Introducing Islam a Simple Introduction to Islam
The Teachings of the Prophet
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endurance annually performed during the month of
Ramadan. Fourthly
zakat,
the setting aside of a fixed
portion of one’s income for the poor. Fifthly,
pilgrimage, a visit to the House of God at least once
in a lifetime, if one has the means. When one fulfills
these five conditions, one becomes part of the
prophetically established Islamic brotherhood.
Life can be lived in either of two ways; it can be
founded either on the Hereafter or on the world. In
the former case, the Prophet’s guidance is accepted
and a person forms his beliefs and arranges his life
according to his instructions. In the latter case a
person guides himself, letting his own intellect
dictate the way he thinks and acts. The first person
can be called a God-worshipper, while the second is
a self-worshipper.
There are several parts to the credo based on
prophetic guidance: belief in God, the angels, the
scriptures, the prophets, the resurrection of man
and life after death, heaven and hell, as well as
recognition of God as the overriding Lord and
Sovereign. If one bases one’s life on these tenets of
faith, then one has truly submitted oneself to God.
