Islam
| Islam | |
|---|---|
| Family | Abrahamic |
| Origin region | Arabian Peninsula |
| Founding period | 7th century CE |
| Estimated adherents | About 2.0 billion globally and among the fastest-growing major traditions in recent demographic studies. |
Islam is A monotheistic tradition centered on submission to God (Allah) and the Qur'an as revelation given to the Prophet Muhammad.
Overview
Islam teaches that God is one, merciful, and sovereign, and that Muhammad is the final prophet in a line that includes figures such as Abraham, Moses, and Jesus. Muslim life is commonly organized around worship, ethical conduct, law, community, and remembrance of God.
Key beliefs
- Tawhid: the absolute oneness of God
- Prophethood, with Muhammad as the final messenger
- The Qur'an as divine revelation
- Angels, revealed books, judgment, resurrection, and divine decree
Practices
- Shahada
- Five daily prayers
- Zakat or almsgiving
- Fasting during Ramadan
- Hajj pilgrimage when able
- Qur'an recitation
- Dhikr and supplication
Places of worship
- Mosque
- Musalla
Sacred texts
- Qur'an
- Hadith collections
- Sira and legal texts in various schools
Holidays and observances
- Ramadan
- Eid al-Fitr
- Eid al-Adha
- Mawlid in many communities
- Ashura in several traditions
Branches and related traditions
- Sunni Islam - The largest Muslim branch, organized through varied legal and theological schools and broad communal consensus.
- Shia Islam - Traditions centered on the spiritual and communal authority of the Imams from the family of the Prophet.
- Ibadi Islam - An early branch with communities especially associated with Oman and parts of North Africa.
- Sufism - Mystical and devotional movements within Islam emphasizing purification of the heart and remembrance of God.