Muslim life, explained
In this path
Related questions
Jesus
Islam
- What was the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) like?The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was gentle, humble and forgiving, and he taught that good character is the heart of faith.
- What does 'Muslim' mean, and who gave Muslims that name?A Muslim is one who submits to God (﷾). The word Islam means submission, and it shares its root, s-l-m, with salam, which means peace.
- What is Sharia?Sharia is the way of life God (﷾) has laid down for Muslims, and most of it is worship and good conduct.
- Why is alcohol haram in Islam?Alcohol is haram because it clouds the mind, and Islam guards the mind.
- Were the prophets sinless?They were protected from major sin. Islam teaches that God (﷾) kept every prophet from major sin and from any error in passing on His message.
- Which prophets are named in the Qur'an?The Qur'an names twenty-five prophets, in the list commonly taught. The first are Adam, Idris, Noah, Hud and Salih.
- Is grieving or crying over a loss a lack of faith?No. Tears and sorrow are not a failure of faith. When Ibrahim, the baby son of the Prophet (ﷺ), was dying, the Prophet (ﷺ) wept.
- What are the Five Pillars of Islam?The Five Pillars of Islam are the declaration of faith, prayer, zakah, fasting in Ramadan and the pilgrimage to Makkah.
- Why does Islam give its people only one name, 'Muslim'?Islam gives its people one name: Muslim. The Qur'an says God (﷾) Himself named them Muslims.
Chinese traditions
- What does Islam share with Chinese culture?Islam teaches values many Chinese families cherish: kindness to parents, learning, keeping one's word, care for neighbours, moderation and gratitude.
- If I become Muslim, do I lose my Chinese culture?No. Your language, your family name and your respect for elders stay. So do your ties with your parents and relatives, New Year reunions, red envelopes and Chinese food, made halal (lawful for Muslims).
- I'm Chinese and have no religion: why consider Islam?Consider Islam because it answers the questions beneath customs that many Chinese families keep.
Comparative Religion
- Is the headscarf biblical? Did Mary wear a veil?Yes. Paul, a Christian missionary of the first century, told Christian women to cover their heads when they pray.
- What does Islam share with Korean culture?Islam teaches values that many Korean families hold dear. It teaches honour for parents and elders, love of learning and keeping one's word.
- What are the main differences between Islam and Christianity?Islam and Christianity differ most on who Jesus was, whether he died on the cross for sins, and whether God's (﷾) Law still stands.
- What do Islam and Christianity have in common?A great deal. Both say there is one God, who created the heavens and the earth.
- How close is Islam to my Eastern values?Close in much of daily life, but different at the root. Islam teaches kindness to parents, respect for elders, love of learning and cleanliness.
- Why does Islam forbid interest on loans, and does the Bible forbid it too?Islam forbids interest because God (﷾) forbade it, and the Bible forbade it among God's (﷾) people too.
Questions & Criticisms
- Is the hijab a sign of oppression?No. For a Muslim woman the hijab, her head covering, is an act of worship, not a sign that she is owned.
- Do Muslims refuse to live by Western values?No. Most of the values people mean by Western are honesty, hard work, care for family, charity, keeping the law and being a good neighbour.
- Why aren't Muslim men allowed to wear gold and silk?Because the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) forbade them to men, and a believer trusts that God (﷾) knows best (33:36).
- Does Islam encourage terrorism?No. Islam forbids terrorism in the plainest words it has. The Qur'an says that killing one innocent person is like killing all mankind.
- Does Islam believe in freedom of speech?Yes, within limits set by God (﷾). The Qur'an records its enemies' charges against it and answers them with argument.
- Does Islam oppress women?No. The Qur'an makes men and women equal before God (﷾). It promises that no good deed will be lost, male or female.
More Guides like these
- الوضوءWuduablutionThe washing before prayer, step by step.
- الأذانAdhanthe call to prayerThe words of the call to prayer, and how to respond.
- الزكاةZakatalmsgivingWho pays, how much, and who receives it.
- الصدقةSadaqahvoluntary charityGiving in any amount, everyday good deeds, and ongoing charity.
- صلاة التراويحTaraweehthe night prayers of RamadanHow the Ramadan night prayers are prayed, and their reward.
- العمرةUmrahthe lesser pilgrimageIhram, tawaf, sa'i and cutting the hair.
Where next
Whatever came before is forgiven
If you become Muslim, your past sins are wiped away. When Amr ibn al-As came to accept Islam, he held back his hand until he knew he would be forgiven, and the Prophet (ﷺ) asked him whether he did not know that Islam wipes out everything that came before it. The Qur'an promises more: for the one who repents, believes and does good, God changes his bad deeds into good ones.