Islam

A term used to describe the religion revealed to Muhammad into the Qur'an and meaning submission to the God Allah.

Islam started in Saudi Arabia by the prophet Muhammad about 622 A.D. It is the second largest religion in the world, with over 1,164 million followers, about 20% of the world's population, and is rapidly growing.

Islam is based on the Qur'an, which is said to have been dictated to the Prophet Mohammed by the angel Jibril (a.k.a. Jibreel; Gabriel in English) in 622 AD. Members are found in large numbers throughout Africa, the Middle East and Asia.

Islam Sects

There are three basic sects.

Sunni

The most fundamentalist group. The Wahhabi sect are the most fundamentalist Sunnis.

Shi'a

Believers are concentrated in Iraq, Iran, Lebanon, Bahrain, Yemen and Azerbaijan. They believe in more successors to Muhammad.

Sufi

A set with mystical beliefs that may still be either Sunni or Shi'a.

The Five Pillars of Islam

There are five basic duties of Muslims.

Shahada (the Creed)

The recitation and acceptance of the creed.

'There is no God but Allah, and Mahomet is the Prophet of Allah'.

Salat or Salah

Daily prayer, five times per day with the face towards Mecca.

Zakat or Zakah

Paying ritual alms. About 2.5% of unused wealth.

Ramadan

Observing the fast of Ramadan.

Hajj

Making the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in your life if you can afford it. This six day pilgrimage from Mecca to Medina occurs during January. About two million Muslims attend.