What Is Islam?

Islam means “Monotheistic” which translates into ‘One God.’ Like other religions they have a book of worship which in Islam is the Qur’an. The Qur’an contains the teachings of Muhammad and the Qur’an states that the purpose of life is to love and serve God and that Muslim is the complete and universal version of faith. In Islam Muhammad is considered the last prophet of God. The Qur’an is more focused on moral guidance than instruction and is reflected as the “sourcebook of Islamic principles and values.” According to the Qur’an, God told the prophets to bring the “will of God” to the people. Muslims believed that these prophets of God, Muhammad himself, were humans, but at the same time capable of completing miracles.

The Qur'an - The Islamic Holy Book

Muslims believe that the universe came into existence by God’s command and that God is personal; meaning he will and does respond whenever a person is in need or calls upon him. Muslim’s believe in “Angels” and that their duties are to communicate messages to and from God.  There are two groups of Muslim: Sunni which represent 75-90% and Shia which are about 10-20%. Sunni means “people of the tradition”. Sunni believe that the first four Caliphs were the rightful successors of the religion after the passing of Muhammad. They believe this because, in their thinking, Muhammad did not appoint a successor and therefore the Caliphs, which were elected officials of the community, are the rightful heirs. The Shia, on the other hand, believe that Muhammad named his son-in-law, Ali ibn Abi Talib as his successor after Muhammad’s final pilgrimage to Mecca.

South Asia, the Middle East and Sub-Sahara Africa are areas which are heavily dominated by Islam but Islam’s are spread widely throughout the world. Approximately 24% of the world’s population is Islamic which makes Islam the second largest religion in the world. 

The Holy Islamic Symbol - Crescent Moon and Star Pin.