Background
Contents
Islam is the youngest of the three major monotheistic religions, alongside Judaism and Christianity. The name “Islam” comes from the Arabic word salaam, meaning peace, and is commonly interpreted as “submission to the will of Allah,” the Arabic term for God.
A follower of Islam is called a Muslim, meaning “one who submits.” Although Islam began in the 7th century CE, it rapidly expanded across vast territories, and today it is the second most practiced religion in the world, with over 1.9 billion adherents across six continents.
Demographers project that Islam may surpass Christianity in global population by the end of the 21st century.
The Basics
- Founder: Islam was founded by the Prophet Muhammad, who is regarded by Muslims as the final prophet in a long line of messengers that includes Abraham, Moses, and Jesus. Muhammad is not worshiped, but highly revered as the last and most complete bearer of divine revelation.
- Geographic Origin: Islam originated in Mecca, a city on the Arabian Peninsula (present-day Saudi Arabia) around the year 622 CE—a date that marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar.
- Currently Practiced: Islam is the dominant religion in the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of South and Southeast Asia. Significant Muslim populations are also found in sub-Saharan Africa, Europe, and North America.
- Significant Writings:
- Qur’an: The central religious text of Islam, believed to be the direct word of God (Allah) as revealed to Muhammad through the Angel Gabriel. It is written in Arabic and divided into chapters called surahs.
- Hadith: A collection of sayings and actions of Muhammad, which provide further guidance on how Muslims should live their lives.
- Sharia Law: A legal and moral code derived from the Qur’an and Hadith that governs many aspects of Islamic life, including diet, worship, finance, and social conduct.
- Places of Worship: Muslims gather for communal prayers in mosques, which often feature a minaret (a tower used for the call to prayer) and a mihrab, a niche that indicates the direction of Mecca. The Kaaba in Mecca is the most sacred site in Islam.
- Significant Religious Leaders:
- Caliph: Historically, the successor to Muhammad as the political and spiritual leader of the Muslim community (Ummah), though no universally accepted Caliph exists today.
- Imam: A leader of prayer in the mosque, often also a teacher and community guide.
- Muezzin: The person who calls the faithful to prayer from the minaret.
- Ulama: Scholars and interpreters of Islamic law and theology.
Teachings and Beliefs
According to Islamic tradition, Muhammad received his first revelation at the age of 40 while meditating in a cave near Mecca. The Angel Gabriel appeared to him and began transmitting the words of Allah. Over the next 23 years, Muhammad continued to receive revelations that were later compiled into the Qur’an.
Initially, Muhammad’s teachings were met with resistance in Mecca, where his message challenged the polytheistic beliefs and economic interests of the ruling elite. Facing growing hostility, he and his followers fled to the city of Medina in 622 CE in an event known as the Hijra or Hegira, which marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar calendar. In Medina, Muhammad gained followers and political authority. Eventually, he returned to Mecca, peacefully conquered the city, and dedicated the Kaaba as the most sacred site in Islam.
The Five Pillars of Islam
The foundation of Muslim life is based on five essential acts of worship and devotion, known as the Five Pillars of Islam. These obligations are seen as the path to spiritual growth, community cohesion, and submission to Allah.
- Shahada (Faith)
- The declaration of faith: “There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.”
- This profession of monotheism is central to Islamic identity and distinguishes Islam from polytheistic beliefs.
- Salat (Prayer)
- Muslims are required to perform five daily prayers: at dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset, and evening.
- Prayers are performed facing Mecca, and include a sequence of physical movements such as bowing and prostrating.
- Friday is the holy day for communal worship, known as Jumu’ah.
- Zakat (Charity)
- Muslims must give a portion of their wealth (typically 2.5%) to the needy and to charitable causes.
- Zakat purifies wealth and serves to reduce economic inequality within the Muslim community.
- Sawm (Fasting during Ramadan)
- During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, abstaining from food, drink, smoking, and sexual activity.
- The fast is meant to cultivate self-discipline, empathy for the poor, and spiritual reflection.
- The month ends with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr.
- Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca)
- Every Muslim who is physically and financially able is required to make a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lifetime.
- The Hajj includes rituals such as circling the Kaaba, walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah, and gathering at Mount Arafat.
- The pilgrimage concludes with the festival of Eid al-Adha, commemorating Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Muhammad in Islam?
Prophet Muhammad is believed to be the final messenger of God who received the divine revelations that became the Qur’an. Muslims regard him as the perfect example of moral conduct and leadership.
What does “Islam” mean?
“Islam” is derived from the Arabic root meaning peace and submission. It means “submission to the will of Allah.”
What is the Qur’an?
The Qur’an is the holy book of Islam, believed by Muslims to be the literal word of God as revealed to Muhammad. It is written in Arabic and contains spiritual, legal, and moral guidance.
What is the significance of Mecca?
Mecca is the birthplace of Muhammad and the site of the Kaaba, the holiest structure in Islam. It is the focal point of Muslim prayer and pilgrimage.
What are the Five Pillars of Islam?
The Five Pillars are the foundational acts of worship in Islam: faith (shahada), prayer (salat), charity (zakat), fasting during Ramadan (sawm), and pilgrimage to Mecca (hajj).
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is observed by fasting from dawn to sunset. It is a time of spiritual reflection, increased worship, and community service.
What is the difference between Sunni and Shia Islam?
Sunni and Shia are the two major branches of Islam. They differ primarily over the question of leadership succession after the death of Muhammad, with Sunnis accepting elected caliphs and Shias believing leadership should remain within the Prophet’s family.
Do Muslims believe in Jesus?
Yes, Muslims believe Jesus (Isa) was a prophet and messenger of God, born of the Virgin Mary. However, they do not view him as divine or the Son of God, as Christians do.
What is Sharia law?
Sharia is the Islamic legal and moral code derived from the Qur’an and Hadith. It governs aspects of religious practice, personal behavior, and social justice in Muslim societies.
How is Islam practiced differently around the world?
While the core beliefs remain consistent, cultural traditions and interpretations of Islamic teachings can vary. Practices may differ between Sunni and Shia communities, and from country to country depending on local customs.