Islam

Islam is an Abrahamic monotheistic religion based on the Quran and the teachings of Muhammad. Muslims, the followers of Islam, believe in one God and that Muhammad was the final prophet. There are about 2 billion Muslims worldwide, making Islam the second-largest religion after Christians.

Muslims believe that Islam is the complete and final version of a faith revealed many times before through prophets like Abraham, Moses, and Jesus. The Quran is considered the word of God, and Muslims also respect earlier holy books such as the Torah and the Gospel. Important practices in Islam include faith, prayer, giving to others, fasting during the month of Ramadan, and making a pilgrimage to Mecca if possible.

Islam began in Mecca around 610 CE when Muhammad received his first revelation. It spread quickly through the Arabian Peninsula and later expanded across many regions. Today, the largest Muslim communities live in Indonesia, South Asia, the Middle East–North Africa, and sub-Saharan Africa. Islam is growing quickly because of higher birth rates and a younger population compared to other religions.

Etymology

In Arabic, Islam means "submission to God." It comes from a verb that means to submit or to be safe. A person who follows Islam is called a Muslim, which means "one who submits to God."

Islam was sometimes called Mohammedanism in the past, but this term is now seen as incorrect because it makes it seem like a person, not God, is the focus of the religion.

Articles of faith

Main articles: Aqidah and Iman

The Islamic creed requires belief in six articles: God, angels, revelation, prophets, the Day of Resurrection, and the divine predestination.

The central idea in Islam is tawḥīd, meaning the oneness of God. Muslims believe God created everything in the universe and that the purpose of life is to worship Him. God is seen as a personal and merciful being, with many beautiful names and qualities.

Angels are described as beings created by God to serve Him. They carry out important tasks, such as delivering messages and recording people's actions. The Quran mentions angels like Gabriel and Michael, who play special roles.

The most important holy book for Muslims is the Quran. Muslims believe the Quran's messages were given to the prophet Muhammad by God through the angel Gabriel. The Quran has many chapters and verses that guide Muslims in their beliefs and daily lives.

Muslims believe that God sent many prophets to teach people about Him throughout history. These prophets shared similar messages about believing in one God. Muhammad is considered the final prophet, and his example, called the sunnah, is very important for Muslims to follow.

Belief in the "Day of Resurrection" or Yawm al-Qiyāmah is also important. Muslims believe that one day all people will be brought back to life and judged by their actions. Those who have done good will go to Jannah (paradise), while those who have done wrong may face Jahannam (hell).

Finally, Muslims believe in divine predestination, meaning that God has a plan for everything that happens. This idea is often expressed with the phrase "In-sha-Allah", meaning "if God wills".

Acts of worship

Main articles: Five Pillars of Islam and Ibadah

Muslims believe in five important acts of worship that show their faith. These are called the Pillars of Islam. They are the declaration of faith (shahada), five daily prayers, giving alms (zakat), fasting during Ramadan, and making a pilgrimage (hajj) to Mecca. These acts are duties for all Muslims.

The declaration of faith, called shahada, is a simple statement that shows belief in one God and in Muhammad as His messenger. Prayer, or salah, is done five times a day and includes bowing and prostration. Almsgiving, or zakat, is giving a small part of one's wealth to help the poor. Fasting during Ramadan means not eating or drinking from dawn until sunset. The hajj pilgrimage is a journey to Mecca that Muslims try to make at least once in their lives.

History

Islam began with the teachings of Prophet Muhammad in the early 600s CE in Mecca. Muhammad received revelations that became the Quran, Islam’s holy book. He taught that there is only one God, Allah, and that Muslims should live with kindness, honesty, and faith.

After Muhammad’s death in 632 CE, leaders called caliphs led the Muslim community. The religion spread quickly through trade, travel, and peaceful conversion. Over the centuries, Islam developed rich traditions in science, art, and learning, especially during a time called the Islamic Golden Age. Today, Islam remains one of the world’s largest religions, with believers called Muslims living in many parts of the world.

Main article: History of Islam

For a chronological guide, see Timeline of the history of Islam

See also: List of Muslim empires and dynasties

!Al-Masjid al-Nabawi

A panoramic view of Al-Masjid al-Nabawi (the Mosque of the Prophet) in Medina, Hejaz region, present-day Saudi Arabia. It is considered the second most sacred mosque in Islam

Muhammad and the beginning of Islam (570–632)

Main articles: Muhammad and Muhammad in Islam

For a chronological guide, see Timeline of early Islamic history

Further information: Muhammad in Mecca, Early social changes under Islam, and First Islamic state

Muhammad was born in Mecca in 570 CE. He grew up to become a trusted trader and later married a businesswoman named Khadija. In 610 CE, while praying in a cave near Mecca, Muhammad received the first of many revelations from the angel Gabriel. These revelations became the Quran. For 22 years, Muhammad shared these messages, teaching people to worship one God and live with justice and compassion.

