Eight-year-old Omar, an author of two children’s books, joined The Deen Show to prove that Islam is so simple and logical that even a child can understand and explain it. From the six articles of faith to the five pillars of Islam, from the names of the prophets to what it means to take the shahada, Omar walked viewers through the fundamentals of Islam with clarity and confidence that put many adults to shame.
The Six Articles of Faith Explained by an Eight-Year-Old
When asked about the core beliefs of Islam, Omar listed them without hesitation: belief in one and only one God, belief in the prophets (including Adam, Noah, Abraham, Jesus, Moses, David, and Muhammad, peace be upon them all), belief in the angels, belief in the divine books, belief in the Day of Judgment, and belief in predestiny. He explained that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the seal of the prophets, meaning no more prophets or messengers will come after him.
“Islam means submission to the will of the Creator. And believing in all the prophets and the Day of Judgment.”
The Five Pillars and the Shahada Made Simple
Omar explained the five pillars of Islam with the ease of someone describing their daily routine: the testimony of faith (shahada), the five daily prayers, giving charity (zakat), fasting during Ramadan, and the pilgrimage to Makkah (Hajj) for those who are able. He also explained the shahada itself: to testify that nothing is worthy of worship except God and that Muhammad is His final messenger. Islam has nothing to do with terrorism or violence; it is simply submission to the will of the Creator.
“The Prophet, peace be upon him, said cleanliness is half of our deen. That’s a hadith.”
- Omar has already authored two books at age eight: “Things Every Kid Should Know About Teeth” and “Things Every Kid Should Know About Hand Washing,” reflecting Islam’s emphasis on cleanliness and hygiene
- Islam teaches kindness to family, neighbors, and all members of society, whether Muslim or non-Muslim
- The simplicity of Islam’s message is one of its greatest strengths: worship the Creator alone, do good deeds, and prepare for the Day of Judgment
- If an eight-year-old child can understand and articulate the fundamentals of Islam, there is no excuse for adults not to investigate this way of life
