Halal and Haram for Beginners

Last reviewed: 2026-08-24

Key terms

Allah: Faith has six pillars: belief in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, the Last Day and divine decree. Tawhid means worshipping Allah alone.
Islam: Faith has six pillars: belief in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, the Last Day and divine decree. Tawhid means worshipping Allah alone.
Shahada: I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. Say the Shahada with understanding and sincere faith. No certificate is required.
Salah / Prayer: Learn purification (wudu) and the five daily prayers step by step.
Wudu: Learn purification (wudu) and the five daily prayers step by step.
Quran: The Quran is Allah’s revealed word and the Muslim’s main guide. Read it often, learn its meaning in your language, and gradually learn Arabic.
Muhammad ﷺ: Muhammad ﷺ is Allah’s final Messenger. Learn his life, character and authentic Sunnah; his example teaches Muslims how to practice Islam.
Sunnah: Muhammad ﷺ is Allah’s final Messenger. Learn his life, character and authentic Sunnah; his example teaches Muslims how to practice Islam.

Halal & Haram

Build daily life around the five prayers, remembrance of Allah, halal food and earnings, good character, family rights, honesty, and avoiding what Allah has forbidden.

Foundations of Faith

Faith has six pillars: belief in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, the Last Day and divine decree. Tawhid means worshipping Allah alone.

Stay connected

Find a local mosque or trusted teacher. Ask questions and keep learning.

Sources used for this section

IslamHouse IslamHouse

Your First 24 Hours as a Muslim Your First 30 Days as a Muslim Your First Visit to a Mosque Your First Friday Prayer Ramadan for New Muslims Guide for New Muslim Women Being Muslim at Work or Study New Muslim Guide: What to Do After Shahada Sunni Mosques & Centers Stay connected