What do Muslims believe? Islamic teachings about God (Allah), prophets, books of revelation, angels, heaven and hell, destiny and free will, and the creation of earth.
Afterlife: Day of Judgment, Heaven, Hell
Muslims believe that after facing the Judgment of Allah (God), people will be either admitted to Heaven by His mercy, or entered into Hell by His justice.
Definition of "Youm Al-Qiyamah"
Literally "The Day of Resurrection," also known as the "Day of Reckoning" or less precisely the "Day of Judgment." Islam teaches that on this Day, all living things will be raised to life again and called in front of God for the final judgment. People will be divided; some will enter Jannah (Paradise) and some will enter Jahannam (Hell-Fire).
The Qur'an describes this Day of one of happiness for the believers, and terror for those who disbelieved in its existence. The Qur'an emphasizes the power of God: "Surely, He who brings life to the dead earth (through rainfall) can surely give life to men who are dead" (Qur'an 41:39).
Definition of "Jannah"
Heaven in Islam, described in the Qur'an as an eternal afterlife of peace and bliss, where the faithful and righteous are rewarded. They will be restful in the presence of God, in "gardens beneath which rivers flow." Jannah comes from an Arabic word which means "to cover or hide something." Heaven, therefore, is a place which is unseen to us.
The Qur'an describes that Jannah is "...a beautiful place of final return – a garden of eternity, whose doors will always be open to them" (Qur'an 38:49-50).
People who enter Jannah "...will say, ‘Praise be to Allah who has removed from us (all) sorrow, for our Lord is indeed Oft–Forgiving, appreciative; who has settled us in the house of lasting residence out of His bounty. No toil nor sense of weariness shall touch us therein" (Qur'an 35:34-35).
The Qur'an states that “Allah created the heavens and the earth, and all that is between them, in six days” (Qur'an 7:54), and this information is repeated in other verses as well. On the surface, it seems remarkably similar to the time frame given in the Book of Genesis of the Bible. Does such a teaching contradict scientific evidence that the universe developed over billions of years?
It Depends on Your “Day”
The verses of the Qur'an that mention “six days” use the Arabic word youm (day). This word appears several other times in the Qur'an. One verse describes the Day of Resurrection as “a Day the measure whereof is [as] fifty thousand years” (Qur'an 70:4). Another verse clearly states that “a Day in the sight of your Lord is like a thousand years of your reckoning” (Qur'an 22:47). The word youm is thus understood to be a long period of time, an era or eon, rather than a day of twenty-four hours as we know it.
Therefore, Muslims interpret the description of a “six-day” creation to mean that God created the universe in six distinct periods, or eons. The length of these periods is not precisely identified, nor are the specific developments that took place during each period.
Did God Rest?
One distinct difference between the creation story in Islam, as opposed to that given in the Book of Genesis, is what happened at the end of the sixth “day,” when the creation was finished. According to the Bible, God looked over His creation, and “saw that it was good.” God was finished, and on the seventh day He rested.
In the Qur'an, a distinct point is made that the Almighty Creator is beyond any need for rest. “We created the heavens and the earth and all between them in six days, nor did any sense of weariness touch Us” (Qur'an 50:38). In the Islamic story, God established Himself on the Throne, to oversee all of creation.
God is never “done” with His work, because the process of creation is ongoing — every minute of the day, every day of every year. Each new child who is born, every seed that sprouts into a sapling, every new species that appears on earth, is a part of the ongoing process of God's creation. “He it is Who created the heavens and the earth in six days, then established Himself on the Throne. He knows what enters within the heart of the earth, and what comes forth out of it, what comes down from heaven, and what mounts up to it. And He is with you wherever you may be. And God sees well all that you do” (Qur'an 57:4).
Muslims do not observe a Sabbath. Friday is the day when Muslims gather for congregational worship during the noon prayer time. However, it is not a day of rest. The community gathers to pray and then returns to normal daily routines and work.
Angels in Islam
Muslims believe that Allah (God) has created an unseen world, including angels and jinn. Learn more about the nature of these unseen beings.
Books of Revelation
Muslims believe that Allah (God) sent some prophets with books or words of revelation: Abraham's Scrolls, the Psalms of David, the Torah, the Gospel of Jesus, and the Quran.
Common Misconceptions About Islam
There is a lot of erroneous information floating around regarding the faith of Islam: that Muslims worship a moon god or a black stone; that Islam degrades women; that Muslims are all violent terrorists; etc. Here we set the record straight.
Jihad in Islam
Jihad is often mistakenly described as "holy war." Explore what the true meaning of Jihad is: a constant struggle to preserve one's faith and defend the rights to freedom of worship.
The word Jihad stems from the Arabic root word J-H-D, which means "strive." Other words derived from this root include "effort," "labor," and "fatigue." Essentially Jihad is an effort to practice religion in the face of oppression and persecution.
Destiny & Free Will
Muslims believe that human beings exercise free will, but that our destiny is also known by Allah (God).
Belief in Destiny and Divine Decree
destiny, divine decree, predestination, fate, or in Arabic, Al-Qadr. The Arabic word comes from a root word that means “power” and “ability,” implying that God Alone has the power and ability to know the destiny of every creature. Muslims believe that since Allah is the Sustainer of all life, nothing happens except by His Will and with His full knowledge. Everything in the world has a set, predetermined course.
This belief does not contradict the idea that human beings have the free will to choose a course of action. Allah does not force us to do anything; we can choose to obey or disobey Him. However, our choice is known to God before we even do it, because His knowledge is timeless and complete.
When discussing any event that will occur in the future, Muslims always add the phrase Insha'Allah, or “God willing.” This is done in accordance with Qur'anic teachings (18:23–24) that we cannot be sure of what will happen in the future.
Muslims believe, therefore, that everything that happens in life takes place according to Allah's will. This recognition sustains the believer through difficulties and hardships. In the Qur'an, Muslims are warned to expect difficulties and trials, in order to test and distinguish those who are patient from those who fall into despair. “And certainly, We shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives, and products — but give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere. Those who, when afflicted with calamity, say: ‘To Allah we belong, and to Allah we will return.’ They are those on whom descend blessings from their Lord, and mercy — those who are guided” (Qur'an 2:156–157).
There may be things in life we do not understand, but Muslims trust that Allah has wisdom in all things and that everything happens for a reason. They believe that God can see the whole picture, while our vision and perception of events is limited.