Muslim Student Association

University of California, Santa Barbara

The name of the religion is Islam, which comes from an Arabic root word meaning "peace" and "submission." Islam teaches that one can only find peace in one's life by submitting to Almighty God (Allah) in heart, soul and deed. The same Arabic root word gives us "Salaam alaykum," ("Peace be with you"), the universal Muslim greeting.

Who do Muslims believe in?

Muslims believe in Allah. Allah is the proper name for Almighty God, and is often translated merely as "God." Allah has other names that are used to describe His characteristics: the Creator, the Sustainer, the Merciful, the Compassionate, etc. Arabic-speaking Christians also use the name "Allah" for Almighty God.

Muslims believe that since Allah alone is the Creator, it is He alone that deserves our devout love and worship. Islam holds to a strict monotheism. Any worship and prayers directed at saints, prophets, other human beings or nature is considered idolatry.

Who is considered Muslim?

A person who believes in and consciously follows Islam is called a Muslim, also from the same root word. So, the religion is called "Islam," and a person who believes in and follows it is a "Muslim.

One cannot judge Islam by looking at those individuals who have a Muslim name but in their actions, they are not living or behaving as Muslims. The extent of being a Muslim can be according to the degree to which one is submitting to the will of God, in His beliefs and His actions.

In Islam, faith and good works go hand-in-hand. A mere verbal declaration of faith is not enough, for belief in Allah makes obedience to Him a duty.

The Muslim concept of worship is very broad. Muslims consider everything they do in life to be an act of worship, if it is done according to Allah's guidance. There are also five formal acts of worship which help strengthen a Muslim's faith and obedience. They are often called the "Five Pillars of Islam."

1. Shahada (Testimony of Faith)

The belief that is there is no God but Allah and the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is his messenger.

2. Salat (Prayer)

The 5 daily Prayers Muslims are required to do everyday. These are served as a direct link between Allah and the worshipper.

3. Zakat (Charity)

The 2.5 % from disposable income that every Muslim is required to give to Charity.

4. Ramadan (Fasting)

The Holy Month of the year when Muslims all over the World fast from Sunrise to Sunset, in which they do not eat any food nor drink anything.

5.Hajj (The Pilgrimage to Mecca)

The pilgrimage that is done once annually at Mecca, and is required of a Muslim at least once in his/her lifetime if they can afford it.

The basic beliefs of Muslims fall into six main categories, which are known as the "Articles of Faith":

• Faith in the unity of God
• Faith in angels
• Faith in prophets
• Faith in books of revelation
• Faith in an afterlife
• Faith in destiny/divine decree

(more information can be found here)

Eid-Al-Fitr

• A three day Muslim Celebration in many countries, celebrated after the sighting of the New Moon marking the end of Ramadan.

Eid-Al-Adha

• The celebration of the Qurbani(Sacrifice) of the animal that Ibrahim sacrificed in the place of his son. This is also around the time, Hajj is performed.

Fajr- Offered in the early hours of the morning, before the sun rises.

Dhuhr- Offered around noon.

Asr- Offered around the Afternoon

Maghrib- Offered before the sun sets

Isha- Offered at Night