belief in the Books of GOD(ALLAH):Muslims believe that GOD(ALLAH) from time to time revealed books to mankind through his Prophets. These books originated from the same divine source; they are all divine revelations. Muslims believe in the original text of these books when they were revealed. The five prominent divine books are: 1) Abraham's Scrolls; 2) Zabur (Psalms) revealed to Prophet David; 3) Tawrah (Torah) revealed to Prophet Moses; 4) Injil (Gospel) revealed to Prophet Jesus; 5) Quran revealed to Prophet Muhammad.

4.Belief in the Prophets of GOD(ALLAH):Muslims believe that GOD(ALLAH) sent Prophets to all mankind as messengers for their guidance. Muslims believe in their existence, their names, and their messages, as GOD(ALLAH) and His Prophet informed about them. Prophets are void of divinity because divinity is exclusive only to GOD(ALLAH) the Almighty. They are all righteous, truthful, and pious men chosen by GOD(ALLAH) to be models to all mankind, both their words and deeds being in accordance with the divine commandments. 5.Belief in Yawm al-Qiyama (Day of Judgement):Muslims believe that the life of this world and all that is in it will come to an end on one appointed day, when everything will be annihilated.

This day will resurrect all the dead; GOD(ALLAH) will judge with perfect justice each person individually according to his good or bad actions that he did during his life, and every victim will have his/ her rights.GOD(ALLAH) will reward those who lead a righteous life and did good deeds by sending them to Paradise (Jannah).GOD(ALLAH) forgives whom He pleases of those who disobeyed His Command, or punish them in the Hellfire (Jahannam). 6.Qada wal-Qada (Destiny, Divine Decree):Muslims believe that since the whole universe is entirely under the direction and control of GOD(ALLAH), then everything that is or that happens in this universe, from the smallest to the greatest event is governed by GOD(ALLAH). Muslims put their trust in GOD(ALLAH) only they are required, however, to make a sincere effort to strive and do their best, and not simply sit back and let things take their course in blind resignation. Such belief gives a person a tremendous degree of inner certainty, confidence and peace of heart, especially in the face of afflictions. Moreover, he lives with the assurance that whatever is to come to any individual, including death, cannot fail to come at its appointed time.