About Muhammad
A short introduction to the life of Prophet Muhammad, from his birth in Makkah in 570 to the spread of Islam.
Get to know Islam from your Muslim neighbors in Austin.
ANIS volunteers answer questions, teach free classes and welcome visitors to mosques across Central Texas.
Coming up Free Lunch & Learn: Women in Islam A relaxed lunchtime class exploring the place of women in Islam. No background needed, just a curious mind. RegisterWhere would you like to start?
Learn about Islam
Short, trustworthy articles about God, the Prophet Muhammad, the Quran and Muslim life.
Join a class
Free introductory classes taught by Austin Muslims, open to everyone, no background needed.
Meet us in person
Visit a mosque, get a free Quran, or talk with a Muslim one-on-one.
Explore the topics
All articles
Allah
Who God is in Islam: one, merciful, and near to those who call on Him.
6 articles
Prophet Muhammad
The life, character and teachings of the final prophet.
6 articles
The Quran
What the Quran is, how it was revealed, and how it has been preserved.
5 articles
About Islam
What Islam means, what Muslims believe, and how faith shapes daily life.
9 articles
Five Pillars & Worship
Faith, prayer, charity, fasting and pilgrimage: the core acts of worship.
5 articles
Jesus in Islam
Why Muslims love and honor Jesus and his mother Mary.
5 articles
Islam & Society
Family, women, human rights, justice and living together.
15 articles
Spiritual Journeys
Personal stories of people who found their way to Islam.
3 articles
Upcoming classes and events
Everyone is welcome. Classes are free and taught by local volunteers.
See all classes and events-
Details
Free Lunch & Learn: Women in Islam
A relaxed lunchtime class exploring the place of women in Islam. No background needed, just a curious mind.
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Details
Islam 101
A friendly six-week introduction to what Muslims believe and practice. No background needed.
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Request a spot
Mosque open house
Tour a mosque, watch the midday prayer, and ask anything over tea and sweets. Families and groups welcome.
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Details
Explore the Quran
Read short passages of the Quran together with English translation and discuss their meaning.
Start reading
Browse the libraryCat Stevens to Yusuf Islam
The singer Cat Stevens tells how he came to Islam and became Yusuf Islam.
Definition of Islam
What the word Islam means: peace and submission to God, lived as a complete way of life.
We're here to help
Every request is answered by a volunteer. There is never any cost or obligation.
- Visit a mosque Plan a visit to a mosque in Central Texas, on your own or with a school, church or community group.
- Free Quran Request a free copy of the Quran with English translation, mailed to you at no cost.
- Chat with a Muslim Talk one-on-one with a Muslim volunteer by phone or email. No pressure, just conversation.
- Request a speaker Invite a speaker to your school, university, congregation, workplace or community group.
- Ask a question Send us any question about Islam. A volunteer will reply by email.
Questions people ask us
Real questions from visitors, answered by our volunteers.
Do Muslims believe in Jesus?
Yes. Muslims respect and love Jesus as one of God's greatest messengers. The Quran affirms his miraculous birth to the Virgin Mary and his miracles, and Mary is honored as one of the most exalted women of all creation. A Muslim cannot be a Muslim without believing in Jesus.
Read more in What Do Muslims Think About Jesus.
Is Allah a different God from the God of Christians and Jews?
No. "Allah" is simply the Arabic word for God, the same word Arabic-speaking Christians and Jews use in their prayers and Bibles. Muslims worship the God of Abraham, Moses and Jesus, and believe He is one, without partner, son or equal.
Read more in The One True God.
What does the word “Islam” mean?
The word Islam has a two-fold meaning: peace, and submission to God. A Muslim is someone who freely and consciously chooses to submit to the one God, and through that submission finds peace in the heart, which in turn shapes how they treat others.
Read more in Definition of Islam.