Basic Islamic Questions and Answers – Learn Islam

For anyone new to the faith, exploring the beliefs of a Muslim friend, or searching for spiritual clarity, the number of questions can be daunting. What is the difference between Sunni and Shia? Why do Muslims pray five times a day? This guide provides clear, concise Basic Islamic Questions and Answers to help you understand the core tenets and fundamental practices of the world’s fastest-growing religion. We aim to clarify the Islam fundamentals and essential Islamic teachings for every reader.

Who is Allah?

Allah is the singular, unique, and proper name of God in the Arabic language. He is the Creator and Sustainer of the Universe. Who is Allah? He is the same God worshipped by all Prophets, including Abraham, Moses, and Jesus (peace be upon them). He is not a new deity; the word simply means "The God" (Al-Ilah). The fundamental belief is that He is One (Tawheed), and nothing is comparable to Him. This is the first of the core beliefs of Islam.

What is the meaning of Islam?

The word Islam literally means "submission to the will of God." A person who practices Islam is called a Muslim, meaning "one who submits." The faith teaches that peace (Salam) is attained through this conscious submission to the Creator.

What does a Muslim believe?

A Muslim's belief system is based on the Six Articles of Faith, which form the foundation of the Islamic creed explained:

Belief in Allah (God) as the One and Only Creator.
Belief in Angels (His spiritual creation).
Belief in Divine Books (including the original Scrolls of Abraham, Torah of Moses, Gospel of Jesus, and the Qur'an).
Belief in Prophets and Messengers (from Adam to Muhammad, peace be upon them all).
Belief in the Day of Judgment (and accountability for actions).
Belief in Divine Decree (Qadar), both good and bad.

These basic tenets of Islam define what are the beliefs of Islam.

What is the Quran?

The Quran is the final Divine Revelation (the Holy Book) sent by Allah to humanity through the Angel Gabriel to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) over 23 years. It is the literal word of God, preserved in its original Arabic form. It serves as the primary source of guidance and law for all who is a Muslim.

Who is the Prophet Muhammad?

Who is the Prophet Muhammad? He (peace be upon him) is the final Prophet and Messenger sent by Allah. His mission was to perfect the message of monotheism and to convey and explain the Qur'an to humanity. Basic facts about Muhammad include his birth in Makkah in 570 CE and his role as the model and example for how to live as a Muslim.

Basic Islamic Questions and Answers

What are the 5 Pillars of Islam?

The five core obligations that structure a Muslim's life, known as the pillars of Islam explained, are:

Shahada (Declaration of Faith): Reciting "Lā ilāha illā Allāh, Muḥammadur rasūlullāh" (There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah). This is what is the Shahada.
Salah (Prayer): Performing five daily obligatory prayers.
Zakat (Charity): Giving a prescribed percentage of one's wealth annually to the needy.
Sawm (Fasting): Abstaining from food, drink, and intimate relations during the month of Ramadan.
Hajj (Pilgrimage): Making the pilgrimage to the Ka'bah in Makkah once in a lifetime, if able.

Why do Muslims pray five times a day?

Muslims pray five times a day because Allah commanded it, as a means of remembrance and spiritual cleansing. Prayer is the direct how to connect with Allah and provides structure, discipline, and a constant reminder of one's purpose. It is the practical fulfillment of the what are the beliefs of Islam.

What is the purpose of Ramadan fasting?

The purpose of Ramadan fasting is primarily to achieve Taqwa (God-consciousness or piety). Abstinence teaches self-control, empathy for the poor, and spiritual purification, reinforcing the Basic Islamic Questions and Answers regarding submission.

What is Halal and Haram?

Halal vs Haram explained refers to what is permissible and what is forbidden under Islamic law. Halal means lawful and includes all permissible food, actions, and conduct. Haram means unlawful and forbidden, such as consuming alcohol, eating pork, and engaging in forbidden financial transactions.

What is Zakat (Charity)?

Zakat is an obligatory annual religious tax (2.5%) levied on the wealth of a Muslim (savings, gold, etc.) that exceeds a minimum threshold (Nisab). It is one of the Basic Islamic Questions and Answers regarding social justice; it is not merely optional charity, but a duty that purifies the rest of one's wealth.

Why do Muslim women wear the Hijab?