During his early years, Muhammad shared his teachings quietly. Later, he spoke openly, challenging the wealthy leaders of Mecca who did not like his message. In 622 CE, Muhammad and his followers traveled to Medina, an event known as the Hijra. There, he built a community and created a system for fair treatment of all people. Over time, his followers grew strong, and by the time of his death in 632 CE, much of Arabia had embraced Islam.

Early Islamic period (632–750)

Further information: Succession to Muhammad and Early Muslim conquests

See also: Ghadir Khumm, Saqifa, and Canonization of Islamic scripture

After Muhammad’s death, leaders called caliphs guided the Muslim community. The first four caliphs—Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman ibn al-Affan, and Ali ibn Abi Talib—are respected for their wisdom and fairness. During this time, Islam spread into areas like Persia and the Byzantine Empire. New communities formed, and Muslims built cities, schools, and places of worship.

Disagreements sometimes arose about leadership, leading to different groups within Islam, such as Sunni and Shia. Despite these differences, Muslims continued to work together, sharing knowledge and supporting one another.

Classical era (750–1258)

See also: Islamic world contributions to Medieval Europe and Turco-Persian tradition

This period, often called the Islamic Golden Age, was a time of great learning and discovery. Scholars studied subjects like medicine, mathematics, and astronomy. Books were written that influenced people around the world. Universities were established, and scientists made important discoveries.

Muslims also explored ideas about faith and life. Some focused on deep spiritual growth, which led to the development of Sufism. Others debated questions about free will and God’s knowledge. During this time, Islam continued to spread through trade and travel, reaching places like India, China, and parts of Europe.

Pre-modern era (1258 – 18th century)

Further information: Safavid conversion of Iran to Shia Islam

Trade networks and Sufi teachers helped Islam spread to new regions. In places like Southeast Europe and China, Muslims adapted to local cultures while keeping their faith.

In some areas, large empires formed, such as the Ottoman Empire. These empires often supported Islamic learning and built beautiful mosques and schools. In other regions, such as Iran, new leadership brought changes to how Islam was practiced.

Modern era (18th–20th centuries

Earlier in the 14th century, Ibn Taymiyya promoted a form of Islam that focused on simple beliefs and rejected complicated philosophies. In the 1700s, a leader named Muhammad ibn 'Abd al-Wahhab started a movement to return to the basics of Islam. He worked with leaders to create what is now Saudi Arabia. Other leaders tried to mix Islamic teachings with modern ideas, while some groups resisted outside influences.

As European powers expanded their influence, many Muslim countries faced challenges. Some leaders tried to adapt Islam to new situations, while others worked to keep traditions strong. New organizations formed to support Muslim communities worldwide.

Contemporary era (20th century–present)

Forerunners of Islamic modernism influenced movements such as the Muslim Brotherhood in the Arab world and Jamaat-e-Islami in South Asia. In Iran, a revolution created an Islamic state. Some groups, like the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, used violence to achieve their goals.

In some countries, governments limited religious practices, while in others, religious leaders worked closely with rulers. Today, Muslims around the world continue to explore how their faith fits into modern life, balancing tradition with new ideas and challenges.

Demographics

Main articles: Muslim world and Ummah

See also: Islam by country and Muslim population growth

As of 2020, about 25.6% of the world's people, or roughly 2 billion, are Muslims. This number has grown quickly over time because Muslim families often have more children than families of other religions. Most Muslims live in ten countries, with the largest groups in Indonesia, Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh.

Today, most Muslims belong to one of two main groups: Sunni or Shia. Sunni Muslims make up about 87–90% of all Muslims, while Shia Muslims are about 10–13%. Islam continues to grow fast and may become the world's largest religion by the end of this century.

Main branches or denominations

Main article: Islamic schools and branches § Main branches or denominations

See also: Shia–Sunni relations

Sunni

Main article: Sunni Islam

Sunni Islam is the largest group within Islam. Sunnis believe that the first four leaders after Prophet Muhammad, called caliphs, were the right successors. They follow one of four main legal traditions and often refer to collections of traditions known as hadiths to guide their practices.

Shia

Main article: Shia Islam

Shia Islam is the second-largest group in Islam. Shias believe that leadership should stay within Muhammad’s family. They follow a leader called an Imam, who they believe has special spiritual guidance. Shias have their own legal tradition and hold important holy sites such as the Imam Ali Shrine in Najaf and the Imam Husayn Shrine in Karbala.

Muhakkima

Main articles: Muhakkima, Ibadi Islam, and Kharijites

Ibadi Islam is a smaller branch of Islam that began from a group called the Kharijites. Today, most Ibadis live in Oman. They have their own collections of traditions and beliefs that differ slightly from other Muslims.

