WHAT IS ISLAM?
Islam is not a new religion, but the same truth that God revealed through all his Prophets (may peace and blessings be upon them all) to every people. For a fifth of the World's populations, Islam is both a religion and a complete way of Life. Muslims follow a religion of peace, mercy and forgiveness, and the vast majority have nothing to do with the extremely grave events which have come to be associated with their faith.
WHO ARE MUSLIMS?
One billion people from vast range of races, nationalities and cultures across the globe- from the southern Philippines to Nigeria- are united by their common Islamic faith. About 18% live in the Arab world; substantial parts of Asia and Africa are Muslim, while significant minorities are to be found in the Soviet Union, China, North and South America, and Europe.
WHAT DO MUSLIMS BELIEVE?
Muslims believe in One Unique, Incomparable God; in the Angels created by Him; in the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)s (peace be upon them) through whom his revelations were brought to mankind: in the Day of Judgement and individual accountability for actions; in God's complete authority over human destiny and in life after death. Muslims believe in a chain of Prophet (peace and blessings be upon them all) starting with Adam and including Noah, Abraham, Ismael, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Aaron, David, Solomon, Elias, Jonah, John the Baptist, and Jesus, peace be upon them. But God's final message to man, a reconfirmation of the eternal message and a summing-up of all that has gone before was revealed to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) Muhammad (Peace be upon him) through Gabriel.
HOW DOES SOMEONE BECOME A MUSLIM?
Simply by saying 'there is no god apart from Allah (GOD), and Muhammad (PBUH) is the Messenger of Allah'. By this declaration the believer announces his or her faith in all God's Messengers, and the scriptures they brought.
WHAT DOES 'ISLAM' MEAN?
The Arabic word 'Islam' simply means 'submission', and derives from a word meaning 'peace'. In a religious context it means complete submission to the will of God. 'Allah' is the Arabic word for god, which is used by the Arab Muslims and Christians alike
taken from
www.the-deen.co.uk 