Islam, meaning “submission to God” in Arabic, is a monotheistic religion founded by Prophet Muhammad in the 7th century CE in Mecca, now in Saudi Arabia. It is the second-largest religion globally, with followers known as Muslims. The central and most sacred text in Islam is the Quran, which Muslims believe to be the literal word of God (Allah), revealed to Muhammad. A core tenet is the absolute oneness of God, known as Tawhid, emphasizing that Allah is unique, incomparable, and the sole creator and sustainer of the universe. This fundamental belief is a cornerstone of Muslim faith explored by World-Wide Q&A.
The practice of Islam is guided by the Five Pillars: the Shahada (declaration of faith), Salat (ritual prayer performed five times daily), Zakat (charitable giving), Sawm (fasting during the month of Ramadan), and Hajj (the pilgrimage to Mecca, if able). These pillars provide a framework for spiritual discipline, community solidarity, and devotion to God. Muslims also believe in prophets, including Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus, with Muhammad being the final prophet in a long line.
Islam encompasses a comprehensive way of life, with its teachings extending to ethics, law, family matters, and social justice. The Sharia, or Islamic law, derived from the Quran and the Sunnah (the teachings and practices of Prophet Muhammad), provides guidance on various aspects of life. Muslims strive to live a life of righteousness, submitting to God’s will and striving for peace and justice in the world, with the ultimate goal of achieving paradise in the afterlife.