What Do Muslims Believe?

Muslims believe that God is one, that Muhammad is his messenger, and that the Qur’an is God’s word. A Muslim is a person who confesses that. Islam is the religion. Sunni and Shia Muslims share that confession and differ on who should have led after Muhammad.

Key points

• Qur’an 3:19CloseIndeed, the religion in the sight of Allāh is Islām. And those who were given the Scripture did not differ except after knowledge had come to them - out of jealous animosity between themselves. And whoever disbelieves in the verses of Allāh, then indeed, Allāh is swift in [taking] account.Qur’an 3:19 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source (Saheeh International) says the religion in the sight of God is Islam. Qur’an 22:78CloseAnd strive for Allāh with the striving due to Him. He has chosen you and has not placed upon you in the religion any difficulty. [It is] the religion of your father, Abraham. He [i.e., Allāh] named you "Muslims" before [in former scriptures] and in this [revelation] that the Messenger may be a witness over you and you may be witnesses over the people. So establish prayer and give zakāh and hold fast to Allāh. He is your protector; and excellent is the protector, and excellent is the helper.Qur’an 22:78 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source says he named them Muslims.
• Qur’an 4:136CloseO you who have believed, believe in Allāh and His Messenger and the Book that He sent down upon His Messenger and the Scripture which He sent down before. And whoever disbelieves in Allāh, His angels, His books, His messengers, and the Last Day has certainly gone far astray.Qur’an 4:136 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source and Qur’an 2:285CloseThe Messenger has believed in what was revealed to him from his Lord, and [so have] the believers. All of them have believed in Allāh and His angels and His books and His messengers, [saying], "We make no distinction between any of His messengers." And they say, "We hear and we obey. [We seek] Your forgiveness, our Lord, and to You is the [final] destination."Qur’an 2:285 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source name belief in God, his angels, his books, his messengers, and the Last Day. Qur’an 54:49CloseIndeed, all things We created with predestination.Qur’an 54:49 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source says all things were created with predestination. Those lines are the usual six articles of faith.
• Sahih al-Bukhari 8CloseNarrated Ibn 'Umar: Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said: Islam is based on (the following) five (principles): 1. To testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and Muhammad is Allah's Messenger (ﷺ). 2. To offer the (compulsory congregational) prayers dutifully and perfectly. 3. To pay Zakat (i.e. obligatory charity) . 4. To perform Hajj. (i.e. Pilgrimage to Mecca) 5. To observe fast during the month of Ramadan.Sahih al-Bukhari 8 · Muhammad Muhsin KhanOpen source (Muhammad Muhsin Khan), a Sunni hadith, says Islam is based on five: the testimony, prayer, zakat, Hajj, and the fast of Ramadan.
• Qur’an 4:48CloseIndeed, Allāh does not forgive association with Him, but He forgives what is less than that for whom He wills. And he who associates others with Allāh has certainly fabricated a tremendous sin.Qur’an 4:48 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source says God does not forgive association with him, and forgives what is less than that for whom he wills.
• Sunni and Shia beliefs are on their own pages. What Do Sunni Muslims Believe? What Do Shia Muslims Believe?
• Christians confess that the one God is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and that Jesus is God. The Trinity

What is the difference between Islam and Muslim?

Islam is the name of the religion. Muslim is the name of a person who belongs to it. Qur’an 3:19CloseIndeed, the religion in the sight of Allāh is Islām. And those who were given the Scripture did not differ except after knowledge had come to them - out of jealous animosity between themselves. And whoever disbelieves in the verses of Allāh, then indeed, Allāh is swift in [taking] account.Qur’an 3:19 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source (Saheeh International) states the first of those words:

Indeed, the religion in the sight of Allāh is Islām. And those who were given the Scripture did not differ except after knowledge had come to them - out of jealous animosity between themselves. And whoever disbelieves in the verses of Allāh, then indeed, Allāh is swift in [taking] account.

Qur’an 3:19 · Saheeh International

Qur’an · accepted by Muslims

Qur’an 22:78CloseAnd strive for Allāh with the striving due to Him. He has chosen you and has not placed upon you in the religion any difficulty. [It is] the religion of your father, Abraham. He [i.e., Allāh] named you "Muslims" before [in former scriptures] and in this [revelation] that the Messenger may be a witness over you and you may be witnesses over the people. So establish prayer and give zakāh and hold fast to Allāh. He is your protector; and excellent is the protector, and excellent is the helper.Qur’an 22:78 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source says he named them Muslims, in the religion of Abraham, and tells them to strive for God, to pray, and to give zakat. Arabic is the language of the Qur’an. It is not a third religion beside Islam. Who Is Allah?

