Allah is our Creator and our Lord

Allah created us, the heavens and the earth, and everything that exists. He is not one of His creations. He is the One whom we worship.

We do not worship creation. We worship the Creator.

Why were we created?

What does knowing Allah mean?

Knowing Allah means understanding who created us, who our Lord is, and who deserves our worship.

• Allah is our Creator.
• Allah is our Lord.
• Allah alone deserves our worship.
• Nothing is comparable to Him.

What does this change in my life?

• Worship Allah sincerely.
• Remember Allah in your daily life.
• Be grateful for what Allah has given you.
• Turn to Allah when you need help.
• Try to obey Allah even when nobody is watching.

Islam means submitting to Allah

Islam teaches us to submit ourselves to Allah, worship Him alone, and follow the guidance He has given us.

Being Muslim is not only about knowing what Islam teaches. It is about allowing that guidance to shape the way we believe, worship, and live.

What does being a Muslim involve?

A Muslim seeks to live in submission to Allah in every part of life.

• Believe in Allah and His guidance.
• Worship Allah sincerely.
• Follow the guidance brought by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
• Strive to obey Allah in daily life.
• Treat other people with justice, kindness and good character.

The Five Pillars

Islam has five foundational acts known as the Five Pillars of Islam.

• Shahadah — testimony of faith
• Salah — prayer
• Zakah — obligatory charity
• Sawm — fasting in Ramadan
• Hajj — pilgrimage to Makkah for those who are able

We will study each of these properly in Lesson 03.

Islam in everyday life

Islam is not limited to the masjid or to specific acts of worship. A Muslim tries to bring Allah's guidance into everyday decisions.

• How we speak to our parents.
• How we treat our family.
• How honestly we work and do business.
• How we treat people who need our help.
• How we behave when nobody is watching.

What are the Five Pillars?

The Five Pillars are the foundational acts of Islam: Shahadah, Salah, Zakah, Sawm and Hajj. They give a Muslim a practical framework for worshipping Allah.

1. Shahadah — Testimony of Faith

The Shahadah is the testimony that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad ﷺ is the Messenger of Allah. It is the foundation of a Muslim's faith and identity.

2. Salah — Prayer

Salah is the daily prayer through which Muslims regularly turn to Allah. The five obligatory prayers structure the day around worship and remembrance of Allah.

3. Zakah — Obligatory Charity

Zakah is an obligatory act of charity on qualifying wealth. It purifies wealth and teaches responsibility toward those who are in need.

4. Sawm — Fasting in Ramadan

Sawm means fasting during Ramadan from dawn until sunset. Fasting develops self-control, worship, gratitude and awareness of Allah.

5. Hajj — Pilgrimage

Hajj is the pilgrimage to the Sacred House in Makkah for those who are able to undertake it. It is performed during the appointed days of Hajj.

What is Iman?

Iman means faith and belief. The Prophet ﷺ taught that faith includes belief in Allah, His angels, His revealed Books, His messengers, the Last Day, and divine decree — its good and its difficult aspects.

1. Belief in Allah

We believe in Allah as our Creator and Lord, and we worship Him alone.

2. Belief in the Angels

We believe that Allah created angels and that they are among His unseen creation who obey Him.

3. Belief in the Books

We believe in the revealed Books that Allah sent as guidance, including the Qur'an, His final revealed Book.

4. Belief in the Messengers

We believe in the messengers Allah sent to guide humanity. Muhammad ﷺ is the final Messenger.

5. Belief in the Last Day

We believe that life does not end with this world and that people will be resurrected and judged by Allah.

6. Belief in Divine Decree

We believe in Allah's decree. Everything happens with His knowledge and wisdom, while we remain responsible for our choices and actions.

The final Messenger of Allah

Muhammad ﷺ was chosen by Allah as His Messenger and was sent to convey His guidance to humanity. Learning about his life helps us understand how the message of Islam was lived and taught.

His character

The Prophet ﷺ was known for truthfulness, trustworthiness, mercy, patience and excellent character. His Sunnah gives Muslims a practical example of how to live Islam.

Why learn the Seerah?

• To understand how the Prophet ﷺ taught Islam.
• To learn from his character and patience.
• To appreciate the sacrifices made for the message.
• To apply his example in our own lives.