Islam
Islam
Islam is a major world religion, embodying a rich tapestry of beliefs, practices, and a profound history. It is an Abrahamic monotheistic faith based on the belief in the oneness and uniqueness of God, or Allah in Arabic. Islam's followers, known as Muslims, regard the Quran as the unaltered, final revelation and the verbatim word of God.
Core Beliefs and Practices
Central to Islam are the Five Pillars, which are considered the foundation of a Muslim’s faith and practice:
- Shahada: The Islamic declaration of faith, proclaiming the oneness of God and the prophethood of Muhammad.
- Salah: The performance of ritual prayers in a prescribed manner five times each day.
- Zakat: The giving of alms to the poor and needy, reflecting the social responsibility Muslims have to assist those less fortunate.
- Sawm: The fasting during the month of Ramadan, which involves abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn until sunset.
- Hajj: The pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca that every Muslim must undertake at least once in their lifetime, if financially and physically able.
The teachings of Muhammad, considered the final prophet in Islam, are an integral part of the religion, documented in accounts known as Hadith and together with the Quran form the basis for Sharia, or Islamic law.
Branches of Islam
Islam has several major branches, the two largest being Sunni Islam and Shia Islam, which differ in certain theological and political aspects:
- Sunni Islam is the largest branch, which holds that Muhammad did not appoint a successor, and leadership should be based on consensus.
- Shia Islam believes that Muhammad appointed his cousin and son-in-law Ali ibn Abi Talib as his successor.
Islamic World
The Islamic world, also referred to as the Muslim world, consists of the global community of Muslims, known as the Ummah. This community is not only a spiritual and religious collective but also a cultural and historical one.
Islamic Law
Sharia is the religious law forming part of the Islamic tradition, derived from the Quran and Hadith. It influences many aspects of daily life including family, finance, and personal conduct. Sharia is implemented in varying degrees across Islamic countries.
Islamism
Islamism refers to a range of political ideologies that advocate for the implementation and influence of Islamic principles in political systems. These ideologies exist in various forms and have differing interpretations and implementations across the Muslim world.