Square brackets in Saheeh International are the translator’s explanations. They are not extra Arabic words.

Is Islam a religion or a way of life?

It is a religion, and the Qur’an treats that religion as covering worship and ordinary life. Qur’an 5:3CloseProhibited to you are dead animals, blood, the flesh of swine, and that which has been dedicated to other than Allāh, and [those animals] killed by strangling or by a violent blow or by a head-long fall or by the goring of horns, and those from which a wild animal has eaten, except what you [are able to] slaughter [before its death], and those which are sacrificed on stone altars, and [prohibited is] that you seek decision through divining arrows. That is grave disobedience. This day those who disbelieve have despaired of [defeating] your religion; so fear them not, but fear Me. This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islām as religion. But whoever is forced by severe hunger with no inclination to sin - then indeed, Allāh is Forgiving and Merciful.Qur’an 5:3 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source says, in the middle of a long ruling on food, that God has perfected the religion, completed his favor, and approved Islam as religion. Qur’an 2:177CloseRighteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allāh, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves; [and who] establishes prayer and gives zakāh; [those who] fulfill their promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous.Qur’an 2:177 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source puts belief in God, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets in the same sentence as prayer, zakat, keeping a promise, and patience in poverty and in battle.

What Is the Difference between Islam and Christianity? sets that beside the Christian confession.

What are the six articles of faith?

Qur’an 4:136CloseO you who have believed, believe in Allāh and His Messenger and the Book that He sent down upon His Messenger and the Scripture which He sent down before. And whoever disbelieves in Allāh, His angels, His books, His messengers, and the Last Day has certainly gone far astray.Qur’an 4:136 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source tells believers to believe in God and his Messenger, the Book sent down on him, and the Scripture sent down before. It then says that whoever disbelieves in God, his angels, his books, his messengers, and the Last Day has gone far astray. Qur’an 2:285CloseThe Messenger has believed in what was revealed to him from his Lord, and [so have] the believers. All of them have believed in Allāh and His angels and His books and His messengers, [saying], "We make no distinction between any of His messengers." And they say, "We hear and we obey. [We seek] Your forgiveness, our Lord, and to You is the [final] destination."Qur’an 2:285 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source says the Messenger and the believers believe in God, his angels, his books, and his messengers, and that they make no distinction between any of his messengers. Qur’an 2:177CloseRighteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allāh, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves; [and who] establishes prayer and gives zakāh; [those who] fulfill their promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous.Qur’an 2:177 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source lists God, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets.

The decree is the sixth item in the usual list. Qur’an 54:49CloseIndeed, all things We created with predestination.Qur’an 54:49 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source says all things were created with predestination. Qur’an 9:51CloseSay, "Never will we be struck except by what Allāh has decreed for us; He is our protector." And upon Allāh let the believers rely.Qur’an 9:51 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source says they will not be struck except by what God has decreed. Qur’an 4:136CloseO you who have believed, believe in Allāh and His Messenger and the Book that He sent down upon His Messenger and the Scripture which He sent down before. And whoever disbelieves in Allāh, His angels, His books, His messengers, and the Last Day has certainly gone far astray.Qur’an 4:136 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source itself names five of the six, not the decree.

Sunni and Shia Muslims both recite this confession. They do not share one account of who led the community after Muhammad. That difference is the difference between Sunni and Shia Islam.

What are the five pillars?

Prayer, zakat, fasting, and pilgrimage are in the Qur’an. Qur’an 2:43CloseAnd establish prayer and give zakāh and bow with those who bow [in worship and obedience].Qur’an 2:43 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source says to establish prayer and give zakat. Qur’an 2:183CloseO you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous -Qur’an 2:183 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source says fasting is decreed. Qur’an 3:97CloseIn it are clear signs [such as] the standing place of Abraham. And whoever enters it [i.e., the Ḥaram] shall be safe. And [due] to Allāh from the people is a pilgrimage to the House - for whoever is able to find thereto a way. But whoever disbelieves [i.e., refuses] - then indeed, Allāh is free from need of the worlds.Qur’an 3:97 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source says pilgrimage to the House is due from whoever is able to find a way. Qur’an 3:18CloseAllāh witnesses that there is no deity except Him, and [so do] the angels and those of knowledge - [that He is] maintaining [creation] in justice. There is no deity except Him, the Exalted in Might, the Wise.Qur’an 3:18 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source says God witnesses that there is no deity except him.

