The Koran (The Qu’ran)

The Qur'an is the exact words revealed by the Angel Gabriel to Muhammed. It was memorized by Muhammed and then dictated to his companions, who then wrote it down on anything they could find- parchment, stones, and the bark of trees. The entire Qur'an consists of 114 chapters, which not one word has been changed in over 1400 years. Muslims believe that the Torah of the Jews was also revealed by Allah. The Qur'an contains stories of several prophets that also appear in the Torah and the Bible. The Qur'an is the most important source of information for Muslims; it tells how one is to live, how one conducts their business, and how to maintain faith, among other things. Another important source of information for Muslims is the Hadith. The Hadith contains the sunnah of the Prophet Muhammed; what he did and what he said. Muslims are supposed to use the sunnah of the Prophet as a model on how they should live their own lives.

Boy Reading the Koran

The Five Basic Beliefs of Islam 1-There is only "one God", Allah, creator of the whole universe, who is just, compassionate, and merciful. "Allah", "The God", comes from "Al" ("The"), and "Illah" ("God")... not just "a God", but "The God", for there is only one.

2- "Muhammad", was the last of the great prophets. Jewish prophets and Jesus were his predecessors

3- The "Koran", was the last of the sacred books, which include also the Torah, Psalms, and Gospels of Jesus

4- "Life on Earth", is a test and only a preparation for the eternal life to come. the "faithful" are those who adore Allah, praise the Prophet Muhammad, obey the Koran doing good deeds, and fulfill the 5 pillars of Islam. The Koran forbids representation of human and animal figures. It denounces usury, games of chance, alcohol, pork... "pride" is a cardinal sin.

5- The "Final Judgment": The faithful will go to eternal Heaven, and the infidels to eternal Hell, with the vividly rewards and punishments recorded in the Koran.

The Five Pillars of Islam

1.Shahada “There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.”

2. Salat

3. Zakat

4. Sawm: Fasting During Ramadan

5. Hajj: Pilgrimage to Mecca