Aisha Islamic Center
Discover Islam
Curious about Islam, a neighbour, a colleague or a friend of someone who is Muslim? This page is a calm, simple introduction. There is no pressure: read at your own pace, ask anything, and come and visit if you wish.
Islam in a few lines
Islam is the faith of about two billion people around the world. The word comes from the Arabic root for peace and for submitting oneself to God.
Muslims believe in One God, the Creator of everything, whom Arabic speakers call Allah. They believe He sent guidance to humanity through prophets, among them Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses and Jesus, peace be upon them, and that Muhammad ﷺ was the last of them.
The Qur'an is, for Muslims, the word of God as revealed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Islam asks for sincere faith, good character, care for others and regular worship.
What Muslims believe
Six articles of faith summarize the beliefs of a Muslim.
God
There is One God, merciful and just, who has no partner.
Angels
God created angels, who carry out His commands.
Revealed books
God sent books to guide people, the last being the Qur'an.
Prophets
God sent prophets to every people. Muhammad ﷺ is the final messenger.
The Last Day
Every person will be held to account, and God's mercy is vast.
Destiny
Everything happens by God's knowledge and will, and we are responsible for our choices.
How Muslims live their faith
Five pillars shape a Muslim's practice.
Shahada
Declaring that there is no god but God, and that Muhammad is His messenger.
Salat
Praying five times a day, facing the Kaaba in Makkah.
Zakat
Giving a fixed share of savings each year to those in need.
Sawm
Fasting from dawn to sunset during the month of Ramadan.
Hajj
Making the pilgrimage to Makkah once in a lifetime, for those who are able.
Questions people often ask
Do Muslims worship a different God?
No. "Allah" is simply the Arabic word for God, used by Arabic-speaking Christians too. Muslims worship the One God, the God of Abraham.
What do Muslims believe about Jesus?
Muslims love and honour Jesus (Isa), peace be upon him, as one of the greatest prophets and as the Messiah born miraculously to Mary (Maryam). They do not believe he is God or the son of God.
Why do Muslims pray five times a day and fast in Ramadan?
Prayer keeps a believer connected to God through the day, and fasting teaches patience, gratitude and compassion for people who go without. Many Muslims say these practices bring calm and focus.
Why do some Muslim women wear a headscarf?
Most Muslim scholars teach that modesty, including covering the hair, is a religious practice for women. Many women choose it as an expression of faith and identity. Not every Muslim woman wears one, and it is a personal choice.
Do I have to be Arab to be Muslim?
No. Most Muslims in the world are not Arab. Islam is for everyone, and our community in Montréal includes people from many countries and backgrounds.
What does Islam say about peace and other people?
Islam teaches mercy, justice and good neighbourliness, and forbids harming innocent people. The Qur'an says that whoever takes one life unjustly, it is as if they killed all of humanity. The community at Aisha Islamic Center is part of Montréal and welcomes everyone with respect.
How does someone become a Muslim?
By sincerely saying the shahada, the declaration of faith: "I bear witness that there is no god but God, and that Muhammad is the messenger of God." No special ceremony is required. If you wish, we can be with you for it, and a mentor can help you learn the basics at your own pace.