Islam is a major world religion that originated in the 7th century CE in the Arabian Peninsula. It was founded by the Prophet Muhammad, who is considered the last and final prophet in Islam. Muslims, the followers of Islam, believe that Muhammad received revelations from God, which were later compiled into the Islamic holy book known as the Qur'an.
Islam is based on a monotheistic belief in one God, known as Allah. Muslims believe that Allah is the creator of the universe and has sent prophets and messengers to guide humanity throughout history, including Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad.
The core beliefs of Islam are summarized in the Five Pillars of Islam, which are:
1. Shahada: The declaration of faith, which states that there is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is His messenger.
2. Salah: The performance of daily prayers, which are observed five times a day.
3. Zakat: The giving of alms or charity to support the poor and needy.
4. Sawm: Fasting during the month of Ramadan, which involves abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs from sunrise to sunset.
5. Hajj: The pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, which is required of every able-bodied and financially capable Muslim at least once in their lifetime.
Islam also encompasses a comprehensive ethical and moral framework that guides the behavior of Muslims. It emphasizes principles such as honesty, justice, compassion, and generosity. Additionally, Islamic law, known as Sharia, provides guidance on various aspects of life, including personal conduct, family matters, business transactions, and criminal justice.
It's important to note that Islam is a diverse religion with a wide range of interpretations and practices across different regions and cultures. The Muslim community is composed of various denominations, such as Sunni and Shia, as well as different schools of thought within each denomination.
