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Article presented here is one copied from a website when i browse over internet, I think and I also hope it will deepen ideas of those who are or have known a lot about Islam, and help those who know very little or nothing about Islam to get a better understanding of this sacred religion.
Hopefully, you'll like it. May God Bless You.

Islam is one of the largest religions in the world, with followers on every continent. It shares its monotheistic roots with Judaism and Christianity, yet it remains largely misunderstood by non-Muslims. Here are five ways to increase your knowledge and gain a better understanding Islam and Muslims.

Step 1. Read up on the six major beliefs in Islam. 1) Belief in one God, the Creator, is at the heart of Islam. Muslims refer to God as Allah because that is how God refers to Himself in the Holy Koran. Allah is the same God of Christianity and Judaism, and no partners should be associated with Him.2) Belief in the angels. Allah has created countless angels to serve Him. Their capacities vary greatly, and some have been charged with very specific tasks, such as overseeing the gates of Hell, recording people's deeds, or questioning the dead in the grave.3) Belief in the Prophets, all of whom preached a message of monotheism. The list includes Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Job, Solomon, Jesus and others. The line of prophets ended with Muhammad, who was the last Prophet sent to mankind.4) Belief in the Scriptures, or holy books of revelation: the Torah, the Psalms, the Gospel and the Koran. The Koran alone has remained unaltered over time, and therefore is given precedence over the other scriptures.5) Belief in the afterlife, the day of judgment and heaven and hell. Time on earth is regarded as a passage to this next life, when each individual shall be held accountable for his own actions, and an eternal abode determined.6) Belief in divine decree. Everything happens according to the will of Allah, and nothing is by chance.

Step 2. Learn the five pillars of faith, which are incumbent upon every Muslim.Muslims declare their faith in one God, Allah, and in his messenger, Muhammad. This testament is referred to as the "shahada" and is often made publicly by a person upon becoming Muslim.Muslims pray five times daily at scheduled intervals. This helps in remembrance of Allah, gratitude and in avoiding sinful behavior. Muslims must give charity and share their wealth with the less fortunate. Some charity is obligatory, such as the annual "zakah," but optional charity is strongly encouraged. Even a kind gesture or smile can be a charitable act.Muslims must fast the month of Ramadan. From sunrise to sunset during this holy month, Muslims don't eat, drink, smoke or engage in intimate relations. This encourages remembrance of Allah and of one's blessings, and Muslims draw closer to Allah by performing extra worship and refraining from vices. Although the sick, the elderly, and pregnant and nursing women may abstain from fasting, they should make up the days missed, ideally before the next Ramadan.Muslims must make hajj, a pilgrimage to Mecca, once in their lifetime if they are able physically and financially. Hajj allows millions of Muslims from all backgrounds and parts of the globe to unify for the single purpose of worship of Allah. A hajj performed correctly and with the proper intention will erase a Muslim's sins and allow him to rejuvenate spiritually.

Step 3 Talk to the people who know Islam intimately--the ones who follow its teachings. Muslims themselves are your best source of understanding this religion and how it compares to your own beliefs and practices. Most Muslims are happy to share information and knowledge with you and answer specific questions. If you don't know any Muslims, try visiting or calling a local mosque (masjid) or Islamic center.

Step 4 Read the Koran and a related tafseer. The Koran is the sacred text of Muslims, containing the word of Allah as revealed to the prophet Muhammad through the angel Gabriel. Tafseer is scholarly interpretation and explanation of verses and chapters in the Koran. Although much of the Koran is straightforward and easy to understand, reading tafseer along with the Koran can offer deeper meaning and understanding.

Step 5 Read the ahadeeth--carefully documented teachings and traditions of the prophet Muhammad. These accounts--which religious scholars have categorized and recorded in volumes of books--enhance the doctrine presented in the Koran and provide further guideline for a Muslim's behavior, sense of modesty, religious practice and belief, family etiquette, treatment of neighbors and more. For example, in the Koran Muslims are told to pray five times a day. Precisely how to do that is clarified by the teachings of Muhammad.

Thanks Rongson - it is indeed a good reminder that the teachings of Islam aren't necessarily going to be reflected in distorted quotes from Orientalist websites.

Cheers,
Shafique

shafique wrote:Thanks Rongson - it is indeed a good reminder that the teachings of Islam aren't necessarily going to be reflected in distorted quotes from Orientalist websites.

Cheers,
Shafique

Also, thank you Shafique. As far as I know from my Muslim friends in China, they indeed abidding by Islam rules from Koran. They are pious and repecting each other. Fairly friendly. May Allah Bless them, also you.