Islam is a monotheistic religious tradition that developed in the
Middle East in the 7th century C.E. Islam, which literally means
"surrender" or "submission," was founded on the teachings of the Prophet
Muhammad as an expression of surrender to the will of Allah, the
creator and sustainer of the world. The Quran, the sacred text of Islam,
contains the teachings of the Prophet that were revealed to him from
Allah. Essential to Islam is the belief that Allah is the one and true
God with no partner or equal. Islam has several branches and much
variety within those branches. The two divisions within the tradition
are the Sunni and Shi'a, each of which claims different means of
maintaining religious authority. One of the unifying characteristics of
Islam is the Five Pillars, the fundamental practices of Islam. These
five practices include a ritual profession of faith, ritual prayer, the
zakat (charity), fasting, and the hajj (a pilgrimage to Mecca). Many
Muslims are characterized by their commitment to praying to Allah five
times a day. One of the defining characteristics of Islam is the primacy
of sacred places including Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem. Muslims gather
at mosques to worship Allah, pray, and study scripture. There is not a
sharp distinction between the religious and secular aspects of life in
Islam; all aspects of a Muslim's life are to be oriented to serving
Allah. Islam expanded almost immediately beyond its birthplace in the
Arabian peninsula, and now has significant influence in Africa,
throughout Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
Quick Fact Details:
- Formed: This date reflects Muhammad's migration from Mecca to Medina, considered the beginning of the Islamic calendar.
- Sacred Texts: While the Quran alone is considered sacred scripture, the Sunna, in its written form hadith, is also part of the Islamic canon.
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