Islam
| Islam | |
|---|---|
| File:Allah-svg.svg | |
| The word "Allah" in Arabic calligraphy | |
| Founder | Muhammad |
| Founded | 7th century CE |
| Place of origin | Mecca, Hejaz, Arabian Peninsula |
| Scriptures | Quran, Hadith |
| Key beliefs | Tawhid, Angels, Prophethood, Day of Judgment, Qadar |
| Practices | Five Pillars of Islam – Shahada, Salah, Zakat, Sawm, Hajj |
| Ultimate goal | Attain closeness to Allah and enter Jannah (Paradise) |
| Followers | ~2 billion |
| Major sects | Sunni, Shia, Ibadi, others |
| Symbols | Shahada, Crescent moon and star |
| Motto | "There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His messenger" |
| Website | https://islamqa.info |
Islam is a monotheistic Abrahamic religion founded in the 7th century CE in the Arabian Peninsula. It is the second-largest religion in the world, with approximately 2 billion followers, known as Muslims. The core of Islamic belief is in the oneness of God (Tawhid) and that Muhammad is the final prophet.[1]
Beliefs and Philosophy
Islam is built on six core beliefs:
- Tawhid – belief in the oneness of God (Allah)
- Angels – belief in angels as messengers of God
- Books – belief in revealed scriptures (including the Quran)
- Prophets – belief in all prophets from Adam to Muhammad
- Day of Judgment – belief in the final reckoning
- Divine Decree (Qadar) – belief in divine predestination
Muslims believe that the Quran is the literal word of God, revealed to Muhammad over 23 years.[2]
Sacred Texts
Islam’s key scriptures include:
- Quran – the holy book of Islam, considered the final revelation
- Hadith – sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad, recorded by his companions
Major Denominations
Islam is divided into several sects, the major ones being:
- Sunni Islam – the largest branch, following the "Sunnah" of the Prophet
- Shia Islam – believes leadership should stay within Prophet’s family
- Ibadi – mainly found in Oman, with distinct theology and practices
Each sect holds different interpretations and jurisprudence systems.[3]
Practices
The core acts of worship in Islam are the Five Pillars:
- Shahada – declaration of faith
- Salah – five daily prayers
- Zakat – almsgiving
- Sawm – fasting during Ramadan
- Hajj – pilgrimage to Mecca
Muslims also observe dietary laws (halal), modesty, and regular charity.[4]
Influence
Islam has had a profound influence on world civilization—shaping art, science, mathematics, medicine, and law across centuries, particularly during the Islamic Golden Age. It also inspired rich literary and architectural traditions, like the Taj Mahal and Alhambra.[5]
Global Presence
Islam is the dominant religion in countries across the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia. Major Muslim populations also exist in Indonesia, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Turkey, and growing communities in the United States, France, and United Kingdom.