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Islam is a monotheistic Abrahamic religion, originating with the teachings of Muhammad in the 7th century. The word Islam means "submission", or the total surrender of oneself to God (Arabic: Allāh). An adherent of Islam is known as a Muslim. Islam is the second-largest religion in the world, after Christianity. About 20 percent of Muslims live in Arab countries.
2. With Muhammad's death in 632, leadership disputes eventually gave rise to schism in the Muslim community. Abu Bakr, Muhammad's intimate friend and collaborator, became the first caliph, followed by Umar ibn al-Khattab, Uthman ibn al-Affan, and Ali ibn Abi Talib (Muhammad's cousin and son-in-law). The majority accepted the legitimacy of the three rulers prior to Ali, and became known as Sunnis. A minority disagreed, and believed that Ali was the only rightful successor. They became known as the Shi'a. Roughly 85 percent of Muslims are Sunni and 15 percent are Shi'a.
3. Muslims believe that God revealed the Qur'an to Muhammad, God's final prophet, and regard the Qur'an and the Sunnah (words and deeds of Muhammad) as the fundamental sources of Islam. They regard Muhammad, not as the founder of a new religion, but as the restorer of the original monotheistic faith of Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and other prophets. Islamic tradition holds that Jews and Christians distorted the texts God gave to these prophets.
4. Muslims are generally required to observe the Five Pillars of Islam:
- Shahadah, the basic creed of Islam that states: "I testify that there is none worthy of worship except God and I testify that Muhammad is the Messenger of God."
- Salah, or ritual prayer: This must be performed five times a day, facing towards the Kaaba in Mecca. Salah is intended to focus the mind on God, and is seen as a personal communication with him that expresses gratitude and worship.
- Zakat, or alms-giving: This is the practice of giving, based on accumulated wealth, and is obligatory for all Muslims who can afford it. A fixed portion is spent to help the poor or needy, and also to assist the spread of Islam.
- Sawm, or fasting during the month of Ramadan: Muslims must not eat or drink (among other things) from dawn to dusk during this month, and must be mindful of other sins. The fast is to encourage a feeling of nearness to God. During the fast, Muslims should express their gratitude for and dependence on him, atone for their past sins, and think of the needy.
- Hajj, the pilgrimage during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah in the city of Mecca: Every able-bodied Muslim who can afford it must make the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in his or her lifetime.
5. In addition to the Five Pillars, the Islamic law of sharia has developed a tradition of rulings that touch on virtually all aspects of life and society. more... at Wikipedia
