A Brief Introduction to Islam

Basics of Islam for Professionals Doing Business in Muslim Countries

Did you know that the word ‘Islam’ means submission to Allah’s will? A ‘Muslim’ is one who submits to Allah’s will and, as a result, is at peace.

When we deliver cross cultural training that is about a country or culture, we usually explore the roots of the mindset and culture. And religion (or faith) is usually a factor.  For people doing business in Muslim countries or working with Muslim colleagues, getting some insights into the beliefs is very useful.

Islam is a simple religion, although from the outside it can sometimes appear confusing. That’s why we’re going to give you a quick-fire intro to the religion. You’ll learn the basics about the history, beliefs, and practices.

A man says his prayers in a mosque in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Working in Malaysia requires an appreciation of how important Islam is to many employees. Photo by afiq fatah on Unsplash

What is Islam?

Islam is the name of a religion established by the Prophet Muhammad. One who believes in Islam is called a Muslim.

Islam teaches that God, Allah, created the heavens and the earth. Mankind has been created in order to come to know Allah. This world is seen as a temporary plane in which we are tested and our good/bad deeds are weighed on Judgement Day, i.e., after death.

Islam can be followed by anyone who declares and believes that there is only one God and that Muhammad was His final Messenger. It sees no difference between people other than in their deeds, i.e., race, wealth, nationality, etc. grant you no special status.

Muslims pray five times a day, give to charity, fast during the holy month of Ramadan, and try to make a pilgrimage once in their lives to Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

Worshippers at the Ka’aba during the holy month of Ramadan. If you are doing business in Saudi Arabia, especially, it’s wise to mark Ramadan, Eid, and important holidays in your calendar. Photo by Haidan on Unsplash

What are the Origins of Islam?

Muslims see themselves as simply the latest in a long line of believers in God, who have followed His Messengers over time. A Muslim sees Jesus, Abraham, Moses, and many others as their Prophets as well as those of the Christians and Jews.

Jews and Christians are known as ‘People of the Book’ and are considered to have received divine revelation.

Islam teaches that God sent Jesus to rid Judaism of corruption and abuse by man. Similarly, Muhammad was sent to purify what had become of Jesus’ teachings.

However, the difference between Muhammad and all other Prophets is that he is the ‘Seal of the Prophets’, the final messenger to come before the end of time.

Muhammad received revelation at the age of 40 while in seclusion in a cave in Makkah. This was through the Angel Gabriel. What has become known as The Quran is actually the written collection of all revelations received from Gabriel over the course of years. These were written down by his followers and, after Muhammad’s death and collated into one book.

Islam spread from being a small group of spiritual rebels and slaves to conquering the Hijaz area, including the capital city of Islam, Makkah (also spelt Mecca).

Makkah is seen as the first place of worship built to one God; it was built by Abraham and thus is considered the holiest place on earth. The black square building is called the Ka’aba.

Across the Muslim world, you will see the word Muhammad written in Arabic. This example is from Istanbul, where Islamic values shape Turkish business etiquette and practices. Photo by Rumman Amin on Unsplash

What Countries do Muslims Live In?

Muhammad lived in modern-day Saudi Arabia, and upon his death, the Islamic Empire spread across continents to now see it have adherents in as far-flung places as Indonesia, Nigeria, Iran, and Turkey.

According to estimates, the total Muslim population in the world today is around 1.6 billion.

The world’s most Muslim-populous country is Indonesia (around 207 million), with Pakistan being the second (around 160 million). Interestingly, the entire Muslim population in the Middle East, which is predominantly Muslim, is around 275 million.

Islam is the fastest-growing religion in the world, with estimates suggesting that in North America alone, around 100,000 people embrace it every year.

There are around 60 countries that have significant Muslim populations.

Indonesia claims the title of the country with the most Muslims. Although the country is diverse, it has an influence on Indonesian business culture. Photo by Hobi industri on Unsplash

Who are the Sunni and Shia?

There are two major sects, the Shia and the Sunni.

The Sunni make up approximately 80%. The Shia are heavily represented in Iraq, Iran, Lebanon, east Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Yemen and Pakistan.

The two mainly differ on political leadership issues; specifically, who had the right to govern Muslims after the death of Muhammad?