The count of five, and the order that puts Hajj before the fast, is a Sunni hadith. Sahih al-Bukhari 8CloseNarrated Ibn 'Umar: Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said: Islam is based on (the following) five (principles): 1. To testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and Muhammad is Allah's Messenger (ﷺ). 2. To offer the (compulsory congregational) prayers dutifully and perfectly. 3. To pay Zakat (i.e. obligatory charity) . 4. To perform Hajj. (i.e. Pilgrimage to Mecca) 5. To observe fast during the month of Ramadan.Sahih al-Bukhari 8 · Muhammad Muhsin KhanOpen source (Muhammad Muhsin Khan):

Narrated Ibn ’Umar: Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said: Islam is based on (the following) five (principles): 1. To testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and Muhammad is Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ). 2. To offer the (compulsory congregational) prayers dutifully and perfectly. 3. To pay Zakat (i.e. obligatory charity) . 4. To perform Hajj. (i.e. Pilgrimage to Mecca) 5. To observe fast during the month of Ramadan.

Sahih al-Bukhari 8 · Muhammad Muhsin Khan

Sunni hadith

That collection is Sunni hadith. The Qur’an verses on prayer, zakat, fasting, and pilgrimage are the book Sunni and Shia Muslims share. Which Muslims Accept Which Hadith? What Are Hadith and Sira?

Sunni and Shia

Sunni Muslims count Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali as the first four caliphs and treat Bukhari and Muslim as the most authoritative hadith. Shia Muslims say leadership belonged to Ali and his descendants. Those pages state each confession in that community’s sources. This page does not repeat them.

What Do Sunni Muslims Believe? What Do Shia Muslims Believe? Sunni Islam Shia Islam What Is a Caliphate? Who Was Muhammad? What Is the History of Islam? When Was Islam Founded?

What is the worst sin in Islam?

Association of anyone with God. Qur’an 4:48CloseIndeed, Allāh does not forgive association with Him, but He forgives what is less than that for whom He wills. And he who associates others with Allāh has certainly fabricated a tremendous sin.Qur’an 4:48 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source (Saheeh International):

Indeed, Allāh does not forgive association with Him, but He forgives what is less than that for whom He wills. And he who associates others with Allāh has certainly fabricated a tremendous sin.

Qur’an 4:48 · Saheeh International

Qur’an · accepted by Muslims

Qur’an 31:13CloseAnd [mention, O Muḥammad], when Luqmān said to his son while he was instructing him, "O my son, do not associate [anything] with Allāh. Indeed, association [with Him] is great injustice."Qur’an 31:13 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source records Luqman telling his son that association with God is great injustice. Qur’an 4:171CloseO People of the Scripture, do not commit excess in your religion or say about Allāh except the truth. The Messiah, Jesus the son of Mary, was but a messenger of Allāh and His word which He directed to Mary and a soul [created at a command] from Him. So believe in Allāh and His messengers. And do not say, "Three"; desist - it is better for you. Indeed, Allāh is but one God. Exalted is He above having a son. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. And sufficient is Allāh as Disposer of affairs.Qur’an 4:171 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source tells the People of the Scripture not to say “Three,” and says God is exalted above having a son. Christians confess the Son. Tawhid and Christian Monotheism Can God Have a Son?

What does the Qur’an say about women?

It does not publish a list of things a woman cannot do. It does set shares of inheritance, and it does give a husband a sequence that ends in a strike. Qur’an 4:11CloseAllāh instructs you concerning your children [i.e., their portions of inheritance]: for the male, what is equal to the share of two females. But if there are [only] daughters, two or more, for them is two thirds of one's estate. And if there is only one, for her is half. And for one's parents, to each one of them is a sixth of his estate if he left children. But if he had no children and the parents [alone] inherit from him, then for his mother is one third. And if he had brothers [and/or sisters], for his mother is a sixth, after any bequest he [may have] made or debt. Your parents or your children - you know not which of them are nearest to you in benefit. [These shares are] an obligation [imposed] by Allāh. Indeed, Allāh is ever Knowing and Wise.Qur’an 4:11 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source says God instructs them concerning children: for the male, what is equal to the share of two females.

