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Tradition
Islam
Submission to the one God, guided by the Qur'an and the example of the Prophet Muhammad.
Introduction
Islam means submission or surrender to God (Allah). Muslims hold that the Qur'an was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad in seventh-century Arabia over about twenty-three years and that it is God's literal, final word, confirming earlier revelations to Abraham, Moses and Jesus.
The Qur'an is arranged in 114 surahs (chapters) and cited by surah and ayah (verse), for example 2:255. The Hadith collections — such as Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim — record the words and practice of the Prophet and are the second main source of Islamic guidance. Sunni and Shi'a Muslims share the Qur'an but differ over leadership, some hadith collections and jurisprudence.
The Guide cites the Qur'an by surah and verse and links to a widely used reference edition so that readers can compare translations.
Primary scriptures
114 surahs revealed to the Prophet Muhammad; recited in Arabic, translated widely.
Reports of the Prophet's sayings and actions, e.g. Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim.
Major concepts
Tawhid
The absolute oneness of God, the foundation of Islamic belief (Qur'an 112).
The Five Pillars
Declaration of faith, prayer, almsgiving, fasting in Ramadan and pilgrimage to Mecca.
Rahma (mercy)
Nearly every surah opens by invoking God as the Most Merciful, the Compassionate.
Akhirah
The afterlife: resurrection, judgement and the eternal consequences of one's deeds.
Ummah
The worldwide community of Muslims.
Relevant passages
Passages the Guide cites for the questions in the library, each linked to a public reference edition.
Forgiveness
'Let them pardon and overlook. Would you not love for Allah to forgive you?'
Proportionate response is allowed; whoever forgives and reconciles is rewarded by God.
The righteous restrain anger and pardon people.
Death & the afterlife
'Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return.'
'Every soul will taste death... you will be paid in full on the Day of Resurrection.'
Every soul will taste death; life is a test.
Suffering
'We will surely test you... give good tidings to the patient.'
God does not burden a soul beyond what it can bear.
Purpose of life
'I did not create jinn and mankind except to worship Me.'
Life and death created to test which of you is best in deeds.
Meaning of life
Those who reflect: 'Our Lord, You did not create this aimlessly.'
Hearts find rest in the remembrance of Allah.
God & ultimate reality
'Say: He is Allah, One... nor is there to Him any equivalent.'
The Throne Verse: God's sovereignty and knowledge.
Vision cannot grasp Him; He grasps all vision.
Enemies & conflict
'Repel evil with what is better; the one who was your enemy will become as a devoted friend.'
God may put affection between you and those you hold as enemies.
Let not hatred of a people lead you to be unjust.
Fight those who fight you, but do not transgress.
Love
'If you love Allah, then follow me; Allah will love you and forgive your sins.'
'And He is the All-Forgiving, All-Loving.'
God will bring a people 'who love Him and are loved by Him'.
Right & wrong
God commands justice, grace and generosity; forbids indecency, wickedness, aggression.
Stand firm for justice, even against yourselves or your parents.
God fashioned the soul and inspired it with knowledge of right and wrong.
Peace & stillness
'In the remembrance of Allah do hearts find comfort.'
'Remember Me; I will remember you. And thank Me.'
'O tranquil soul! Return to your Lord, well pleased and well pleasing.'
Grief & loss
'Surely to Allah we belong and to Him we will all return.'
'Seek comfort in patience and prayer. Allah is truly with those who are patient.'
Frequently asked questions
How is the Qur'an cited?
By surah (chapter) and ayah (verse), for example Qur'an 24:22 means Surah 24, verse 22. Translations differ; the Guide links to quran.com where many can be compared.
What is the difference between the Qur'an and Hadith?
Muslims regard the Qur'an as God's direct word. Hadith are reports about the Prophet Muhammad's words and deeds, graded by scholars for reliability.
Do Sunni and Shi'a Muslims share the same scripture?
Yes, the Qur'an is the same. They differ on questions of leadership after the Prophet, some hadith collections, and legal schools.
Ask the Guide about Islam
Answers are AI-assisted, drawn from nine traditions and linked to original sources. No account needed.
The Scripture Guide uses artificial intelligence to help organize and explain religious texts and traditions. AI-generated responses may contain errors or omissions. When accuracy is important, consult the original scripture and authoritative sources.