Islam is not just a religion but a complete way of life that guides every aspect of a believer’s journey. It is essential for every Muslim, regardless of age or background, to be aware of the foundational concepts of Islam. Understanding the Islamic calendar, articles of faith, key prophets, pillars of Islam, prayer structure, rightly guided caliphs, and major books of Hadith strengthens our Iman (إيمان) and helps us practice Islam more consciously.

Let’s explore these fundamentals with authentic references from the Quran (القرآن) and Hadith (الحديث).

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1. The 12 Islamic Months (الأشهر الهجرية)

The Islamic calendar consists of 12 lunar months. Allah ﷻ says in the Quran:

“Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve [lunar] months in the register of Allah…”
﴿إِنَّ عِدَّةَ الشُّهُورِ عِندَ اللَّهِ اثْنَا عَشَرَ شَهْرًا فِي كِتَابِ اللَّهِ﴾
(Surah At-Tawbah 9:36)

The Months Are:

1. Muḥarram (محرم) – One of the sacred months. Fasting on the 10th (Ashura) is highly recommended.

2. Ṣafar (صفر) – Known historically for migrations and battles but has no superstitions attached.

3. Rabīʿ al-Awwal (ربيع الأول) – The birth month of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

4. Rabīʿ al-Thānī (ربيع الآخر) – A continuation of the spring season of faith and good deeds.

5. Jumādā al-Awwal (جمادى الأولى)

6. Jumādā al-Thāniyah (جمادى الآخرة)

7. Rajab (رجب) – One of the four sacred months.

8. Shaʿbān (شعبان) – A month of preparation before Ramadan; Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used to fast frequently in this month.

9. Ramaḍān (رمضان) – The month of fasting. A blessed and spiritually enriching period.

10. Shawwāl (شوّال) – Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated in this month.

11. Dhū al-Qaʿdah (ذو القعدة) – One of the sacred months.

12. Dhū al-Ḥijjah (ذو الحجة) – Hajj is performed and Eid-ul-Adha is celebrated.

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2. The 6 Articles of Faith(Aqeedah)

Belief (Iman) is the core of a Muslim’s identity. The Prophet ﷺ defined Iman in a Hadith:

“Iman is to believe in Allah, His Angels, His Books, His Messengers, the Last Day, and Qadr (divine preordainment), both good and bad.”
«أن تؤمن بالله، وملائكته، وكتبه، ورسله، واليوم الآخر، وتؤمن بالقدر خيره وشره»
(Sahih Muslim)

These Are:

1. Belief in Allah (الإيمان بالله) – The one and only God, without any partners.

2. Belief in Angels (الإيمان بالملائكة) – Created from light; they obey Allah’s commands.

3. Belief in the Books (الإيمان بالكتب) – Including the Quran, Torah, Psalms, and Gospel.

4. Belief in Prophets (الإيمان بالرسل) – Messengers sent to guide humanity.

5. Belief in the Last Day (الإيمان باليوم الآخر) – A day when all deeds will be accounted for.

6. Belief in Qadr (الإيمان بالقدر خيره وشره) – Everything happens by Allah’s will.

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3. The 25 Prophets Mentioned in the Quran (الأنبياء المذكورين في القرآن)

Allah has sent many prophets, but 25 are specifically mentioned in the Quran. Allah says:

“And We certainly sent into every nation a messenger…”
﴿وَلَقَدْ بَعَثْنَا فِي كُلِّ أُمَّةٍ رَسُولًا﴾
(Surah An-Nahl 16:36)

1. The 25 Prophets Are:

   1. Adam (A.S)

   2. Idrees (A.S)

   3. Nuh (A.S)

   4. Hud (A.S)

   5. Salih (A.S)

   6. Ibrahim (A.S)

   7. Ismaeel (A.S)

   8. Lut (A.S)

   9. Ishaq (A.S)

   10. Yaqub (A.S)

   11. Yusuf (A.S)

   12. Ayub (A.S)

   13. Shuaib (A.S)

   14. Musa (A.S)

   15. Haroon (A.S)

   16. Dawood (A.S)

   17. Sulaiman (A.S)

   18. Zul-Kifl (A.S)

   19. Ilyas (A.S)

   20. Al-Yasa (A.S)

   21. Yunus (A.S)

   22. Zakariya (A.S)

   23. Yahya (A.S)

   24. Isa (A.S)

   25. Muhammadﷺ (PBUH) – The final messenger.

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4. The Four Great Imams (الأئمة الأربعة)

These scholars of Islam formulated the four major schools of thought (Madhabs). Their work helped preserve and interpret Islamic law.

