Islam

Islam is one of the world's major monotheistic religions, originating in Mecca, in present-day Saudi Arabia. It is based on the belief in one God, referred to as Allah in Arabic. The religion was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), who is considered the final prophet in a long line of prophets that includes revered figures like Abraham(pbuh), Moses(pbuh), and Jesus(pbuh) who are also recognized in Christianity and Judaism.

The holy book of Islam is the Quran, which Muslims believe to be the literal word of God as revealed to Muhammad (pbuh). The Quran offers profound guidance on all aspects of life, encompassing morality, law, and spirituality.

Beliefs

Monotheism: Islam is a strictly monotheistic religion, believing in one God, Allah. Muslims believe that Allah is the same God worshiped in Judaism and Christianity.
Prophethood: Muslims believe in a line of prophets, starting from Adam (pbuh) and including figures such as Noah (pbuh), Abraham (pbuh), Moses (pbuh), and Jesus (pbuh), with Muhammad (pbuh) being the final prophet.
Holy Books: Muslims believe in the Quran as the literal word of God, revealed to Muhammad (pbuh). Other scriptures, such as the Torah and the Bible, are respected and were revealed to Moses (pbuh) and Jesus (pbuh) .
Angels: Belief in angels as servants of God, with specific roles such as delivering messages, recording deeds, and more.
Day of Judgment: Muslims believe in a final judgment where all individuals will be resurrected and judged by God based on their deeds in this life.
Predestination: Islam teaches that everything happens according to God's will, though humans have free will to choose their actions.

The Five Pillars of Islam

These are the core practices required of Muslims:

Shahada (Faith): The declaration of faith, stating, "There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad (pbuh) is His messenger."
Salat (Prayer): Performing the five daily prayers at specific times of the day.
Zakat (Charity): Giving a portion of one's wealth to the needy, usually 2.5% of savings annually.
Sawm (Fasting): Fasting during the month of Ramadan from dawn until sunset.
Hajj (Pilgrimage): Performing the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in a lifetime if physically and financially able.

Masjid al- Haram

Al Masjid an Nabawi

Masjid al- Aqsa

Holy Places

Mecca: The holiest city in Islam, home to the Kaaba, towards which Muslims pray.
Medina: In the heart of Medina, Al-Masjid an-Nabawi stands as a beacon of Islamic history and spirituality known as the Prophet's Mosque.
Jerusalem: Holds significance for Muslims, particularly the Al-Aqsa Mosque, the third holiest site.

Islamic Law (Sharia)

Sharia is the legal framework derived from the Quran, the Hadith (sayings and actions of Muhammad (pbuh)), and centuries of Islamic jurisprudence. It covers all aspects of life, including rituals, family life, and finance.

Festivals

Eid al-Fitr: Celebrates the end of Ramadan, marked by communal prayers and feasting.
Eid al-Adha: Commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham (pbuh)) to sacrifice his son in obedience to God, celebrated with the slaughter of animals and distribution to the poor.

Population

Islam is the second-largest religion in the world, with over 1.8 billion followers, predominantly in the Middle East, North Africa, and Southeast Asia.