What You Need to Know About Islam: 7 Essential Teachings of the Qur’an

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Whereas some belief systems are shrouded in mystery and sometimes difficult to understand, the Qur’an is forthright regarding core tenets of Islam. As Islam re-emerges as a central world influence, it is very important for all to understand its foundational teachings.

While there are many weighty Quranic teachings, there are a few passages that are particularly enlightening. A few of the most distinctive are considered here.

Traditionally, Islam is most identifiable by its Five Pillars:

1.Shahada (belief or creed, from Surah 3:18, etc.)

2.Salat (daily ritual prayer, from Surah 2:3-5, etc.)

3.Zakat (ritual almsgiving, from Surah 21:73, etc.), divided between eight specific causes (from Surah 9:60):

i.the Masakeen (destitute)

ii.Fugaraa (poor)

iii.Amil Zakah (alms collectors)

iv.Fi sai Lillah (the Cause of Allah, those involved in Jihad)

v.Gharimun (debtors)

vi.Ibn as’Sabil (wayfarers)

vii.Riqab (those in bondage)

viii.Mu’Allaf (those inclined to Islam)

4.Sawm (fasting during Ramadan, from Surah 1:183-185, etc.)

5.Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca, from Surah 22:27-28, etc.)

While these Pillars are central in Islamic piety, there are other distinctive teachings that are equally as profound; teachings on Christ (no more than a created apostle), on the future (Islam will reign supreme), on Jihad ( perhaps a sixth pillar, and the mechanism for fulfilling the eschatology of Islam), and on women (inferior to men).

Let’s consider Islam’s teaching on these topics in the words of the Qur’an. All quotes of the Qur’an are from Translation of the Meanings of the Noble Qur’an in the English Language, by Muhammad Taqi-ud-Din Al-Hilali and Muhammad Muhsin Khan (Madinah, KSA: King Fahd Complex for the Printing of the Holy Qur’an).

1. Islam Is the One True Religion
Surah 3:84-85:

“Say: “We believe in Allah and in what has been sent down to us and what was sent down to Ibrahim, Isma’il, Ishaq, Ya’qub and Al-Asbat (the offspring of the 12 sons of Ya’qub) and what was given to Musa, ‘Isa and the Prophets from their Lord.

We make no distinction between one another among them and to Him (Allah) we have submitted (in Islam). And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers.”

2. Jihad Is the Mechanism for Eliminating Idolatry
Surah 2:193:

“And fight them until there is no more Fitnah (disbelief and worshipping of others along with Allah) and all and every kind of worship is for Allah alone. But if they cease, let there be no transgression except against Az-Zalimun (the polytheists and wrong-doers).”

Surah 9:5:

“Then when the Sacred Months have passed, then kill the Mushrikun [polytheists and idolaters] wherever you find them, and capture them and besiege them, and lie in wait for them in each and ever ambush. But if they repent and perform As-Salat [ritual prayer], and give Zakat [ritual giving, one seventh of which goes to financing Jihad], then leave their way free. Verily, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”

Surah 9:29:

“Fight against those who (1) believe not in Allah, (2) nor in the Last Day, (3) nor forbid that which has been forbidden by Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad), (4) and those who acknowledge not the religion of truth (i.e., Islam) among the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians), until they pay the Jizyah [submission tax] with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued.”

3. Men Are Superior to Women and May Beat Them When Necessary
Surah 4:34:

“Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allah has made one of them to excel the other, and because they spend (to support them) from their means. Therefore the righteous women are devoutly obedient (to Allah and to their husbands), and guard in the husband’s absence what Allah orders them to guard (e.g., their chastity, their husband’s property).

As to those women on whose part you see ill-conduct, admonish them (first), (next) refuse to share their beds, (and last) beat them (lightly, if it is useful), but if they return to obedience, seek not against them means (of annoyance). Surely, Allah is Ever Most High, Most Great.”

4. Jihad Is Not Optional, and There Are Superior Blessings for Those Who Fight in Jihad
Surah 9:38-39:

“O you who believe! What is the matter with you, that when you are asked to march forth in the Cause of Allah (i.e., Jihad) you cling heavily to the earth? Are you pleased with the life of this world rather than the Hereafter? But little is the enjoyment of the life of this world as compared to the Hereafter. If you march not forth, He will punish you with a painful torment…”

Surah 9:41:

“March forth, whether you are light (being healthy, young and wealthy) or heavy (being ill, old and poor), and strive hard with your wealth and your lives in the Cause of Allah [Jihad]. This is better for you, if you but knew.” (also, Surah 9:73, 123; 66:9)

Surah 4:95:

“Not equal are those of the believers who sit (at home), except those who are disabled (by injury or are blind or lame), and those who strive hard and fight in the Cause of Allah with their wealth and their lives. Allah has preferred in grades those who strive hard and fight with their wealth and their lives…”

5. Salvation Requires Both Faith and Works—Especially Fighting in Jihad
Surah 61:10-12:

“O you who believe! Shall I guide you to a trade that will save you from a painful torment? That you believe in Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad), and that you strive hard and fight in the Cause of Allah [Jihad] with your wealth and your lives: that will be better for you, if you but know! (If you do so) He will forgive you your sins, and admit you into Gardens under which rivers flow, and pleasant dwellings in ‘Adn (Eden) Paradise; that is indeed the great success.”