Qur’an 4:34CloseMen are in charge of women by [right of] what Allāh has given one over the other and what they spend [for maintenance] from their wealth. So righteous women are devoutly obedient, guarding in [the husband's] absence what Allāh would have them guard. But those [wives] from whom you fear arrogance - [first] advise them; [then if they persist], forsake them in bed; and [finally], strike them [lightly]. But if they obey you [once more], seek no means against them. Indeed, Allāh is ever Exalted and Grand.Qur’an 4:34 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source (Saheeh International) says men are in charge of women. The words in square brackets, including “[lightly],” are the translator’s, not a second Arabic word:

Men are in charge of women by [right of] what Allāh has given one over the other and what they spend [for maintenance] from their wealth. So righteous women are devoutly obedient, guarding in [the husband’s] absence what Allāh would have them guard. But those [wives] from whom you fear arrogance - [first] advise them; [then if they persist], forsake them in bed; and [finally], strike them [lightly]. But if they obey you [once more], seek no means against them. Indeed, Allāh is ever Exalted and Grand.

Qur’an 4:34 · Saheeh International

Qur’an · accepted by Muslims

Qur’an 33:35CloseIndeed, the Muslim men and Muslim women, the believing men and believing women, the obedient men and obedient women, the truthful men and truthful women, the patient men and patient women, the humble men and humble women, the charitable men and charitable women, the fasting men and fasting women, the men who guard their private parts and the women who do so, and the men who remember Allāh often and the women who do so - for them Allāh has prepared forgiveness and a great reward.Qur’an 33:35 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source lists Muslim men and Muslim women, believing men and believing women, and the same pairs through fasting, guarding their private parts, and remembering God, and says God has prepared forgiveness and a great reward for them.

What does the Qur’an say about sex between men?

Qur’an 7:80CloseAnd [We had sent] Lot when he said to his people, "Do you commit such immorality as no one has preceded you with from among the worlds [i.e., peoples]?Qur’an 7:80 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source has Lot ask his people whether they commit an immorality no one before them had committed. Qur’an 7:81CloseIndeed, you approach men with desire, instead of women. Rather, you are a transgressing people."Qur’an 7:81 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source says they approach men with desire, instead of women, and calls them a transgressing people. The verses are about that act in the story of Lot. They do not use a modern political name for it.

The Christian claim

Christians grant that God is one. They confess that the one God is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and that the Word was God. John 1:1CloseIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.John 1:1 · King James VersionOpen source (King James Version):

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

John 1:1 · King James Version

John 20:28CloseAnd Thomas answered and said unto him, My LORD and my God.John 20:28 · King James VersionOpen source records Thomas calling the risen Jesus Lord and God. Matthew 28:19CloseGo ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:Matthew 28:19 · King James VersionOpen source sends the disciples to baptize in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Jesus in the Qur’an and the Gospels Did Jesus Die on the Cross? Was Jesus a Muslim? What Do Christians Believe about Muhammad?

Frequently asked questions

Is Islam a Christian religion?

No. Islam confesses one God and denies that God is a Trinity and that Jesus is his Son. What Is the Difference between Islam and Christianity?

Do Muslims believe in Jesus?

They honor him as the Messiah, born of Mary, a prophet, and not God. On the usual reading of Qur’an 4:157CloseAnd [for] their saying, "Indeed, we have killed the Messiah, Jesus the son of Mary, the messenger of Allāh." And they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but [another] was made to resemble him to them. And indeed, those who differ over it are in doubt about it. They have no knowledge of it except the following of assumption. And they did not kill him, for certain.Qur’an 4:157 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source, he was not crucified. Qur’an 3:45Close[And mention] when the angels said, "O Mary, indeed Allāh gives you good tidings of a word from Him, whose name will be the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary - distinguished in this world and the Hereafter and among those brought near [to Allāh].Qur’an 3:45 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source calls him the Messiah. What Does Messiah Mean?

Which US state has the most Muslims?

This page does not rank states or populations. It states what the Qur’an and this hadith say Muslims believe.

Is Islam the same as Arabic?

No. Arabic is the language of the Qur’an. Islam is the religion. A person who speaks Arabic is not a Muslim by that fact, and most Muslims are not Arabs.