• The Shia claim it should have gone to the House of the Prophet, i.e. his next of kin, Ali.
• The Sunni say a democratic process took place at the time and Abu Bakr, the Prophet’s best friend, was rightly voted to lead.

Since that decision, the two sides have not seen eye to eye, although in essence they practice much the same.

As well as differences in terms of political and spiritual authority, the Sunni and Shia also differ in some practices.

A very basic example is the Shia pray with their hands to their sides, while most Sunnis pray with their hands on their chests. These small and subtle differences come down to the scholars that people follow; it is these scholars that interpret and give fatwa (rulings) on all matters of practicalities that people then follow.

The Sunni and Shia have always had a very separate scholarly system.

An Iranian Shia pilgrim on her way to Karbala in Iraq. The business culture of Iran reflects many values with roots in Shia teaching. Photo by ‏?? في عین الله on Unsplash

What are Examples of Islamic Beliefs and Principles?

Beliefs are governed by a principle called Aqeeda – tenets of faith, i.e., the things you have to believe to be a Muslim as opposed to not.

There are 5 well-known ‘pillars of Islam’:

1.    To believe in Allah and His Messenger
2.    To pray
3.    To fast during Ramadan
4.    To pay an annual charity tax
5.    To make a pilgrimage to Makkah

These are simple points that establish boundaries for practising Muslims.

There are also a lesser-known 7 ‘pillars of faith’:

1.    To believe in angels
2.    To believe in all holy books
3.    To believe in all Messengers
4.    To believe in the Last Day
5.    To believe in fate
6.    To believe in life after death
7.    To believe in Allah

Should someone not believe one of these points, they would technically not be a Muslim.

Worshippers in Dubai have to pray on the street due to the mosque being full to capacity on the holy day of Friday. If you are doing business in the UAE it’s essential to appreciate the impact of prayers on daily and weekly routines. Photo by Levi Meir Clancy on Unsplash

What is Shariah Law?

Shariah is the name of Islamic law – all Muslims live according to it as it covers very mundane aspects of life, even down to how to wash after using the toilet, to the rights children have over their parents, to what food you can or can’t eat.

It is impossible to be a practicing Muslim without obeying Shariah law.

Interpretations within Shariah law can vary dramatically from topic to topic and from place to place. Many scholars agree that the Quranic edict that there must be “no compulsion in religion” should form the basis of all laws.

It is crucial to understand that Islam purposefully allows for differences of opinion; in fact, it is encouraged.

This is why we sometimes see wildly different interpretations and practices between Muslims. Interpretations change from culture to culture, place to place, person to person, etc.

The Al Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem, Palestine, is the 3rd holiest site in Islam, as it is where Muhammad experienced a divine journey, known as the Ascension. If you are visiting the Middle East for business, it’s a good idea to learn about what is considered rude in the Arab world. Photo by ekrem osmanoglu on Unsplash

Who is Allah?

This is an impossible question to answer. In short, Allah is the Creator – He is the being that was before time and space. He made everything.

However, it is very important to understand that Muslims do not see Allah as being anything – He is not a He or a She, or an It or a they or a thing.

Allah is not creation.

We cannot fathom Him.

We can, however, come to know Him in other ways, such as through looking to creation for glimpses of divine artistry.

Another way of putting it would be with the words of the first Caliph, Abu Bakr, “Our incomprehension of Allah is our comprehension of Allah.”

Muslims don’t ascribe anything to Allah other than his status as Creator and through attributes such as Most Merciful, Most Compassionate, Most Wise, etc.

He has 99 formal names, which most Muslims memorise. The Arabic form of letters that spell Allah is commonly seen across the Muslim world. In mosques, in cars, on buses, in schools, everywhere. Remember, in Arabic, they read from right to left!

‘Allah’ graffiti on a wall in Ahvaz, Iran. Etiquette tip: Always treat anything with the word Allah on it with the utmost respect. Photo by Ashkan Forouzani on Unsplash

Why do Muslims pray as they do?

Muslims have to pray 5 times a day. Before dawn, midday, late afternoon, sunset, and at dark. Prayer is linked to the cycle of the day and taking time out to connect with God in order to remember the purpose of life.

Muslims stand facing Makkah and will recite some words from the Quran before bowing and prostrating. During the prayer, they do not break focus and will stare at the floor.

The prayer can take only minutes to perform. Prior to prayers, Muslims carry out ablutions to cleanse themselves.