1. Overview
Islam emerged in the early 7th century in Arabia as a monotheistic faith centered on devotion to God (Allah) and guided by the prophetic mission of Muhammad. Muslims regard Muhammad as the final prophet in a long line of messengers, and they understand Islam as a call to worship God alone, live ethically, and build a just, compassionate community.
2. Origins & historical context
Islamic tradition locates the beginning of the Qur’anic revelation in Mecca, followed by the Hijra (migration) to Medina, which marked the formation of a distinct community. These early experiences shaped Islam’s devotional life, social ethics, and communal identity.
3. Core beliefs
Islamic belief (aqidah) commonly includes faith in God, angels, revealed books, prophets, the Last Day, and destiny (qadar). A central commitment is tawhid: God’s oneness, uniqueness, and transcendence.
- Tawhid: God is one, incomparable, and merciful.
- Prophecy: God guides humanity through messengers; Muhammad is regarded as the final prophet.
- Accountability: Life is morally meaningful; justice and mercy are core themes.
- Community: Faith is lived through worship, charity, and responsibility toward others.
4. Sacred texts & authority
The Qur’an is Islam’s primary scripture. The Sunnah (prophetic example), preserved through hadith literature, also guides practice and ethics, interpreted through established scholarly methods and schools of thought.
5. Worship & devotional life
Muslim devotional life is often summarized in the Five Pillars: shahada, salat, zakat, sawm, and hajj. These practices shape daily rhythm, communal identity, and moral formation.
6. Diversity within Islam
Islam is globally diverse across cultures, languages, legal schools, and spiritual traditions (including Sufism). Even where core beliefs are shared, lived experience varies widely by region, family, and personal practice.
7. Ethics, law, and daily life
Islamic ethics integrates worship, family life, social responsibility, and daily conduct. Many Muslims follow halal norms in food and finance, observe modesty practices, and prioritize charity and hospitality as expressions of faith.
8. Modern lived experience
Contemporary Muslim life reflects a wide range of cultural and political contexts, including minority/majority dynamics, migration, and challenges around representation. Many communities also emphasize education, spiritual resilience, and service.
9. Practitioner notes
Avoid assumptions. Ask what role faith plays in the client’s life, and what language or accommodations feel respectful (schedule, food, prayer space). Let the client define what “religious” or “observant” means for them.
- “Are there practices that help you feel grounded when life is stressful?”
- “Are there any topics or terms around faith you’d rather avoid?”
- “Would any accommodations be supportive (schedule, food, prayer space)?”
10. Further reading
Add 3–8 balanced resources (intro, primary text, lived-experience).