Islam is a major world religion that originated in the 7th century CE in the Arabian Peninsula. It is based on the belief in one God (Allah in Arabic) and follows the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, who is considered the last prophet in a long line of prophets that includes figures like Abraham, Moses, and Jesus.
The core beliefs of Islam are encapsulated in the Five Pillars, which are fundamental acts of worship and practice for Muslims:
- Shahada (Faith): The declaration of faith, stating that there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is his messenger.
- Salah (Prayer): Performing ritual prayers five times a day facing the Kaaba in Mecca.
- Zakat (Almsgiving): Giving to charity and helping those in need, typically calculated as a percentage of one's savings.
- Sawm (Fasting): Observing fasting during the month of Ramadan, abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn until sunset.
- Hajj (Pilgrimage): Undertaking a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in a lifetime if physically and financially able.
The Islamic holy text is the Quran, believed to be the literal word of God as revealed to Muhammad. Additionally, the Hadith, which are collections of sayings and actions of Muhammad, serve as important sources of guidance.
Islamic teachings emphasize the oneness of God, the importance of following divine guidance, ethical behavior, community responsibility, and the pursuit of justice and compassion. Islam is practiced by over a billion people worldwide and encompasses a diverse range of cultures, traditions, and interpretations.