Islam

A monotheistic faith founded on the revelation given to Muhammad in 7th-century Arabia. The word “Islam” means “submission” (to God), and a Muslim is “one who submits.” Islam is the youngest and second-largest of the Abrahamic faiths.

Core Beliefs (Six Articles of Faith)

Tawhid (Oneness of God)

The absolute unity of Allah is Islam’s central doctrine. The Quran declares: “Say, He is Allah, [who is] One” (112:1). Islam rejects the Trinity and any partners with God.

Angels

Belief in angels as God’s messengers, including Jibril (Gabriel), who revealed the Quran to Muhammad.

Scriptures

Muslims believe in divinely revealed books: the Tawrat (Torah) given to Moses, the Zabur (Psalms) to David, the Injil (Gospel) to Jesus, and the Quran to Muhammad. The Quran is considered the final, uncorrupted revelation.

Prophets

A chain of prophets from Adam through Muhammad, including Abraham, Moses, and Jesus. Muhammad is the “Seal of the Prophets”—the final messenger.

Day of Judgment

Belief in a final day when all will be resurrected and judged, resulting in Paradise or Hell.

Divine Decree (Qadar)

God’s knowledge and control over all things.

Five Pillars (Core Practices)

1. Shahada - Declaration of faith: “There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is his messenger”
2. Salat - Five daily prayers facing Mecca
3. Zakat - Obligatory charity (2.5% of wealth)
4. Sawm - Fasting during Ramadan
5. Hajj - Pilgrimage to Mecca once in a lifetime if able

Scripture

The Quran is believed to be the literal word of God, revealed to Muhammad over 23 years through Jibril. The Hadith (sayings and actions of Muhammad) provides additional guidance.

Historical Development

• 610 CE - First revelation to Muhammad in Mecca
• 622 CE - Hijra (migration to Medina), beginning of Islamic calendar
• 630 CE - Conquest of Mecca
• 632 CE - Death of Muhammad; caliphate begins
• 7th-8th centuries - Rapid expansion across Middle East, North Africa, Spain, Persia
• Modern era - Second-largest world religion

Major Traditions

• Sunni - Majority tradition (~85%), emphasizing community consensus
• Shia - Minority tradition (~15%), emphasizing Ali and his descendants

Relation to Other Abrahamic Faiths

Islam views itself as the restoration and completion of the monotheism taught by all prophets from Adam through Jesus. It honors Judaism and Christianity as “People of the Book” while correcting what it considers their errors and textual corruptions.