Basic Islamic Knowledge - Online Quran Academy
At Quran Home School, we offer basic Islamic knowledge and education to help Muslims, especially the newly converted Muslims worldwide, learn and perfect their faith according to the principles and teachings of Islam. In this section, we’ll cover:
- The Six Kalimas
- Five Pillars of Islam
- How to perform Wudu (ablution)
- Adhan and Iqama
- Arabic Phonetics
- Regular Supplications(Duas)
- Ramadan Supplications (Duas)
- How to perform Salah for Men
- How to perform Salah for Women
- How to perform Eid prayers
- How to perform Funeral (Janazah) prayers
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The Six Kalimas (Six Declarations of Faith)
The Six Kalimas are essential Islamic confessions or declarations of faith that highlight the core beliefs of Islam. They include Tawheed (the oneness of Allah (SWT)), Nubuwwah (the Prophethood of Muhammad (PBUH)), and Qiyamah (the concept of the Hereafter). Learning the six kalimas strengthens one’s faith and protects against misconceptions.
Here are the names of six kalimas in Islam:
1) Kalima Tayyab (Word of Purity)
2) Kalima Shahadat (Word of Testimony)
3) Kalima Tamjeed (Word of Glorification)
4) Kalima Tauheed (Word of Oneness)
5) Kalima Istaghfar (Word of Penitence)
6) Kalima Radd-e-Kufr (Word of Rejecting Disbelief)
For Six Kalimas, visit our dedicated page: Six Kalimas
Five Pillars of Islam
The Five Pillars of Islam are the core principles that every Muslim must follow. They form the foundation of a Muslim’s faith and actions. These are the five pillars of Islam:
- Shahada (Faith) – Oneness of Allah (SWT) and Prophethood of Muhammad (PBUH)
- Salah (Prayer) – Obligatory five prayers in Islam.
- Zakat (Charity) – Giving a portion of wealth (2.5%) from savings.
- Sawm or Roza (Fasting) – Act of fasting from dawn to sunset in Ramadan.
- Hajj (Pilgrimage) – Undertaking pilgrimage to Makkah at least once in a lifetime (if physically and financially able).
These pillars are the basic Islamic knowledge and guide Muslims in worship, morality, and social responsibility.
Learn more about: The Five Pillars of Islam
Wudu or Wazu (Abulution)
Wudu or ablution is the practice of purification in Islam performed before prayers. In Wudu, specific body parts are washed with water for cleanliness and spiritual purity.
Wudu is essential before Salah (prayer) and handling the Quran. According to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Wudu erases minor sins and without it, prayers are not valid, making it an important part of a Muslim’s life.
In it, first a person needs to make an intention to perform Wudu for prayers. Then, wash hands, rinse the mouth and nose, wash the face, arms up to the elbows, wipe the head and ears, and finally wash the feet up to the ankles.
Find out: How to perform Wudu (ablution)
Adhan and Iqama
Adhan is the call to prayer (Namaz), announced from a mosque to inform Muslims that it is time for one of the five daily prayers. It includes the declaration of faith. Adhan is a reminder for Muslims to leave their daily life activities and perform Salah to connect with Allah Almighty (SWT).
With many similarities to Adhan, Iqama is shorter and the second call to prayer, recited right before the prayer starts. The Iqama signals that the congregation should stand in rows and prepare for Salah to begin.
Learn more about: Adhan and Iqama
Arabic Phonetics
Learning Arabic phonetics is very important for learning and reciting the Holy Quran properly. Each Arabic letter has a unique sound produced from a specific point of articulation, known as Makharij.
Proper pronunciation ensures accurate recitation and preserves the true meaning of the Quran’s words. Learning Arabic phonetics helps students understand Tajweed rules, which focus on correct articulation, elongation, and pronunciation of letters.
Mastering these sounds allows learners to recite the Quran beautifully and as it was revealed to Prophet Muhammad ?.
Read more in detail: Arabic Phonetics
Daily Supplications (Regular Duas)
Daily supplications are short prayers that Muslims recite in everyday life. These duas are recited when waking up, eating, traveling, or leaving home. Saying these regular duas keeps Muslims thankful and mindful of Allah (SWT). Simple words, like “Bismillah” before starting anything and “Alhamdulillah” after eating, strengthen faith and bring blessings.
Reciting these duas daily helps Muslims stay connected to Allah (SWT).
Learn: Daily Duas or Regular Prayers
Ramadan Prayers (Duas)
During the Holy month of Ramadan, Muslims recite special duas (supplications) at Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) and Iftar (breaking the fast). In addition, various duas are recommended after the obligatory prayers. Specific supplications are also divided into three ashras (ten-day periods) of Ramadan, each focusing on mercy, forgiveness, and salvation from Hellfire.
Learn more: Ramadan Prayers or Duas
Five Daily Prayers in Islam?
Performing five daily prayers is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is an Islamic ritual to perform five prayers a day at specific times: Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Ish. Salah, salaat or prayers is considered one of the foundations of a Muslim life. It is obligatory on both Muslim men and women. Here are the methods for praying Salah for men and women:
Prayers or Salah for Men
Men are encouraged to perform Salah as a congregation in a mosque. It is a compulsory act of worship for every Muslim. Praying regularly purifies the heart, strengthens faith, and brings peace in a person’s life.
Detailed guide: How to offer Salah for Men
Prayers or Salah for Women
The Salah or prayers are also compulsory on women as for men. The basic structure, and recitation of Salah is the same for both men and women. There are just slight differences in the covering and posture as per Islamic guidelines. Women also need to learn how to perform Salah.
Learn: How to offer Salah for Women
Eid Prayer (Salat al-Eid)
Eid prayers is a special congregational Salah that is performed twice a year. This prayer is performed on Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. It is offered in the morning and includes extra Takbeers, followed by a sermon reminding Muslims of gratitude, unity, and charity.
Learn: How to perform Eid Prayers
Janazah Prayer (Funeral Prayer)
Janazah prayer is the funeral prayer offered for a deceased Muslim. It is a collective duty (Fard Kifayah) on Muslims. Namaz-e-Janazah is performed standing without Ruku or Sujood. It consists of duas or supplications for forgiveness and mercy for the departed soul.
Find out: How to Perform Janazah Prayer