The focus of this category is on websites whose purpose is to introduce Islam to outsiders and those who are new to the faith.
Although approximately one-fourth of the people on earth are Muslim, most non-Muslims know very little about Islam. Appropriate topics for this category should introduce readers to Islam, including its principles, rituals, history, and an overview of what the religion is all about.
Topics in this category might include a brief introduction to the history of Islam, beginning with the Prophet Muhammad, the revelation of the Qur'an, the Prophetic mission, and the basic elements of Islam, as well as a survey of the development of Islamic beliefs and practices following the death of the Prophet, and the creation of Islamic empires. Other topics may include the relationships of Islam with other Abrahamic religions.
General information about the Muslim pillars of faith, ritual practices, fundamental tenets, obligations, and prohibitions may also be included, along with definitions, priorities, and the importance of social action in Islam, as well as a discussion of some of the challenges facing Islam today.
These may include such sensitive topics as sharia law, the forms of jihad, the status of women in Muslim life, polygamy, slavery, and violence, all designed to give non-Muslims a better understanding of Islamic teachings.
However, sites whose focus is on Muslim apologetics should be submitted to the Apologetics category, and those intended to provide Muslims with the resources necessary to expand their faith, to enhance their understanding of their obligations to Allah, and to more effectively participate in Islamic goals and strategies, would be more appropriately submitted to the Islamic Resources category.
Although some of the websites that are likely to be listed in this category may include a discussion of the Sunni-Shi'a schism, as well as other Islamic denominations and sects, those that are focused on denominational matters should be submitted to the Denominations & Sects category, or one of its subcategories.
Recommended Resources
Commissioned by the Royal Aal al-Bayt Institute for Islamic Thought in 2001, and maintained by the Integrated Technology Group, the site presents the Quran, commentaries, and Quranic science texts, making them accessible through a mouse click. Covering all seven schools of Islamic law, the non-profit site is intended for Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Miscellaneous books, testimonies, recitations, and an online forum are included.
https://altafsir.com/
The question and answer site is designed for non-Muslims and Muslims from around the world, but with an emphasis on those who are living in the West. The site includes an overview of Islamic beliefs, a history of Islam, the Holy Quran, the Hadith, and Islamic laws, philosophy, and social issues. The differences between Shia and Sunnis Islam are defined, and readers are invited to subscribe in order to receive new content that has been added to the site.
http://www.askthesheikh.com/
Created by an American who has studied for sixteen years at Umm al-Qura University in Makkah, the site has offered original articles and translations of the works of Islamic scholars for more than two decades. Published content may be found through a keyword search or by topic category. Included are original articles an archives, translations, quizzes, and information about studying Islam abroad. Other resources include PDF files and video.
http://www.bakkah.net/en/
Focusing on providing information and resources for people who are new to Islam, as well as those who are interested in learning more about Islam. How to become a Muslim is one of the topics available, along with an introduction to the religion, things that a new Muslim should know, general advice, and suggested links. Other topics include gender issues in Islam, choosing a Muslim name, and making contact with nearby Muslims. Software, video, and an online discussion forum are available.
http://www.convertstoislam.org/
The informational site includes a variety of topics related to Islam, including an introduction to the Prophet Muhammad, his miracles, and his ascension. Also discussed is the existence and divine unity of God (Allah), the reflection of the divine, and an overview of the life of a Muslim, the education of a Muslim child, and the Qur'an. Several commentaries written by Fethullah Gulen are featured, and sorted by title.
http://www.dislam.org/
This website provides information about Islam and the Quran. The main feature of the website involves questions and answers about Islam and monthly features; the answers are detailed and often involved citations from the Quran, the holy book of Islam. You can also submit your questions on Islam to the website in order to clarify any questions that may remain. A link to an English-language translation of the Quran is included.
http://www.godsmosque.org/
Created with the intention of introducing Islam to non-Muslims, particularly in the United States and the Western world, the site offers several informational articles, such as what Muslims think of Jesus, the definition of Islam, an overview of the beliefs of Muslims, the various Islamic sects, relationships between Muslims, Jews, and Christians, dietary prohibitions in Islam, and the treatment of Muslim women.
http://www.introductiontoislam.org/
Launched in 1998, the site offers an introduction to the Islamic religion and the Muslim community, including an overview of Islamic theology, human relations, select disciplines, and comparative religions. Powerpoint presentations and Word documents on Islam may be downloaded from the site for free, verses from the Holy Quran are given, several informational articles are included, and links to other Islamic resources are included.
http://www.islam101.com/
Available in several languages, including English, the site includes a brief, illustrated guide to better understanding the religion of Islam, intended for non-Muslims who would like to have a better idea of what the religion is about, as well as who Muslims are, and the Holy Quran. Presented in book form, with chapters and sub-chapters, included are informational articles, references, bibliographies, and illustrations.
http://www.islam-guide.com/
Islam Q&A is an educational resource, supervised by Muhammad Saalih al-Munajjid, offering advance and answers to questions based on evidence from the Quran and other religious texts. Questions about Islamic, psychological, and social matters from Muslim or others are welcomed. Its mission and methodology are posted. Selected articles and new answers are highlighted and recommended books and articles are included.
https://islamqa.info/en/
Intended as an authoritative resource for students, scholars, government officials, community groups, and librarians who have need for an accurate and informed understanding of the Islamic World, the site offers reference content and commentary from renowned scholars in global Islamic history, concepts, people, practices, policies, and culture. A guide to its content is available, and its content includes subject entries, biographies, chaptered works, primary sources, images, and maps.
http://www.oxfordislamicstudies.com/
Dedicated to converting people to Islam, the site posts a toll-free telephone number for further information about Islam, as well as informational articles on various topics related to Islam, Allah, the Quran, and Muslims throughout the world. The Five Pillars of Islam are presented, as well as Shariah, and the importance of the family, character, human rights, and finance in Islam. Its content may be found through browsing subject areas or by a keyword search.
http://www.whyislam.org/