Muslim women wear the Hijab (modest covering) as an act of obedience to God's command in the Qur'an. It is a symbol of identity, modesty, and dignity, intended to create a barrier against unnecessary attention and to emphasize a woman's spirituality over her physical appearance.

What are the rights of women in Islam?

Islam grants women comprehensive rights, which is often a source of FAQ about Islam for non-Muslims. The key rights granted to women under Islamic Law (Sharia) include the right to: own property, manage finances independently, receive education, inherit, be consulted in marriage, retain their maiden name, and receive financial maintenance from their husband.

Can Muslim women pray during their cycle?

No. A Muslim woman is excused from performing the five daily prayers (Salah) and fasting during her menstrual cycle or post-natal bleeding. She is not required to make up the prayers later, but she must make up the missed days of fasting during Ramadan. This is a divine mercy, not a punishment.

Is a Muslim woman allowed to work?

Yes, a Muslim woman is allowed to work, provided the work is permissible (Halal) and does not compromise her primary Islamic duties or her modesty. She has the right to manage and keep her earnings entirely, as the financial maintenance of the family is the husband's responsibility.

What is the dress code for Muslim men and women?

The dress code for both Muslim men and women is based on modesty. For women, this generally requires covering the entire body except the face and hands, ensuring the clothing is loose and not excessively revealing. For men, the requirement is to cover the body from the naval to the knees, and to also observe general modesty in attire.

Do Muslims worship the Ka'bah?

No. Muslims do not worship the Ka'bah. The Ka'bah is simply a designated point of direction (Qiblah) towards which Muslims face during prayer. This ensures unity in worship. All worship is directed solely to Allah, as explained by the basic tenets of Islam.

What does Islam say about Jesus and Mary?

Islam holds both Jesus (Isa) and Mary (Maryam) in high regard. Jesus is revered as one of the greatest Prophets of God, born of a miraculous virgin birth. Mary is considered one of the most righteous and pious women in history. Muslims, however, reject the idea of Jesus being the son of God, affirming that God is One.

who is a Muslim

Is the Jihad a holy war?

No. Jihad literally means "to strive or struggle" and is often misunderstood outside the faith. The "Greater Jihad" is the internal, lifelong struggle against one's own lower desires and ego to become a better Muslim. The "Lesser Jihad" refers to the defensive warfare used only to protect the faith, people, or land when under severe attack, and it operates under strict ethical rules.

What is the difference between Sunni and Shia?

The difference between Sunni and Shia originated from a historical and political dispute over who should succeed the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) after his death. Sunnis follow the consensus of the companions and generally accept the first four Caliphs. Shias believe leadership should have remained within the Prophet's immediate family (Ahl al-Bayt). Their differences lie primarily in jurisprudence and religious authority.

What is the difference between Islam, Islamic, and Muslim?

Islam: The religion itself (Submission to God).
Muslim: The person who practices the religion ("one who submits"). This is the answer to who is a Muslim.
Islamic: The adjective used to describe things related to the religion (e.g., Islamic art, Islamic law, Islamic history). This clarifies what is the difference between Muslim and Arab (Arab refers to ethnicity, Muslim refers to religion).

Are Muslims allowed to drink alcohol or eat pork?

No. Both alcohol consumption and eating pork are considered Haram (forbidden) in Islam, based on clear directives in the Qur'an. This is part of the Halal vs Haram explained system designed to protect health, wealth, and community stability.

What does Islam say about dating and relationships before marriage?

Islam encourages purity and modesty. It strictly prohibits dating, cohabitation, and all intimate relationships before marriage. Instead, it promotes the supervised, structured process of seeking a spouse leading directly to the bond of nikkah (marriage).

What are the key rights granted to women under Islamic Law (Sharia)?

As established in the Basic Islamic Questions and Answers above, key rights include: the right to keep their family name upon marriage, the right to demand a marriage contract (Mahr), the right to inherit, and the right to seek divorce (Khula').

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Have More Questions?

These Basic Islamic Questions and Answers offer a clear introduction to the faith. However, true understanding requires continuous learning from authentic sources. Whether you are a new Muslim, a curious seeker, or a parent looking for basic tenets of Islam to teach your children, we can help.

Iman School is a trusted online Islamic academy offering comprehensive courses on the Qur'an, Hadith, and Islamic sciences, taught by certified scholars.