Faiths, beliefs and religions

Islam in Westminster

Islam is a monotheistic religion. The faithful Muslim believes in One God to the exclusion of any other deity. The word Islam means, among other things, peace and purity. The faithful Muslim believes in One God, in all the messengers sent by Him without any discrimination among them (starting from Adam, Noah, to Ibrahim and those who were sent after him, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad - being the last); in the books (scriptures sent to God's messenger); in the angels, in the Day of Judgement, and in the absolute knowledge and wisdom of God.

In Islam, the 'spiritual' and the 'physical' are part of an integral and whole way of life. The practise of the five pillars, on which Islam is built, ensures that this integrated ideal is realised. These pillars are: the confession of the faith (shahadah); performing prayer (salah); the wealth tax / poor-dues (zakah); fasting (sawm) and the pilgrimage to Makkah.

These basic duties serve up the moral character of both the individual and the community.