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What is islam

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Islam is a monotheistic Abrahamic religion founded on the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, who is considered the final prophet in a line that includes figures like Abraham, Moses, and Jesus. The term "Islam" means "submission" in Arabic, and it refers to the submission to the will of God (Allah in Arabic).

Key elements of Islam include:

1. **The Five Pillars of Islam**: These are the foundational acts of worship and practice for Muslims:
- **Shahada**: The testimony of faith, declaring that there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His messenger.
- **Salat**: The performance of ritual prayers five times a day facing the Kaaba in Mecca.
- **Zakat**: The giving of alms or charity to the needy, typically calculated as a percentage of savings.
- **Sawm**: The fasting during the month of Ramadan, abstaining from food, drink, and other specific actions from dawn until sunset.
- **Hajj**: The pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca, which every Muslim must perform at least once in their lifetime if they are physically and financially able.

2. **The Qur'an**: The holy book of Islam, believed to be the word of God as revealed to Muhammad through the Angel Gabriel. The Qur'an is written in Arabic and consists of 114 chapters (surahs).

3. **Beliefs**: Core beliefs include the oneness of God, the prophethood of Muhammad, the existence of angels, the books of God, the Day of Judgment, and divine predestination.

4. **Community and Law**: The ummah refers to the global community of Muslims. Islamic law, or Sharia, encompasses a range of legal, ethical, and social guidelines derived from the Qur'an and the Hadith (the recorded sayings and actions of Muhammad).

5. **Diversity**: Islam has a rich diversity of cultures, beliefs, and practices. Major branches include Sunni and Shia, each with its own interpretations and practices.

Islam is one of the world's largest religions, with over a billion adherents globally. It emphasizes community, charity, and the worship of a single, indivisible God.

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