1. Imam Abu Hanifah (Hanafi Madhab) الإمام أبو حنيفة

2. Imam Malik ibn Anas (Maliki Madhab) الإمام مالك بن أنس

3. Imam Ash-Shafi’i (Shafi’i Madhab) الإمام الشافعي

4. Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal (Hanbali Madhab) الإمام أحمد بن حنبل

Each respected differences in juristic opinion while upholding the Quran and Sunnah.

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5. The 5 Pillars of Islam (أركان الإسلام)

The foundation of Islamic practice is based on these five essential pillars.

“Islam is built upon five…”
(Sahih Bukhari)

1. Shahādah (الشهادة) – لا إله إلا الله محمد رسول الله – Declaration: “There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His messenger.”

2. Ṣalāh (الصلاة) – Five daily prayers

3. Ṣawm (الصوم) – Fasting during Ramadan

4. Zakāh (الزكاة) – Almsgiving, A fixed portion of wealth to help the needy.

5. Ḥajj (الحج) – Pilgrimage to Makkah, Obligatory once in a lifetime if financially and physically able.

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6. The 5 Daily Prayers (الصلوات الخمس)

Salah is the most important act after belief. The Quran says:

“Indeed, prayer prevents immorality and wrongdoing…”
(Surah Al-Ankabut, 29:45)

Breakdown of Each Prayer:

1. Fajr (الفجر) – 2 Sunnah + 2 Fard = 4 Rakats

2. Dhuhr (الظهر) – 4 Sunnah + 4 Fard + 2 Sunnah + 2 Nafl = 12 Rakats

3. Asr (العصر) – 4 Sunnah + 4 Fard = 8 Rakats

4. Maghrib (المغرب) – 3 Fard + 2 Sunnah + 2 Nafl = 7 Rakats

5. Isha (العشاء) – 4 Sunnah + 4 Fard + 2 Sunnah + 2 Nafl + 3 Witr + 2 Nafl = 17 Rakats

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7. The 4 Rightly Guided Caliphs (الخلفاء الراشدون)

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Follow my Sunnah and that of the rightly guided caliphs…”
«عليكم بسنتي وسنة الخلفاء الراشدين المهديين من بعدي»
(Sunan Abu Dawood)

1. Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (أبو بكر الصديق) – The first caliph; known for his truthfulness.

2. Umar ibn Al-Khattab (عمر بن الخطاب) – The second caliph; known for justice.

3. Uthman ibn Affan (عثمان بن عفان) – The third caliph; compiled the Quran into one Mushaf.

4. Ali ibn Abi Talib (علي بن أبي طالب) – The fourth caliph; known for his bravery and knowledge.

   The Prophet (PBUH) said:

   “Follow my Sunnah and that of the rightly guided caliphs after me…”
   (Sunan Abu Dawood)

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8. The 6 Major Hadith Books (الكتب الستة في الحديث)

1. Sahih al-Bukhari (صحيح البخاري) – 194–256 AH – Compiled by Imam Muhammad al-Bukhari

2. Sahih Muslim (صحيح مسلم) – 206–261 AH – Compiled by Imam Muslim ibn al-Hajjaj

3. Sunan Abu Dawood (سنن أبي داود) – 202–275 AH – Known for fiqh-related hadiths

4. Jami’ at-Tirmidhi (جامع الترمذي) – 209–279 AH – Includes classification of hadiths

5. Sunan Ibn Majah (سنن ابن ماجه) – 209–273 AH – Contains additional hadiths not found in the others

6. Sunan an-Nasa’i (سنن النسائي) – 215–303 AH – Known for strict authenticity

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Conclusion (الخاتمة)

Knowledge is a powerful tool in Islam. Understanding these basics connects us with our Creator, strengthens our faith, and empowers us to lead meaningful lives.

“Say, Are those who know equal to those who do not know?”
﴿قُلْ هَلْ يَسْتَوِي الَّذِينَ يَعْلَمُونَ وَالَّذِينَ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ﴾
(Surah Az-Zumar 39:9)

Let this be a reminder to renew your commitment to Islamic learning every day. May Allah ﷻ increase us in knowledge and guide us to the straight path. Ameen.