Islam, one of the Abrahamic faiths, originated in the 7th century, following the first revelation of the Holy Quran from Allah (God) to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). He was the last of messengers who brought the final words of Allah to humanity.
Islam encompasses six articles of faith and five pillars, both of which allow Muslims to cultivate their relationship with Allah. The holy Quran is the most important sacred scripture among them. Its message promotes a comprehensive way of life that stands for "peace through submission to Allah."
The belief in one God is what differentiates Islam from many of the pre-Islamic religions in Arabia. Nevertheless, worship is not limited to completing this primary act. Islam also encourages spreading compassion and justice in society. A simple gesture of generosity or empathy is also a form of adoration. Furthermore, Islam offers guidance on many other matters of life, including diet, dressing, business, legal issues, marriage, etc.
This book provides readers with a concise and straightforward explanation of what Islam is, its origins, and the core components and principles under which it was founded. They will go through the historical and sociological concerns of the religion while tackling important questions: What is Islam? How did it begin? Who is a Muslim and what makes up faith for them?
But why this book? I wrote this piece because there are still many people who have no knowledge about Islam and are puzzled by the countless works that exist about the subject. It is meant to be a starting point, the introduction to Islam from a holistic but simple approach. That said, the book's main goal is for readers to achieve a better understanding of the nature and key concepts of this religion. In this sense, it explains the central themes of Islam.
I hope that after reading this book, readers can appreciate Islam and approach Muslims more adequately.