Islam

Islam is a monotheistic Abrahamic religion based on the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, who is considered the last prophet in Islam. It is the second-largest religion in the world, with over 1.8 billion followers, known as Muslims.

Beliefs

Muslims believe in the following basic principles:

• Shahada: The declaration of faith, stating that there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is his prophet.
• Salah: The practice of ritual prayer five times a day.
• Zakat: The giving of alms to the poor and needy.
• Sawm: Fasting during the month of Ramadan.
• Hajj: The pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca, which every Muslim who is able is required to undertake at least once in their lifetime.

History

Islam originated in the 7th century in the Arabian Peninsula with the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. The Quran, the holy book of Islam, is believed to be the word of God as revealed to Muhammad. Islam spread rapidly throughout the Arabian Peninsula and beyond, eventually reaching as far as Spain in the west and India in the east.

Branches

Islam has two main branches: Sunni and Shia. The division arose from a disagreement over the rightful successor to the Prophet Muhammad. Sunni Muslims make up the majority of the Muslim population, while Shia Muslims are the largest minority.

Study Guide

1. What are the five pillars of Islam? The five pillars of Islam are Shahada, Salah, Zakat, Sawm, and Hajj.
2. Where did Islam originate? Islam originated in the Arabian Peninsula.
3. What is the holy book of Islam? The holy book of Islam is the Quran.
4. What are the two main branches of Islam? The two main branches of Islam are Sunni and Shia.
5. What is the significance of the Hajj in Islam? The Hajj is the pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca, which every Muslim who is able is required to undertake at least once in their lifetime.

Studying Islam provides insight into the beliefs, history, and practices of a significant global religion. Understanding Islam is important for fostering intercultural understanding and promoting religious tolerance.