1
Allah — the One God
Muslims believe Allah is the Creator and Sustainer of everything, perfect in knowledge and power, without partner, child or equal. Worship is directed to Him alone.
Faith
What do Muslims believe?
The word Islam means submission to God, bringing with it a sense of peace; a Muslim is one who submits to God. Islam centres on worshipping one God — Allah — and living with faith, responsibility, compassion and purpose. Muslims believe God has guided humanity through prophets throughout history, including Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and, finally, Muhammad ﷺ.
“Say: He is Allah, the One. Allah, on whom all depend. He does not beget, nor was He begotten, and there is none comparable to Him.”Qur'an 112:1–4 (Sūrat al-Ikhlāṣ)
2
The Angels
Muslims believe Allah created angels who obey Him and carry out duties entrusted to them. Jibrīl — Gabriel — brought revelation to God's prophets.
3
The Revealed Books
Muslims believe God sent revelation to His messengers, including the Scrolls given to Abraham, the Tawrāh (Torah) given to Moses, the Zabūr (Psalms) given to David and the Injīl (Gospel) given to Jesus. The Qur'an is believed to be God's final revealed scripture.
4
The Prophets
Muslims believe prophets were sent throughout history to call people to worship God and live righteously. Muhammad ﷺ is believed to be the final prophet and messenger.
5
The Last Day
Muslims believe earthly life is temporary and that every person will return to God and be held accountable. God judges with perfect justice and mercy.
6
Divine Decree
Muslims believe Allah has complete knowledge and authority over creation. Human beings still make meaningful choices and are responsible for those choices.
What do Muslims believe about Jesus?
Muslims honour Jesus — ʿĪsā in Arabic — as the Messiah and one of God's greatest messengers. Muslims believe in his miraculous birth and hold him in deep respect, but worship God alone rather than Jesus.
Worship
How do Muslims worship?
Worship in Islam is not confined to a mosque. Prayer is central, but everyday acts — caring for family, honest work, charity, learning and helping others — can also become acts of worship when done sincerely for God.
Shahādah
The declaration that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.
Ṣalāh
Five daily prayers that reconnect a Muslim with God throughout the day.
Today's prayer times →Zakāh
Obligatory annual charity of 2.5% on savings held above a minimum threshold (niṣāb) for a full lunar year, given to those in need.
Ṣawm
Fasting in Ramadan from dawn to sunset for adults who are able, nurturing God-consciousness and self-discipline.
Ḥajj
The pilgrimage to Makkah, required once in a lifetime for Muslims who are physically and financially able.
Guidance
Where do Islamic teachings come from?
For someone beginning to learn about Islam, two foundations matter most: the Qur'an and the example of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
The Qur'an
Muslims believe the Qur'an is the word of Allah, revealed in Arabic to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ through the Angel Jibrīl over approximately 23 years.
It speaks about God, worship, morality, family life, justice, previous prophets, the afterlife and humanity's relationship with its Creator.
The Sunnah & Hadith
The Sunnah is the teaching and example of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Reports that preserve what he said, did or approved are known as hadith.
The Qur'an commands Muslims to pray; the Prophet's example teaches the community how that prayer is performed in practice.
Islamic scholarship
Muslim scholars developed detailed methods for interpreting the Qur'an and Sunnah and applying their teachings to new situations. In mainstream Sunni legal scholarship, scholarly consensus (ijmāʿ) and analogy (qiyās) are also important principles within Islamic jurisprudence.
Hadith scholars also developed rigorous methods for examining chains of transmission, narrators and the content of reports, classifying narrations according to their reliability.Everyday life
Faith is meant to shape character
Islam teaches that belief should be reflected in the way a person treats family, neighbours, strangers and wider society.
Care for parents and family
Be honest in business
Support the vulnerable
Protect neighbours' rights
Seek useful knowledge
Avoid injustice
Show patience and forgiveness
Care for creation
You are welcome
You do not need to know everything before walking through the door.
Whether you are simply curious, considering Islam, newly practising, or returning after some time away, Masjid al-Noor is here to help you learn without pressure.
Exploring Islam?
Start with the basics, ask questions and get in touch to arrange a friendly visit.
Reconnecting with faith?
Return at your own pace, learn, pray and speak confidentially with someone at the mosque.
Common questions
A few things people often ask
Do Muslims worship a different God?
No. “Allah” is simply the Arabic word for God. Arabic-speaking Christians also use the word Allah. Islam teaches worship of the one Creator of Abraham, Moses and Jesus.
Do Muslims believe in Jesus?
Yes. Muslims believe Jesus was the Messiah, born miraculously to Mary, and one of God's greatest messengers. The major difference from Christianity is that Muslims do not worship Jesus or regard him as God.
How does someone become Muslim?
A person becomes Muslim by sincerely declaring the Shahādah — that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. There is no fee, course or waiting period required. Many people choose to say it at the mosque with others present, and the community can then help with learning to pray and taking the next steps at a comfortable pace. If you are thinking about this, get in touch and we will arrange for someone to meet you.
Do I have to dress in a particular way to visit the mosque?
Visitors are simply asked to dress modestly. Shoes are normally removed before entering the prayer area. If you are arranging a visit, the mosque can explain anything else in advance.
Can I come if I am not sure what I believe?
Absolutely. You are welcome to visit, observe, ask questions and take your time. There is no expectation that a visitor should already know Islamic terminology or practices.