Islam
The world's second largest religion, Islam teaches total submission to Allah (God). Founded in 7th century Arabia, it spread rapidly across the world and shares roots with Judaism and Christianity.
Founded
~610 CE
Origin
Arabian Peninsula (modern-day Saudi Arabia)
Followers
1.9 billion
Founder
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)
Featured Verse
“
Indeed, with hardship comes ease.
Quran 94:6
Core Beliefs
- Tawhid — absolute monotheism; God (Allah) is one, indivisible, without partners
- Prophethood — Muhammad is the final prophet in a line including Abraham, Moses, and Jesus
- The Five Pillars — Shahada (faith), Salah (prayer), Zakat (charity), Sawm (fasting), Hajj (pilgrimage)
- Quran — the literal word of God as revealed to Muhammad through the angel Jibreel
- Judgment Day — all souls will be resurrected and judged by God
Concept of God
Strict monotheism — Allah is one, eternal, all-knowing, all-powerful. No physical form, no partners, no offspring in literal sense.
Afterlife
Jannah (Paradise) for the righteous. Jahannam (Hell) for the wicked. All will be judged on the Day of Resurrection.
Prayer
Five daily prayers (Salah) facing Mecca, Friday congregational prayer (Jumu'ah), Quran recitation
Sacred Texts
Dominant in
47 countriesData: Pew Research Center, World Religion Database, UN Population Division (2024 est.)
Key Figures
Prophet Muhammad
Final messenger of God, received the Quran
Abu Bakr
First Caliph, closest companion of the Prophet
Ibn Rushd (Averroes)
Philosopher who bridged Islamic and Greek thought
Key Holidays
Eid al-Fitr
Celebration ending Ramadan — the month of fasting
Eid al-Adha
Feast of Sacrifice — commemorates Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son
Ramadan
Holy month of fasting, prayer, and reflection
Mawlid al-Nabi
Birthday of the Prophet Muhammad (observed by many Muslims)