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.
New to Islam? You're in the right place. Teachers can also use this page as a simple pre-visit learning resource.
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. Tawḥīd is the belief that Allah alone is worthy of worship. Īmān means faith: the six articles below describe its central beliefs.
“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. The five pillars are Islam’s core acts of worship.
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 charity for eligible Muslims on certain kinds of wealth that meet the niṣāb (minimum threshold) and applicable conditions. The familiar rate on qualifying monetary wealth is 2.5%; the rules differ by asset.
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.
Explore the sacred mosques →Guidance
The Qur’an and Sunnah: where guidance comes from
Muslims look first to the Qur’an — the revealed word of Allah — and to the Sunnah, the teachings and example of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. The Sunnah is preserved and studied through reports known as hadith.
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.Your journey of faith
Thinking about becoming Muslim?
If you believe in the message of Islam and are considering taking the next step, you are welcome here. Whether you have been learning for years or have only just begun, Masjid al-Noor is happy to offer support, without pressure.
Becoming Muslim begins with sincere belief in Allah and His Messenger, expressed through the Shahādah, the testimony of faith.
The declaration of faith · الشهادة
أشهد أن لا إله إلا الله وأشهد أن محمدًا رسول الله
Ashhadu an lā ilāha illā Allāh, wa ashhadu anna Muḥammadan Rasūl Allāh.
“I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.”
How do I pronounce the Shahādah?
Ash-hadu an laa ilaaha ill-Allah (I bear witness there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah), wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan rasool-Allah (and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah). If you would like help with the pronunciation, someone at the mosque will gladly guide you.
You can take this step whenever you are ready
You do not need to complete a course, pay a fee or know everything before embracing Islam. You do not have to wait for a mosque appointment. If you would like someone to explain the Shahādah, answer your questions or help you learn what comes next, we are here to help.
No pressure · No fee · A warm welcomeWould you like to take your Shahādah at the mosque?
We would be delighted to welcome you to Masjid al-Noor, Lancaster, to make your declaration of faith with support from our community. Contact us to arrange a suitable time so someone can be there to welcome and guide you. You may also embrace Islam sincerely without an appointment or witnesses — visiting the mosque is warmly encouraged, not a requirement.
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
For teachers & group leaders
Bring learning to life at the masjid
A mosque visit can help school pupils connect classroom learning with a living faith community. Groups can explore the prayer space, learn about Muslim worship and daily life, and ask respectful questions in a welcoming setting.
Explore the mosque and its featuresLearn about prayer and worshipMeet members of the communityMake time for questions
Activities and arrangements depend on the age of your group and the visit agreed with the masjid. Teachers can share this Discover Islam page with pupils before their visit.
Planning a school visit?
Tell us about your group and what you would like pupils to learn. We’ll help arrange a suitable visit.
Book a school or group visit →Have a question first? Contact usYou are welcome
You do not need to know everything before walking through the door.
Whether you are curious about Islam, considering becoming Muslim, newly practising or returning after time away, Masjid al-Noor welcomes your questions and your visit — 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 through sincere faith and the Shahādah. Read our step-by-step introduction and how we can support 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.
What happens inside a mosque?
A mosque is a place for worship, learning and community. Muslims gather for the five daily prayers, Friday prayer, Qur’an study and other activities. Visitors can learn about these spaces and practices during an arranged visit.
Can non-Muslims observe prayers?
Visitors are welcome to ask about observing a prayer during an arranged visit. We can explain where to sit or stand and how to avoid disrupting worshippers.
Why do Muslims pray five times a day?
The five daily prayers are a regular act of worship and remembrance of Allah. They give shape to the day and help Muslims cultivate gratitude, humility and discipline.
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Muslims who are able fast from dawn until sunset, increase worship and charity, and reflect on their relationship with Allah.
Can schools arrange an educational mosque visit?
Yes. Teachers and group leaders can use our booking page to request a visit. Please tell us the pupils’ age range, group size and learning aims so we can discuss arrangements.