Unfortunately, most people in the western world have no true understanding of the Islamic religion. This lack of understanding has led to prejudice and misconception, and contributed to international conflict and discord.

Muslims, inspired by their religion, have played a major role in shaping human civilization, as we know it today. They preserved the best of all the ancient knowledge, adding to this their own original contribution and passing this rich knowledge on to other nations, particularly the nations of Europe.

Islam as a religion and a way of life must be understood on its own terms. Thus with the proceeding in mind, this publication has been prepared to provide the non-Muslim reader with authentic and accurate information concerning Islam. By so doing, it is hoped that a better appreciation and understanding of Islam will lead to friendlier relations between non-Muslims and Muslims, who constitute one fifth of the world's population.

"Islam" is an Arabic word. Literally translated, it means: peace, purity, submission, obedience. In the truest sense of the word, it means belief in the One God, acceptance of His authority and commitment to His service. Those who follow Islam are called Muslims.

Thus all the prophets of God, from Adam to Moses, Jesus and Muhammad have been delivering the same message, and that is the message of "Islam".

Islam was never meant to be a once-a-week experience. It is not just a declaration of faith, or observance of a series of rituals. It encompasses every aspect of life: social, political, economic, legal, spiritual and personal.

The joining of both spiritual and moral philosophy, the peace of body and mind, the brotherhood of man and the ability to live in harmony with all of mankind - all these objectives can be reached only through belief in the Creator and His mercy, love, generosity and justice. The problems the world faces today are due to loss or lack of faith in God.

The Islamic code of life, covering all fields of human existence, from the private to the political, the material to the moral, the legal to the cultural was established and by God; thus it is not man-made. The significance of this fact is that man is limited in his capabilities; and the solutions he derives are only of temporary value. One can easily observe this just by reading the front page of a newspaper.

In contrast, God's plans for mankind were revealed with a purpose. They are not temporary; they are permanent, fundamental and unchangeable and are meant for all mankind. Some of us tend to pass judgement on Islam by what we see in the press about the actions of certain Muslims. This is understandable, but regrettable because Islam is not a monopoly of present-day Muslims; it is the path chosen by God for all mankind in all ages and times.

Just what areas of life does Islam cover? Basically, the Qur'an discusses that which is permitted and prohibited. The "permitted" is good, the "prohibited is wrong. As a whole, each statement sets a standard, which affects all of society. Such things as drinking liquor, gambling, false worship, adultery, eating pork, stealing, cheating, telling lies and so on, are forbidden just as many of these are not allowed in other religions as well.

At the same time, certain types of conduct are applauded and emphasized. Charity, modesty, honesty, patience, self-control and justice are the most obvious; again, just as in many other religions. All these factors combine to determine the way in which a Muslim must conduct his everyday life in his relationship to all people, from family to society.

Knowing that God creates, sees and knows everything, and accepting this, it becomes very difficult for a person to sin. Of course, the struggle against "transgression" is constant. Because this struggle faces people in almost everything they do, principles of Islam must be applied continuously. As a result, Islam is more than ritual worship - it is a way of life.

Islam began when God first placed man upon the earth. Through the years, however, much of the original intent became forgotten and misrepresented. Thus it was not until the first revelation to Muhammad (about 6:0 A.D.) that God's message was reinstated in its purest and final form.

Muhammad was born in the city of Mecca in Arabia in 570 A.D., to a noble Arab family. His first words from God came to him through the angel "Gabriel" when he was forty years old. As he accepted the life of a prophet and began to spread God's word's, he and his followers were ridiculed and outcast. Eventually, as his message spread and his followers grew he became a threat to the existing religions and to the chieftains of Arabia at that time. After enduring many hardships, Muhammad migrated to Medina: another city in Arabia. (This event marked the start of the Islamic calendar). Over the next 23 years until his death, Muhammad continued his mission, all of the people of Arabia became Muslims. There are many fascinating accounts in the Qur'an of the experiences encountered by Muhammad and the early Muslims during this time.

Muhammad's Prophethood was carried out many years after Jesus. Muslims believe in the virgin birth of Jesus and consider him to be one of the most distinguished prophets of God. At the same time, they do not regard Jesus as the son of God. It is an article of faith in Islam that Muhammad was the last prophet and his teaching are the last revelations of God.

It is the revelations of God to Muhammad that eventually came to be recorded in one book, known as the Qur'an. The Qur'an contains only the words of God, as carefully memorized and recorded by the Muslims.

The Qur'an has been the basis of Islamic ideals and laws for the Muslim society since it was first revealed.

To Muslims, the reading, memorization and recitation of the Qur'an are beautiful experiences because the Qur'an is the very word of God, and its style defies comparison to anything the human mind is capable of conceiving.

The belief in One God, the Creator, is a basic belief. Other articles of faith are the belief in God's prophets, His holy books, His angels, the Day of Judgement, the fact that man is accountable for his own deeds and actions, and life after death.

The relationship between faith and daily life is an important concept in Islam. There is no separation between the soul and the body. Religion is not assumed to be a personal affair, and Islam holds no credence in secularism. In line with this, there are certain to join the spirit with the activities of daily life. These are commonly referred to as the "Pillars of Islam".

(1) The declarion of faith : to believe, that there is only one God and that Muhammad is His servant and messenger. The messengership of Muhammad obliges the Muslims to follow the exemplary life of the Prophet in every way.

(2) Daily prayers five times a day : as a duty towards God. It is a means to strengthening and enlivening the belief in God. It inspires man to higher morality, purifies the heart and suppresses evil and indecent inclinations.

(3) The Observation of fasting during the month of Ramadan:(the ninth month in the Islamic lunar calendar). This is abstention from food, drink, and intercourse, from dawn to sunset, and all evil intentions and desires. It teaches man love, sincerity and devotion. It cultivates in man a sound conscience, patience, unselfishness and will power.

(4) The giving away annually of 21/2% of one's net savings, and a portion of certain prescribed personal holdings, to be spent on, among other things, the needy.

(5) Pilgrimmage:Provided one has the means, to perform once in a lifetime, a pilgrimage to Ka'ba, in Mecca.