Muslims are adherents of Islam, one of the world's major religions, which was founded in the 7th century CE by the Prophet Muhammad in the Arabian Peninsula. The term "Islam" means "surrender" in Arabic, specifically referring to the surrender to the will of God (Allah)(
)(
).
Core Beliefs
Islam is strictly monotheistic, emphasizing the belief in one God and recognizing Muhammad as the final prophet in a long line of prophets that includes figures like Abraham, Moses, and Jesus(
)(
). The central religious text of Islam is the Qur'an, believed to be the literal word of God as revealed to Muhammad(
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Muslims typically follow Five Pillars of Islam, which serve as the foundation of a Muslim's faith and practice:
- Shahadah: Declaration of faith.
- Salah: Performing ritual prayers five times a day.
- Zakat: Giving to charity and aiding the poor.
- Sawm: Fasting during the month of Ramadan.
- Hajj: Pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in a lifetime, if physically and financially able( )( ).
Diversity within Islam
Islam is not monolithic; it encompasses a wide range of cultures, languages, and traditions. There are two main branches: Sunni and Shia, with Sunnis making up approximately 85-90% of the global Muslim population(
). There are also numerous schools of thought and interpretations within both branches, leading to a rich tapestry of beliefs and practices(
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