Islam is one of the world’s major monotheistic religions, with over 1.9 billion followers across the globe. It is more than just a religion—it is a complete way of life that encompasses faith, worship, law, morality, and social responsibility. The word Islam itself means “submission to the will of Allah (God)”, and a follower of Islam is known as a Muslim.
Origin and History:
Islam originated in the 7th century CE in the Arabian Peninsula, specifically in Mecca (modern-day Saudi Arabia). It was founded by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who Muslims believe to be the last and final messenger of God.
Key historical milestones:
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610 CE: Prophet Muhammad receives the first revelation from Allah through the angel Jibreel (Gabriel).
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622 CE: The migration (Hijrah) from Mecca to Medina marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar.
- 632 CE: The Prophet passes away, and the leadership of the Muslim community continues through caliphs
Core Beliefs of Islam
There are five essential beliefs that form the foundation of Islamic faith:
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Belief in One God (Allah): The absolute oneness of God who has no partners or equals.
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Belief in Angels: Angels are created by Allah to perform specific duties and deliver His messages.
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Belief in Prophets: Muslims believe in all prophets, from Adam to Muhammad (peace be upon them all), with Muhammad being the final prophet.
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Belief in Divine Books: Including the Torah, Psalms, Gospel, and the final revelation—the Qur’an.
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Belief in the Day of Judgment: All humans will be resurrected and judged by Allah for their deeds.
The Five Pillars of Islam
Islam is practiced through five fundamental acts of worship, known as the Five Pillars:
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Shahadah (Faith): Declaring there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His messenger.
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Salah (Prayer): Performing five daily prayers facing the Kaaba in Mecca.
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Zakat (Charity): Giving a portion of one’s wealth to the needy.
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Sawm (Fasting): Observing fasts during the holy month of Ramadan.
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Hajj (Pilgrimage): Performing a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in a lifetime, if able.
