The concept of worship in Islam encompasses every

aspect of human life, and is central to the goal of In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
freeing the individual as well as society from the
worship of created things to the worship of the
Creator of all things. It is this concept of worship Since the beginning of human history, worship has played a central role in people’s lives. Devotion to a
that humanity needs so desperately, and wherein lies higher being continues to tie humanity together despite differences in customs and a variety of beliefs. We
the key to our collective salvation.
often associate worship with specific religious acts performed to a deity, distinguishing it from other
“… Truly it is in the remembrance of God
that hearts find peace.”
facets of one’s life. However, the concept of worship in Islam is all-encompassing and incorporates ritual
(Quran 13:28) worship as well as common daily tasks. This pamphlet discusses the balance Islam encourages between
our spiritual and worldly endeavors, while also explaining core rites Muslims perform to worship God.

In Islam, worship is the very purpose of our existence. bond with their Creator. In doing so, a person gains a
God declares in the Quran, the holy book of Islam, sense of true peace that comes with carrying out their
“I did not create … mankind except to worship Me” purpose in life.
(Quran 51:56). Muslims worship God, the Creator
In addition to purifying one’s intention, a person’s deeds
and Sustainer of the universe, out of love and
must also be consistent with divine guidance. While
submission. They believe that He is the One God
God has inspired an intuitive moral sense in every

Worship
(Allah in Arabic) who is completely unique and only
individual, people do not always act in a just and ethical

concept of
He deserves to be worshipped.
Questions about Islam? manner. In fact, our ability to judge between right and
Worshipping God is a comprehensive concept within wrong can often be muddled by external influences,
Visit a mosque Islam. Along with traditional rituals, such as praying outward appearances or ulterior motives. Hence,
Correspond with our team and fasting, it also consists of any lawful action a person having a moral compass alone does not enable one to
Order a complementary Quran does with God-consciousness and in the hopes of internalize righteousness or bring one closer to God.
earning reward from Almighty God. Therefore,

Islam
In order to guide humans to His worship and to truly
devoting oneself to God in Islam does not require a
Call 1.877.WHY.ISLAM differentiate between good and evil, God sent prophets
person to enter a place of worship nor embrace
as teachers and role models. He also revealed holy
visit www.whyislam.org monasticism. Rather, fulfilling this purpose of life is an

