Islam

Introduction

Islam, meaning “submission to God,” is the most recent of the Abrahamic faiths. Founded in the 7th century CE through the revelations received by the Prophet Muhammad, Islam teaches the oneness of God (Allah), guidance through the Qur’an, and a way of life rooted in worship, ethics, and community.

Core Beliefs

• Tawhid — the oneness of God.
• Prophethood — Muhammad as the final prophet in a long line from Adam to Abraham, Moses, and Jesus.
• Revelation — the Qur’an as the literal word of God.
• Afterlife — accountability, judgment, paradise, and hell.

The Five Pillars of Islam

1. Shahada — declaration of faith.
2. Salat — five daily prayers.
3. Zakat — giving alms to the poor.
4. Sawm — fasting during Ramadan.
5. Hajj — pilgrimage to Mecca.

Major Branches of Islam

• Sunni — the majority tradition, emphasizing consensus and the Sunnah of the Prophet.
• Shia — centered on the leadership of the Prophet’s family, especially Imam Ali and his descendants.
• Sufism — the mystical dimension of Islam, focusing on inner devotion and spiritual closeness to God.

Explore Further

• History of Islam
• Beliefs and Practices
• Branches of Islam
• Sacred Texts