Foreword

Islam is defined as turning towards Allah (swt)* with devotion, and unconditionally accepting His commands and prohibitions with people’s own choice and will without any compulsion. The religion Islam, which has a perfect system of belief, worship and morality, is the final and complete version of the revelations which started to be conveyed to the humanity through the Prophet Adam, and will be valid until the Last Day.

All principles of Islam are about preserving the magnificent balance and the human. Islam aims to guide people to have a healthy communication with themselves, Allah, other people, and all living and non-living creatures in the nature. Thus, both individual and social peace will be established; and justice and mercy will rule all over the world.

Islam leads people to goodness in every field and moment of life with the principles of faith, worship and morality, which were presented to humanity by the last Prophet Muhammad (saw) in light of the Holy Qur’an. It teaches people the ways to build a livable world for both themselves and other creatures through its exemplary model of ideal life by putting their minds and hearts into it. Therefore, one should adopt the principles of faith, raise their awareness of worship in line with these principles, and equip themselves with good morals. Because the mu’min (believer) is the one who adopts and believes the principles of Islamic religion, verbally expresses their belief by tongue, and reflects them on their lives. Believers should continue worshiping to preserve and strengthen their faith, and live in line with the requirements of good morals. The main goal of Islam, one of the distinct features of which is the value attached to morality, is to build a strong society composed of faithful people with good morals, and a peaceful world.

The book in your hands, in which we tried to set forth the fundamental principles of faith, worship and morality of Islam in an apprehensive style and with rich content, aims to contribute to the comprehension of Islam through authentic knowledge and from a proper perspective. It was prepared based on main reference resources including Islam through the Hadiths, Essentials of Islam, the Islamic Encyclopedia by Turkiye Diyanet Foundation (TDV), and the Holy Qur’an Commentary published by the Presidency of Religious Affairs of Turkey. We wish that this book broadens the horizons of our readers who want to make their lives meaningful through the belief system of Islam, and build their life both in this world and the Hereafter upon the awareness of worship and principles of morality.

^*Abbreviation of the Arabic words “Subhanahu wa Ta’ala”, meaning "Glory to Him, the Exalted”.