in
scriptures which provide us with knowledge directly
active daily pursuit from the Islamic perspective.
from God and serve as manuals for virtuous living. The
Hence, a Muslim can be engaged in worship throughout
combination of prophetic examples and divine
Visit WHYISLAM on the following the day, be it at home, work or anywhere else.
scriptures reinforces our moral inclinations and equips
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us with the knowledge to discern between right and
wrong. They also provide us with the criterion which
FOUNDATIONS OF WORSHIP enables us to assess our own motives and deeds. Above
Certain criteria determine whether an act can be
all, they teach us how to worship God and to lead a life
P.O. Box 1054, Piscataway NJ 08855-1054
1.877.WHY.ISLAM considered worship. For instance, Islam teaches that
the merit of a person’s action depends on the intention.
that pleases Him.
www.whyislam.org Muslims believe that God looks at people’s hearts, not Islam is the culmination of God’s message since the
LOCAL CONTACT:
just their physical deeds. For an action to be regarded time of Adam. The God of Noah, Abraham, Moses,
as worship, it must be performed with the pure Jesus and all the other prophets, is the same God who
intention of pleasing God. Therefore, the concept of sent Muhammadp as His final messenger to humankind
AN ICNA PROJECT
worship in Islam encourages people to connect with and revealed the Quran, God’s last scripture, to him.
God in every action they take, strengthening their The Quran, the only divine book to remain intact in its
v3 Dec 2019
 Along with traditional rituals, such as praying and fasting, worship also consists of
HOLY DAYS encompasses not only the outward religious duties, but
any lawful action a person does with God-consciousness and in the hopes of The two Eid festivals mark important holy days for Muslims. also the development of a strong moral character, good
Eid al-Fitr is celebrated at the completion of Ramadan while relations with people, and striving for just and
earning reward from Almighty God. Eid al-Adha falls during the days of Hajj. Both occasions harmonious societies.
begin with a congregational prayer and a sermon; these are
followed by festive meals, gift-giving and socializing. Worship in Islam is as broad as life itself. It could be
original text, upholds the pure teachings of previous while standing, bowing and prostrating, maintaining the
removing an obstacle from the road, helping someone in
revelations. It is a testament to the continuity of God’s practice of Muhammad, Jesus, Moses and all the other
need, being good to your family, doing an honest day’s
message from the beginning of human history, guiding prophets, peace be upon them all. On Fridays, Muslims SUPPLICATION work, sharing food with your neighbor, visiting a sick
people to achieve their fundamental purpose in life. attend a special congregational noon prayer, complete with a Muslims supplicate to and address God directly for their person, attending a funeral and so on. Of course, the
brief sermon. needs and desires anytime and anywhere. This direct
The guidance of the Quran and the example of Prophet above-mentioned criteria apply here as well: to be
Muhammadp, whose teachings have been meticulously relationship is an essential element of worship in Islam. considered worship, the act must be done earnestly to
preserved, form the basis of worship in Islam. It must be MOSQUES Whether asking for guidance, seeking solace or beseeching please God and should be consistent with divine guidance.
noted here that while Muslims esteem all of the prophets The house of worship in Islam is called a mosque. Many God for forgiveness, Muslims reach out to God at any time,
sent by God, including Jesus and Muhammadp, they do Muslims congregate at mosques for prayer while others choose without an intermediary. The practice of confession to Therefore, Islam blurs the line between ‘religious’ and
not worship any of them. In fact, worshipping any one to pray at home, work or wherever they may be. While the another being does not exist in Islam. ‘worldly,’ because practically any action can become
besides the One God is strictly prohibited in Islam. primary use of a mosque is prayer, it also serves as a spiritual in nature and is rewarded by God – whether it is
Rather, Muslims invoke God to send blessings upon all community center with people gathering to listen to lectures, A HOLISTIC VIEW seeking knowledge or maintaining good neighborly ties.
the messengers and prophets. attend study groups or enjoy communal dinners. Mosques are Worshiping God adds meaning to our lives and constantly When someone keeps this comprehensive approach in
especially active on Fridays for the congregational noon prayer renews our purpose. In the good times, we are thankful for mind, they naturally steer clear of cheating, lying and
and during Ramadan for the nightly prayers. exploiting others. Instead, they strive to be honest,
RITES OF WORSHIP His blessings, and in challenging circumstances, we trust
compassionate and tolerant in their dealings.
Indeed, every single aspect of a person’s life can fit under God will see us through. Therefore, worship strengthens our
the umbrella of worship in Islam, so long as the person’s RAMADAN relationship with the Creator – instilling a sense of
When it comes to worship, Muslims draw inspiration
intention is to please God and the action is consistent Muslims fast during Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic gratefulness for the countless favors we enjoy as His creation
as well as enabling us to develop values such as patience, from the life of Muhammadp, the final messenger of God.
with the Quran and prophetic example. At the same lunar calendar, by refraining from eating, drinking and sexual
perseverance and resilience when faced with trials and He was the quintessential human being who successfully
time, certain core rituals form the basis of a Muslim’s interaction from dawn to sunset. Fasting instills self-restraint,
tragedies. As a result, it helps us achieve humility, fused his ‘worldly’ and ‘religious’ acts into a seamless
worship of God. provides spiritual cleansing and strengthens one’s willpower.
recognizing God as the Originator and Sustainer of the whole. His entire being was focused on submission to
While fasting, Muslims strive to increase charitable acts and
universe and surrendering to Him in worship. God, whether he was with his family or in the mosque.
control bad habits such as foul language, gossip and anger.
QURAN Muslims endeavor to follow his example and stay mindful
The Quran, which literally means the ‘oft-repeated,’ is, Muslims consider their earthly existence as temporary and of God throughout their day.
according to Muslim belief, the final revelation of God to CHARITY prepare for the real life ahead, the eternal life of the
humanity. It provides guidance in all areas of life. The Muslims must give 2.5% of their annual savings to help the hereafter. As God clearly states in the Quran, He “created In the end, worship in Islam extends to all aspects of life,
recitation, study and memorization of Quran form a poor, the needy and the oppressed. This act of devotion death and life to test you [as to] which of you is best in deed” transforming mundane tasks into spiritual ones.
central facet of worship for Muslims. The Quran is also acknowledges that all wealth comes from God and purifies the (Quran 67:2). Salvation in Islam is connected with doing Muslims balance their religious duties and everyday
recited during every prayer. Although it is widely read in soul from material greed. In addition, Islam encourages good deeds and refraining from bad ones. One who excels in responsibilities, aware of their accountability to God in
its original Arabic, various translations in numerous voluntary acts of charity, be they monetary or physical. A goodness will be rewarded generously, but one whose evils the hereafter. When people fulfill their true purpose of
languages are also available. famous prophetic tradition states, ‘Smiling is charity.’ outweigh his virtues will be punished. The fear of worshiping God, it enables them to attain a profound
accountability and hope for God’s mercy in the afterlife sense of peace that results from submitting to the
HAJJ Creator, the only One worthy of worship.
PRAYER inspires Muslims to be mindful of God in their daily lives,
Islam enjoins Muslims to offer five prayers throughout The pilgrimage to Mecca must be performed by every Muslim encouraging them to more fully worship Him.
the day at dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset and night. once in their life if they are physically and financially able. It
Prayer enables Muslims to physically and mentally take a symbolizes the unity of humankind as Muslims from every Indeed, Islam enjoins Muslims to lead balanced lives in this Note: The superscript “p” next to Prophet Muhammadp
break from their worldly activities to connect with God race, nationality and social status assemble together in equality world while striving for success in the hereafter by living represents the invocation Muslims say with his name:
several times a day. The prayers consist of praising God to worship God, following the traditions of Abraham. righteously. Therefore, the concept of worship in Islam May God’s peace and blessings be upon him.