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

Islam encompasses several major traditions with distinct theological and historical identities:

Sunni Islam

The majority tradition (~85-90% of Muslims), emphasizing the Sunnah (way) of Muhammad, community consensus, and the legitimacy of the first four caliphs. Sunni Islam includes four schools of law (Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, Hanbali).

Shia Islam

The second-largest branch (~10-15% of Muslims), believing Ali ibn Abi Talib was Muhammad’s rightful successor and that leadership belongs to his descendants (the Imams). Major branches include Twelver, Ismaili, and Zaidi Shi’ism.

Sufism

The mystical dimension of Islam, emphasizing direct experience of God, inner purification, and devotional practices. Sufism exists across Sunni and Shia lines, organized into various orders (tariqas).

Ibadi Islam

A distinct third branch (~1% of Muslims), neither Sunni nor Shia, emphasizing piety-based leadership and moderate theology. Predominant in Oman.

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.