Learn Islam — Beginner Roadmap
This page focuses on the essentials: beliefs, pillars, prayer (salah), Qur'an basics, and a short biography of the Prophet ﷺ.
Beliefs (Aqeedah) — short overview
- Tawhid: The oneness of Allah — core of Islam.
- Angels and Revelation: belief in angels and revealed books.
- Prophets: Allah sent prophets to guide humanity (including Prophet Muhammad ﷺ).
- Afterlife: life after death, accountability, and justice.
For deeper study, consult a qualified teacher or trusted books (see Resources).
Five Pillars (short)
- Shahadah — testifying to Allah's oneness and Muhammad ﷺ as His messenger.
- Salah — five daily prayers (we explain the steps below).
- Zakat — giving a share to those in need.
- Sawm — fasting during Ramadan.
- Hajj — pilgrimage to Makkah (if able).
Salah — step-by-step (summary)
- Make intention (in heart), stand facing the Qibla.
- Takbeer — say "Allahu Akbar".
- Qiyam — recite Al-Fatiha and a short surah.
- Ruku' — bow, say "Subhana Rabbiyal Adheem".
- Sujood — prostrate twice, say "Subhana Rabbiyal A'la".
- Tashahhud & Salam — sit and finish the prayer.
This is a concise guide — use visuals or a teacher for learning the physical movements. See Resources for practical video guides.
Qur'an — basics for beginners
Start small: read a few lines daily, learn common words (see Arabic page). Try a reliable translation in your language alongside the Arabic. Recitation (tajweed) is beautiful but begins with stable, short practice.
- Keep a short time daily — even 5–10 minutes helps.
- Use transliteration only as a bridge, not a long-term substitute.
- Ask knowledgeable people about meanings and context.
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ — short bio
Muhammad ﷺ (c. 570–632 CE) is the final prophet in Islam. He conveyed the Qur'an and exemplified its teachings. Respectful study of his life (Seerah) helps understand practical Islam.
Daily life & etiquette
Simple habits: prayer, honest behavior, kindness, gratitude, remembering Allah (dhikr), and seeking knowledge. Small consistent actions lead to real change.
Study tips
- Set a tiny daily goal (e.g., one paragraph or one salah step).
- Use a notebook to summarize what you learned after each session.
- Watch short, trusted videos to see practical demonstrations (see Resources).