Other denominations

• The Ahmadiyya Movement, started in India, has beliefs that many other Muslims do not share.
• Alevism combines traditional Turkish beliefs with Islamic teachings.
• Quranism focuses only on the Quran for guidance, not on other traditions.
• Mu'tazilism was an early Islamic group that emphasized reason and justice in understanding their faith.

Non-denominational Muslims

Main article: Non-denominational Muslim

Some Muslims do not identify with a specific branch of Islam and simply call themselves “Muslim.” This group makes up a large part of the Muslim population in several countries.

Mysticism

Main article: Sufism

See also: Sufi–Salafi relations

Sufism is a special way of practicing Islam that focuses on getting closer to God through personal experiences and deep feelings. It is not a separate part of Islam, but a path that many Muslims follow to understand their faith better. Sufis often form groups led by a teacher, and they have been important in teaching and spreading Islam in many parts of the world, including places like Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Senegal, Chad, and Niger. Some Muslims, however, have different views on Sufi practices, especially those who follow a movement called Salafism.

Law and jurisprudence

Main articles: Sharia and Fiqh

See also: Logic in Islamic philosophy § Islamic law and theology

Sharia is the body of Islamic religious law. It helps guide Muslims in their daily lives and decisions. The main sources of Sharia are the Quran and the Sunnah, which are the teachings and practices of the Prophet Muhammad.

When there are questions not directly answered in these sources, scholars use a method called qiyas, which means looking for similar situations and applying the same rules. Over time, different schools of thought, or madhabs, have developed, each with its own way of understanding and applying Sharia. Today, many countries with Muslim majorities have laws based on both Sharia and modern legal systems. There are ongoing discussions about how Sharia fits with ideas like human rights and freedom.

Society

Religious personages

Main article: Ulama

Islam does not have priests or ministers who act as middle people between God and followers. Instead, leaders in mosques are called imams and help guide worship services. Scholars known as the ulama study and teach about Islamic beliefs and practices. There are also special titles for teachers of ancient texts, legal experts, and judges in Islamic law.

Governance

See also: Political aspects of Islam, Islamic economics, Islamic military jurisprudence, tasamuh, and Jihad

Islamic teachings encourage fair sharing of wealth and oppose unfair business practices. This has led to special banking methods that avoid interest charges. Islam also places importance on helping the poor, with early leaders giving out money to those in need. The idea of jihad means to work hard for good causes, and while it can include defense, most Muslims see it as a way to protect justice and help others.

Daily and family life

See also: Adab (Islam), Islamic dietary laws, Islam and children, Marriage in Islam, Women in Islam, and Polygyny in Islam

Muslims have special guidelines for daily habits, including what foods to eat and avoid, like not eating pork or drinking alcohol. Modesty in clothing and behavior is also important. Families often follow traditions such as giving gifts to a newborn and caring for older parents. Marriages usually include a gift from the groom to the bride, and while some men may marry more than one woman, they are taught to treat all wives fairly.

Arts and culture

See also: Islamic art, Islamic architecture, Islamic literature, Islam in association football, and Cultural Muslims

Islamic culture includes art, architecture, and traditions that have developed over centuries. Artists often use beautiful writing, patterns, and designs instead of pictures of people or animals. Important Muslim holidays include Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of a month of fasting, and Eid al-Adha, which happens during a special pilgrimage journey. Muslim communities around the world have created many wonderful buildings, from mosques in Bangladesh and Mali to ones in Uzbekistan and China.

Islamist movements

See also: Islamism by country

Islamism refers to various religious and political movements that aim to bring Islamic principles into government and society. These movements believe that Islam can guide how countries are run and that it offers a better way to create a fair and successful community compared to other systems. Supporters of Islamism often work through religious groups and focus on applying Islamic law, uniting Muslim countries, and building nations based on Islamic teachings.

Influences on other religions

Some groups and religions share ideas with Islam or grew out of it. The Druze faith, for example, began with Islamic beliefs but developed its own unique teachings. Similarly, Yazdânism mixes local Kurdish traditions with some Islamic ideas. Other religions, like Sikhism, founded by Guru Nanak in the late 15th century in Punjab, combine elements from both Islam and Hinduism. These movements show how Islam has influenced and mixed with other spiritual paths over time.

Main articles: Druze, Berghouata, Ha-Mim, Isma'ilism, Yazdânism, Bábism, Baháʼí Faith, Yarsanism, Din-i Ilahi, Ali-Illahism, Sikhism

Criticism

Main article: Criticism of Islam

See also: Criticism of Muhammad and Criticism of the Quran

People have criticized Islam since it began. Early critics included Jewish and Christian writers. Some Christians saw Islam as a misunderstanding of their faith or even a form of idol worship.

Over time, other criticisms have focused on how some Muslim-majority countries treat people and their rights. There have also been discussions about how Islam fits into societies with many different cultures and backgrounds.