Surah 4:122:

“But those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah—Islamic Monotheism) and do deeds of righteousness, We shall admit them to the Gardens under which rivers flow (i.e., in Paradise) to dwell therein forever…” (also, Surah 7:41-42; 16:30; 36:45-58; 52:17-24)

6. Jesus Is Not the Son of God, but Is a Created Apostle. There Is No Trinity.
Surah 4:171:

“O People of the Scripture (Christians)! Do not exceed the limits of your religion, nor say of Allah aught but the truth. The Messiah ‘Isa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary), was (no more than) a Messenger of Allah and His Word, (“Be!”—and he was) which He bestowed on Maryam (Mary) and a spirit (Ruh) created by Him; so believe in Allah and His Messengers.

Say not: “Three (trinity)!” Cease! (it is) better for you. For Allah is (the only) One Ilah (God), glory be to Him (Far Exalted is He) above having a son…” (also, Surah 5:75; 10:68; 19:34-38)

7. Friendship with Jews and Christians Prohibited
Surah 5:51:

“O you who believe! Take not the Jews and the Christians as Auliya’ (friends, protectors, helpers), they are but Auliya’ of each other. And if any amongst you takes them (as Auliya’), then surely he is one of them. Verily, Allah guides not those people who are the Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doers and unjust).”

Surah 48:29:

“Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. And those who are with him are severe against disbelievers, and merciful among themselves…”

Surah 98:6-7:

“Verily, those who disbelieve (in the religion of Islam, the Qur’an and Prophet Muhammad) from among the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians) and Al-Mushrikun will abide in the Fire of Hell. They are the worst of creatures. Verily, those who believe [in the Oneness of Allah, and in His Messenger (Muhammad) including all obligations ordered by Islam] and do righteous good deeds, they are the best of creatures.”

So Which Is It?

While these passages represent only a small sampling of Quranic teachings, they are foundational in their representations. In light of these passages, it is evident that the teachings of Biblical Christianity and those of Quranic Islam are mutually exclusive on many points.

The Bible and the Qur’an can’t both be true, because they are so essentially incongruous. The two systems contrast especially regarding the nature of God, the identity of Jesus, how a person gains favor with God, the essential identity and equality of women and men, how to deal with religious pluralism, and the implications of the future for every individual.

In fact, it is difficult to find a topic in which the two systems are not in doctrinal conflict.

Even regarding how one should respond to such differences, the two systems differ. For followers of Muhammad, Jihad must play a prominent role on the world stage until Islam reigns supreme (Surah 2:193), when all must come to believe that Islam is the one true religion. None should underestimate Islamic commitment to that principle, as it is the guiding and most central tenet of Islam, as represented in the Qur’an.

The Bible, on the other hand never permits followers of Jesus to kill anyone for holding to different beliefs. Christians aren’t the judges, rather, the Bible describes Jesus as the Judge who will one day make an end of sin (Rev 19:11), and who, in the meantime, “desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Tim 2:4). The Bible records a message of grace and hope for all who would call upon the name of Christ (“…the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out” Jn 6:37.)

So, where does that leave you?

There’s much, much more than mere politics at stake…

Another imposer.

@alustaadh, you see you have stated several things which are true and several which are not true.

This is the problem you get yourself into by going into Internet Site which claim to "have plain truth" about a certain subject. But in real sense, it is a site used to defame.

Are those who know equal to those who do not know?

Is the one who see equal to the one who is blind?

Islam is probably the most abused and most misunderstood religion, especially in the Western countries.
Although it has received alot of attention of late, real Islam, as Muslims believe and practice, has not been presented to the world properly.

I feel that real Islam has not been explained and if it has been, then it has been presented in wrong perspective leading to
- confusion and
- scepticism

But I'm glad this situation is being rectified now, but of course it will take come time to present Islam in its
- true perspective and
- remove misconception surrounding it

So @alustaadh, what is your real issue with islam? I plead with you to read the below "few" words and then pick any issue you have with Islam and let us thrash it. Just one issue at a time. Ask me what is it that agonises you?

