Islam
| Islam | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| The Arabic calligraphy of Allah | |
| Type | Abrahamic monotheistic religion |
| Founder | Muhammad |
Islam (الإسلام, al-Islām) is a monotheistic Abrahamic religion founded in the 7th century CE based on the teachings of the Quran, which Muslims believe to be the final revelation of Allah (God) as conveyed to the Prophet Muhammad through the angel Jibril (Gabriel). It is the second-largest religion in the world, with over 1.9 billion followers, known as Muslims.[1]
Core Beliefs
Islam is centered on the belief in one God (Tawhid) and the acceptance of Muhammad as the final prophet. Its primary sources of guidance are: The Quran: The holy book of Islam, believed to be the literal word of God. The Hadith: Recorded sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad.[2]
The Five Pillars of Islam
The Five Pillars form the framework of a Muslim's faith and practice: Shahada: Declaration of faith in the oneness of God and the prophethood of Muhammad. Salah: Ritual prayer performed five times a day. Zakat: Mandatory almsgiving to assist the needy. Sawm: Fasting during the month of Ramadan. Hajj: Pilgrimage to Mecca, required once in a lifetime for those who can afford it.[3]
History
Islam originated in the early 7th century CE in Mecca, in the Arabian Peninsula. Muhammad received his first revelation in 610 CE and began preaching monotheism, attracting followers while facing opposition from the Quraysh. In 622 CE, he and his followers migrated to Medina (Hijra), marking the start of the Islamic calendar.[4]
Islam rapidly expanded across the Middle East, North Africa, and beyond, through trade, conquests, and missionary work, leading to the formation of the early Caliphates.
Branches and Schools
Islam is broadly divided into: Sunni Islam: Constituting about 85-90% of Muslims, following the Sunnah and Hadith. Shia Islam: Constituting 10-15% of Muslims, emphasizing the leadership of Imam Ali and his descendants.[5]
Other smaller sects include Sufism (mysticism) and Ahmadiyya.
Practices
Muslims strive to live according to Islamic principles, which include: Halal lifestyle: Adherence to permissible actions and dietary laws. Islamic Law (Sharia): Derived from the Quran and Hadith, guiding aspects of daily life. Friday Prayers (Jumu'ah): Congregational prayer at mosques.[6]
Contributions to Civilization
Islamic civilization contributed significantly to science, medicine, mathematics, and arts during the Golden Age of Islam (8th–13th centuries). Figures like Avicenna and Al-Khwarizmi made groundbreaking advancements.[7]
Spread of Islam
Islam is practiced globally, with significant populations in the Middle East, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Africa, and growing communities in Europe and North America.
Festivals
Major Islamic festivals include: Eid al-Fitr: Celebrating the end of Ramadan. Eid al-Adha: Commemorating the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God.[8]
References
External Links
The Quran (online) Islamic Studies Encyclopaedia Britannica: Islam