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
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]- 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
[edit | edit source]- Shahada
- Five daily prayers
- Zakat or almsgiving
- Fasting during Ramadan
- Hajj pilgrimage when able
- Qur'an recitation
- Dhikr and supplication
Places of worship
[edit | edit source]- Mosque
- Musalla
Sacred texts
[edit | edit source]- Qur'an
- Hadith collections
- Sira and legal texts in various schools
Holidays and observances
[edit | edit source]- Ramadan
- Eid al-Fitr
- Eid al-Adha
- Mawlid in many communities
- Ashura in several traditions
Branches and related traditions
[edit | edit source]- 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.