What is islam

Overview

Islam is an Abrahamic monotheistic religion founded by Prophet Muhammad in the 7th century in the Arabian Peninsula. The word 'Islam' means 'submission' or 'peace,' reflecting the religion's core concept of submitting to the will of God (Allah). With approximately 1.8 billion followers worldwide, Islam is the second-largest religion globally and the fastest-growing major faith tradition.

Core Beliefs

Islam's foundational beliefs center on monotheism: Muslims believe in one God (Allah) who is all-powerful, all-knowing, and merciful. Key Islamic beliefs include the existence of prophets who communicated God's message, the Day of Judgment when all people will be held accountable for their actions, and Paradise and Hell as eternal destinations based on one's deeds during life.

The Five Pillars of Islam

• Shahada: Declaration of faith stating 'There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is his messenger'
• Salah: Ritual prayer performed five times daily facing Mecca, a central practice of Islamic devotion
• Zakat: Annual charitable giving of 2.5% of wealth to support the poor and vulnerable
• Sawm: Fasting from dawn to sunset during Ramadan, the Islamic holy month, strengthening spiritual discipline
• Hajj: Pilgrimage to Mecca performed at least once in a lifetime by those physically and financially able

Sacred Texts and Teachings

The Quran, Islam's holiest scripture, comprises 114 chapters containing teachings believed by Muslims to be revelations from God to Prophet Muhammad. The Sunnah, the teachings and practices of Muhammad documented in Hadith collections, provides guidance on Islamic law and ethics. Together, these texts form the basis for Islamic jurisprudence (Sharia) and moral principles followed by Muslims.

Global Islamic Community

The Muslim community spans diverse cultures, nations, and ethnicities across the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Europe, and the Americas. While Islam is practiced among diverse groups with regional variations, Muslims share common core beliefs and practices. Major Islamic traditions include Sunni Islam (approximately 90% of Muslims) and Shia Islam (approximately 10%), with additional schools of thought reflecting different interpretations of Islamic law and practice.