Muslims
Muslims
Muslims are the adherents of Islam, an Abrahamic monotheistic religion that considers the Quran as its central religious text, believed to be the literal word of God. The estimated 2 billion Muslims worldwide make it the world's second-largest religious group after Christianity.
Beliefs and Practices
Muslims hold the belief that Islam is the complete and universal version of a primordial faith that was revealed many times through earlier prophets and messengers such as Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus. The Quran, considered the final unaltered revelation, builds on the messages found in previous holy books such as the Tawrat, the Zabur, and the Injil.
The teachings of Muhammad, regarded as the last prophet, are crucial to Islamic practice. His sayings and actions, known as the Sunnah, are documented in collections called hadith, serving as a constitutional model for how Muslims should live their lives.
Schools of Thought
The majority of Muslims belong to one of the two main branches: Sunni or Shia. Sunni Islam, representing the largest group, acknowledges the first four caliphs as rightful successors of Muhammad. Shia Muslims, however, hold that Ali and his descendants are the rightful interpreters of Muhammad's teachings.
There are also non-denominational Muslims, who do not affiliate with any particular branch, and smaller sects such as Sufism, which emphasizes mysticism and spiritual closeness to God.
Demographics
Muslims are distributed globally, with the largest populations found in Indonesia, South Asia, and the Middle East. In regions like India and Nepal, Muslims constitute significant minorities. The United Kingdom also has a notable Muslim population, with London being a key cultural and religious center.
Cultural Impact
Muslims have played a significant role in the fields of art, science, and philosophy. The Islamic world, in periods such as the Islamic Golden Age, has been a center of learning and innovation, influencing both Eastern and Western civilizations.
Challenges
One contemporary issue facing Muslims is Islamophobia, a form of prejudice that stereotypes Muslims as inherently violent or extremist. This is often exacerbated by political and media narratives and can lead to discrimination and social marginalization.