Can we find an explanation of the great universe? Is there any convincing interpretation of the secret of existence? We realize that no family can function properly without a responsible head, that no city can prosperously exist without sound administration, and that no state can survive without a leader of some kind. We also realize that nothing comes into being on its own. Moreover, we observe that the universe exists and functions in the most orderly manner, and that it has survived for hundreds of thousands of years. Can we, then, say that all this is accidental and haphazard? Can we attribute the existence of man and the whole world to mere chance.

Man represents only a very small portion of the great universe. And if he can make plans and appreciate the merits of planning, then his own existence and the survival of the universe must also be based on a planned policy. This means that there is a Designing Will behind our material existence, and that there is an extraordinary power to bring things into being and keep them moving in order.

In the world then there must be a Great Force in action to keep everything in order. In the beautiful nature there must be a Great Creator who creates the most charming pieces of art and produces everything for a special purpose in life. The deeply enlightened people recognize this creator and call him Allah 'God'. He is not human because no human can create or make another human. He is not an animal nor is He a plant. He is neither an idol nor is He a statue of any kind because none of these things can make itself or create anything else. He is different from all of these things, because He is the maker and keeper of them all. The maker of anything must be different from and greater than the things which he makes.

There are various ways to know God "Allah", and there are many things to tell about Him. The great wonders and impressive marvels of the world are like open books in which we can read about Allah. Besides, Allah Himself comes to our aid through the many messengers and revelations He has sent down to man. These messengers and revelations tell us about everything we need to know about Allah.

The complete acceptance of the teachings and guidance of Allah as revealed to His messenger Muhammad is the religion of Islam. Islam enjoins faith in the oneness and sovereignty of Allah, which makes man aware of the purpose of the Universe and of his place in it. This belief frees him from all fears and superstitions by making him conscious of the presence of the Almighty Allah and of man's obligations towards Him. This faith must be expressed and tested in action. Faith alone is not enough. Belief in one God requires that we look upon all humanity as one family under the universal Omnipotence of Allah, the Creator and Nourisher of all. Islam makes belief in Allah and good action the only way to heaven. Thus, a direct relationship is established with Allah, without any intercessor.

Islam is not a new religion. It is, in essence, the same message and guidance which Allah revealed to all prophets; Adam, Noah, Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, David, Moses, and Jesus (Peace Be Upon Them). But the message which was revealed to prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is comprehensive, complete and final.

The Quran is the last revealed word of Allah and the basic source of Islamic teachings and laws. The Quran deals with the basics of creed, morality, history of humanity, worship, knowledge, wisdom, God-man relationship, and human relationships in all aspects. Comprehensive teachings on which can be built sound systems of social justice, economics, politics, legislation, jurisprudence, law and international relations, are important contents of the Quran. Hadith, the teachings, sayings and actions of prophet Muhammad (PBUH), meticulously reported and collected by his devoted companions, explain and elaborate the Quranic verses.

The true faithful Muslim believes in the following principal articles of faith:

1. He believes in One God "Allah", Supreme and Eternal, Infinite and Mighty, Merciful and Compassionate, Creator and Provider.
2. He believes in all messengers of Allah without any discrimination among them. Every known nation had a warner or messenger from Allah. They were chosen by Allah to teach mankind and deliver His Divine message. The Quran mentions the names of twenty-five of them. Among them Muhammad stands as the last messenger for the whole humanity for all times to come.
3. A Muslim believes in all the scriptures and revelations of Allah. They were the guiding light which the messengers received to show their respective peoples the Right Path of Allah. In the Quran, special reference is made to the books of Abraham, Moses, David and Jesus. But long before the revelation of the Quran to Muhammad, some of those books and revelations were lost or corrupted. The only authentic and complete book of Allah in existence today is the Quran.
4. The true Muslim believes in the angels of Allah. They are pure creation and splendid beings whose nature requires no food or drink or sleep. They spend their days and nights in the worship of Allah and in implementing His commands.
5. A Muslim believes in the Day of Judgment. This world will come to an end someday, and the dead will rise to stand for their final and fair trial. People with good records will be generously rewarded and warmly welcomed to the Heaven of Allah, and those with bad records will be punished and cast into Hell.
6. A Muslim believes in the timeless knowledge of Allah and in His power to plan and execute His plans, and that nothing could happen in His Kingdom against His Will. His knowledge and power are in action at all times and in full command over His creation. He is wise and merciful, and whatever He does must have a meaningful purpose. If this is established in our minds and hearts, we should accept with good faith all that He does, although we may fail to understand it fully, or think it is bad.

Faith without action and practice is a dead end as far as Islam is concerned. Faith by nature is very sensitive and can be most effective. When it is out of practice, or out of use, it quickly loses its livelihood and motivating power.

There are five Pillars of Islam:

The declaration of faith:

To bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad (PBUH) is His messenger to all human beings till the Day of Judgment. The prophethood of Muhammad obliges Muslims to follow his exemplary life as a model.

Prayers:

Daily prayers are offered five times a day as a duty towards Allah. They strengthen and enliven the belief in Allah and inspire man to a higher morality. They purify the heart and prevent temptation towards wrong-doing and evil.

Fasting during the month of Ramadan:

Muslims during the month of Ramadan not only abstain from food, drink, and sexual intercourse from dawn to sunset, but also from immoral behavior. Fasting teaches love, sincerity and devotion. It develops a sound social conscience, patience, unselfishness and will-power.

Zakah:

The literal and simple meaning of Zakah is purity. The technical meaning of this word designates the annual amount in substance or money which a Muslim with means must distribute among the rightful beneficiaries. But the religious and spiritual significance of Zakah is much deeper and more lively. It has humanitarian as well as socioeconomic values.

Haj (Pilgrimage to Mecca):

It is to be performed once in a lifetime, if one can afford it financially and physically. The Ka'bah, which is in the city of Mecca, is the first house of worship appointed for mankind and was rebuilt by Abraham and his son Ishmael (PBUT).

For more and detailed information about Islam contact:

Masjid Al-Muslimiin
1929 Gervais Street
Columbia, South Carolina
(803) 254-7242

Or Contact the nearest Muslim Organization or Center in your town.