What is Islam Really about? Misperceptions of Religion
Islam is a religion of peace and goodness.
In a world filled with headlines and hashtags, it can be easy to form impressions of a religion like Islam without ever truly understanding it. At its core, Islam is a faith centered on peace, purpose, and a deep connection with the Divine.
A Muslim is someone who chooses to follow Islam. It is a monotheistic faith. Muslims believe in one, all-powerful, compassionate God who created the universe and actively guides humanity.
The Core Message The core of Islam is simple: believe in God, do good, and live a life of balance, compassion, and responsibility. The Quran, Islam’s holy book, is seen as God's final message to humanity, reaffirming the teachings of earlier prophets like Abraham, Moses, and Jesus (peace be upon them all).
Muslim life is built around five key practices known as the Five Pillars:
Shahada. Declaring belief in one God and Muhammad as His final prophet.
Salat. Praying five times a day to stay spiritually connected and grounded.
Zakat. Giving to those in need, fostering social justice and compassion.
Sawm. Fasting during the month of Ramadan to develop self-control and empathy.
Hajj. A once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage to Mecca, symbolizing unity and humility.
A Way of Life Islam is not just a set of rituals, it is a way of life. It encourages kindness to neighbors, honesty in business, care for the environment, and mercy even in moments of anger. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught that the best among people are those who are most beneficial to others.
Misconceptions and Reality Like many world religions, Islam has been misunderstood and misrepresented — often by those who commit violence in its name or those who judge it without context. The reality is that over a billion Muslims around the world live quiet lives of devotion, family, work, and community service.
People who commit crimes are not Muslims, they follow religious fanaticism.
Islam is about remembering the Creator, living with intention, and striving to be better each day — for oneself, for others, and for the sake of something greater than us all.
Do not fall for the propaganda. Haters do not even differentiate between religion and ethnicity.
I call on everyone to join Islam.
