What you'll learn
Being Muslim highlights both our spiritual struggles and aspirations; how we can, on a daily basis, develop a healthy relationship with God, through both devotions and in ordinary daily life. This book is not meant to expound on abstract theoretical aspects of Islam, but to give readers practical and useful knowledge that can help them understand what it means to be Muslim.
Chapter 1: Starting Point
The Beginning
Islam in Context
Learning Islam
Chapter 2: Belief
The Testimony of Faith (Shahadah)
God (Allah) سبحانه و تعالى
Angels
Scriptures
Messengers
Judgment Day
Divine Decree (Qadr)
Chapter 3: Worship
The Legal Rulings
The Prayer (Salah)
Purifying Alms (Zakah)
Fasting Ramadan
The Pilgrimage (Hajj)
Other Components of Worship
Rulings Particular to Women
Chapter 4: Spiritual Refinement
Human Consciousness
The Path of Refinement
Destructive Vices
Saving Virtues
Noble Character
Chapter 5: The Prophet ﷺ
The Role of the Prophet ﷺ
An Introduction to the Prophet ﷺ
Blessings (Salawat) Upon the Prophet ﷺ
A Brief Biography
His Miracles
Chapter 6: The Quran
The Nature of the Quran
Major Themes in the Quran
Chapter 7: Islamic Holy Days
The Islamic Year
The Friday Congregational Prayer (Salat al-Jumu’ah)
Ramadan & the Festival of Completing the Fast (Eid al-Fitr)
The Festival of Sacrifice (Eid al-Adha)
Chapter 8: Lifestyle
Living Islamic Law
Daily Life
Communal Life
Selections from the Quran
Recommended Readings
Glossary of Commonly Used Terms
Bibliography
Index
What People Have to Say
About The Author
Asad Tarsin has been designing Islamic educational programs and teaching the basics of Islam for more than a decade. After completing his bachelor’s degree in Islamic studies at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, he continued his study of Islamic theology, sacred law, philosophy and spirituality with some of the country’s most prominent Muslim scholars including Shaykh Hamza Yusuf and Dr. Sherman Jackson, among others.
He has served as the curriculum director for the Deen Intensive Foundation for the last ten years and has a particular interest in creating sustainable models of education for new and returning Muslims. He lectures and teaches courses on Islam across the country. Being Muslim: A Practical Guide is his first published work. He is an emergency physician by training and lives in California with his wife and three children.