What is the meaning of Islam?
The word islam is derived from the Arabic verb aslama (in Swahili is salama, kunyeyekea, kujisalimisha), which means:
- to accept,
- to surrender
- to submit
- to obedience
- to be in peace

So Islam is to commit self totally to God, making one's will in complete harmony with the Will of God. God's name in Arabic is called Allah.

In Islam
- God is Master, while man is servant
- God is Creator, while man is created
- God is Ruler, while man is ruled

What does it mean faith in Islam?
As a Muslim
- must believe which means to have faith and
- must show this faith by actions

What does Islam teaches?
- God is One, not two, not three, not four etc
- God has no partner
- God has no wife
- God has no offsprings
- God has no family
- God alone is worthy of worship

Do Muslims believe in Prophets of God?
Yes, of course. Muslims believe in all prophets of God.
- Adam
- Enoch
- Noah
- Lot
- Abraham
- Ishmael
- Issac
- Jacob
- Joseph
- Aron
- Moses
- David
- Solomon
- Job
- Ezekiel
- Jonah
- Elias
- Elisha
- Zakarias
- John
- Jesus
- Muhammad peace be upon them all



Did Any Prophet of God ask people to worship him (prophet)?
No prophet ever called people to worship him or to worship other than Allah.
Muslims don’t worship the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

There is an hadith


What other books do Muslims believe in?
Muslims believe in four books, which God has sent down through His messengers
- Torah given to Moses peace be upon him
- Zabur given to David peace be upon him
- Gospel or Injeel given to Jesus peace be upon him
- Quran given to Muhammad peace be upon him

And the Quran has protected all the basic teachings of all those earlier scriptures, whose original texts were lost and are now found only in translations.

I will leave you with these words:

On the contrary this is good so that we can understand each other. The good book says 'my People perish due to lack of knowledge'.

@AlphDoti.. You have given good information about Islam but you are yet to discount or confirm what @Alustaadh wrote...

Guys remember this should not be a religious superiority battle but seeking to understand each other.

I like this @alphadoti....enlightening. Christians and muslims share a lot in their religions, including history and. characters. but they are so different in their ways. It's about time to know the truth.

Who is a prophet?

Every knee shall bow and every toungue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

Well then, a man will go to the wilderness and come back with news from the most high. Just like zarathustra.

This whole thing is a man to man conversation isn't it?

How can one even start enumerating prophets?

Okay, Mohamed could. Can I?

Thanks for the reply @alpha. Why cann't you start sorting out the thruth, half truths, the false, and the misconceptions from the article?

@tycho allow me (us) to establish the basis first.

Are you an atheist or not?
- This way, I will know how to answer your question.
- I will know whether I need to proof to you whether those who claimed prophetood were genuine or whether to just define what prophet is.

In the meantime as I wait for your answer, I can just say that some of us are one of those people who have come into our conscious decision that there is a Creator, only one we call God.
One God, not three only one, God is not to be divided, it's One.

We have come into that decision and:
- We are going to worship Him alone.
- We're going to establish prayers 5 times a day.
- We're going to fast during the month of Ramadhan
- We're going to pay the Zakat for the poor.
- We're going to dedicate and make hajj, once in a lifetime.

How do we come into that?
- We use our common sense.
- We use those tools Creator has given us.

So we have done this and now we have used these tools (common sense) and we have come to this truth.
We want other people to come to the same truth, and the same realization, along with knowing and being totally without any shadow or doubt.

Knowing who our Lord is And at the same time knowing that He sent messengers.
- And these messengers are not here living with us physically today, they were living many years ago.
- And among them are Jesus, Abraham, Moses ... and finally Muhammad peace be upon them all
- And the last one of them was not sent for particular time as Jesus was, as Moses was, as Abraham was.
- We do not have Jesus', Moses', Abraham's teachings in their original form, and even if we wanted to follow them, we cannot.
- They were not meant for us to follow them.
- The messenger that is meant for us to follow today if you're living is the prophet Muhammad pbuh

You do not have to take my words for it
- We can have analysis of his life.
- So you can be convinced like over 1.5 billion people in the whole world today.
- So that you can find it natural that you belief in One God and Worship only Him alone.
- You do not worship a man or other things but the Creator only.

So how do you know this man was a prophet?
All I'm asking is open mind and I'll try to clear any doubts that you might have.
So after you answer my question, then we can get into business.

Remember
There is only one God.
And Jesus was His messenger
And Abraham was His messenger
And Muhammad is His messenger
And Moses was His messenger
And Noah was His messenger
And He created Adam
And we are the children of Adam