Islam is a monotheistic religion centered on belief in one God (Allah in Arabic, the standard Arabic word for God) and the teachings revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. Muslims believe Islam is the final and complete revelation in a line of messages given by God through earlier prophets, including Abraham, Moses, and Jesus.

While there are different traditions within Islam (primarily Sunni and Shia), the following summarizes beliefs that are broadly shared.

1. One God (Tawhid)

The central belief of Islam is Tawhid—the absolute oneness of God.

Muslims believe:

• There is only one God.
• God is eternal, all-powerful, all-knowing, and merciful.
• God has no partners, children, or equals.
• God alone is worthy of worship.

2. Prophets

Muslims believe God sent prophets throughout history to guide humanity.

These include:

• Adam
• Noah
• Abraham
• Moses
• David
• Jesus
• Muhammad

Muhammad is regarded as the final prophet, whose message completes and confirms the revelations given to earlier prophets.

3. The Qur’an

Muslims believe the Qur’an is:

• The literal word of God.
• Revealed to Muhammad over approximately 23 years.
• The final and complete revelation from God.

The Qur’an serves as the primary source of Islamic belief, worship, and moral guidance.

4. The Five Pillars of Islam

The Five Pillars are the core acts of worship practiced by Muslims:

• Shahada (Declaration of Faith): Believing and declaring that there is no god but God, and Muhammad is His messenger.
• Salah (Prayer): Praying five times daily.
• Zakat (Charitable Giving): Giving a portion of one’s wealth to those in need.
• Sawm (Fasting): Fasting during the month of Ramadan.
• Hajj (Pilgrimage): Making a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once if physically and financially able.

5. Angels

Muslims believe that God created angels as spiritual beings who carry out His commands.

Among them is Gabriel, who delivered God’s revelations to the prophets.

6. The Day of Judgment

Islam teaches that everyone will be resurrected and judged by God.

Each person will be accountable for:

• Their faith.
• Their intentions.
• Their actions.

God is understood to be perfectly just and merciful.

7. Heaven and Hell

Muslims believe:

• Heaven (Jannah) is the eternal reward for those accepted by God.
• Hell (Jahannam) is the place of punishment for those who reject God or persist in wrongdoing.

Ultimate judgment belongs to God alone.

8. Divine Decree

Islam teaches that God has complete knowledge and authority over creation.

Muslims believe:

• God knows all that has happened and will happen.
• Human beings have responsibility for their choices.
• God’s wisdom and justice extend beyond human understanding.

Different Islamic theological schools explain the relationship between divine decree and human free will in different ways.

9. Repentance and Forgiveness

Islam teaches that God is compassionate and forgiving.

A person can receive forgiveness by:

• Sincerely repenting.
• Turning back to God.
• Seeking forgiveness.
• Striving to avoid repeating the wrongdoing.

There is no requirement for a human intermediary to seek God’s forgiveness.

10. Moral Life

Muslims are called to live according to God’s guidance by practicing:

• Honesty
• Compassion
• Justice
• Humility
• Patience
• Generosity
• Respect for parents and family
• Care for the poor and vulnerable

Ethical conduct is considered an essential part of faith.

11. Community

Islam places great importance on the worldwide community of believers, known as the Ummah.

Muslims are encouraged to:

• Support one another.
• Promote justice.
• Care for those in need.
• Live peacefully and responsibly within society.

12. Jesus in Islam

Muslims highly honor Jesus (Isa) as one of God’s greatest prophets.

They believe:

• He was born miraculously to the Virgin Mary.
• He performed miracles by God’s permission.
• He was not divine.
• He was not the Son of God.
• God raised him, and he will return before the Day of Judgment.

This differs significantly from Christian beliefs about Jesus’ divinity and role in salvation.

In one sentence

Islam teaches that there is one God who revealed His final guidance through the Prophet Muhammad, and that people are called to worship God alone, live according to His guidance, practice compassion and justice, and prepare for the Day of Judgment through faith and righteous living.

Although there are different schools of thought and interpretations within Islam, these points reflect the core beliefs shared by the vast majority of Muslims.