Frequently Asked Questions about Islam

Islam is a monotheistic religion based on the revelation received by the Prophet Muhammad in the 7th century. The word "Islam" means "submission to God" in Arabic. Muslims believe in one God (Allah) and follow the teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah.

Allah is simply the Arabic word for God. Muslims believe in one God, the same God worshipped by Jews and Christians. Allah is the Creator of the universe, All-Knowing, All-Powerful and Merciful.

Muhammad (570-632) was the last prophet of Islam. Born in Mecca, he received his first revelation at the age of 40. For Muslims, he is the perfect model to follow, but he is not worshipped as a deity.

The Quran is the holy book of Islam, considered the literal word of God revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. It contains 114 chapters (surahs) and guides believers in all aspects of their lives.

Islam rests on five pillars: the declaration of faith (Shahada), prayer (Salat), obligatory charity (Zakat), fasting during Ramadan (Sawm), and the pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj) for those who are able.

Muslims pray five times a day at specific times. Prayer involves a series of movements accompanied by recitations from the Quran. Before praying, they perform ritual ablutions (wudu).

Fasting during Ramadan is an act of worship that develops piety, self-discipline and compassion. It involves abstaining from food, drink and intimacy from dawn to sunset.

The two main holidays are Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, and Eid al-Adha, commemorating Abraham's willingness to sacrifice. They are celebrated with prayers, family meals and gifts.

Sharia is the Islamic code of law based on the Quran and the Sunnah. It covers the religious, moral and social aspects of life. Its interpretation varies among societies and schools of thought.

One simply pronounces the declaration of faith (Shahada) sincerely: "I bear witness that there is no deity but Allah and that Muhammad is His messenger." This declaration, made with conviction, marks entry into Islam.

No. Islam is a universal religion practiced in every language. Understanding Islam and living by its principles can be done in any language.

The new Muslim gradually learns and practices the principles of Islam: prayer, reading the Quran, the Islamic way of life. Connecting with the local community is strongly recommended.

Islam encourages the pursuit of knowledge. Many Muslims see no contradiction between faith and science. Historically, Islamic civilization contributed greatly to astronomy, mathematics and medicine.

Islam grants women spiritual, social, economic and political rights: education, work, property, choice of spouse. Men and women have equal spiritual value before God.

Islam firmly condemns violence and terrorism. The Quran states that killing an innocent person is like killing all of humanity. Acts of terrorism contradict the religion's teachings of peace.

Islam respects other monotheistic religions, especially Judaism and Christianity, and mentions prophets like Abraham, Moses and Jesus with respect. It advocates peaceful coexistence.