Islam

Also called

Islam

Origin

Arabia, in the seventh century CE, with the revelation received by the Prophet Muhammad in Makkah and Madinah.

Texts

The Quran, which Muslims believe is the word of God as revealed to Muhammad, and the Hadith, the reported sayings and actions of the Prophet.

Place of worship

A masjid (mosque), led by an imam. There are no images of God or the prophets.

Main beliefs

• One God (Allah), who is merciful and just, and Muhammad as his final messenger, after earlier prophets such as Ibrahim, Musa and Isa (Jesus).
• The five pillars: the declaration of faith (shahada), the five daily prayers (salah), charity (zakat), fasting in Ramadan (sawm) and pilgrimage to Makkah (Hajj) once in life if able.
• Life after death and accountability for one's actions.

Practice

Five daily prayers facing Makkah, fasting in Ramadan, charity, reading the Quran; halal food rules; Friday congregational prayer.

Holy days and festivals

Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha; the Islamic new year; Mawlid in many communities.

Visiting a place of worship

Remove your shoes, dress modestly (covering arms and legs, and for women a headscarf in many mosques), and avoid walking in front of people who pray.

A note

Islam is a faith of many peoples; most Muslims do not live in the Arab world. Our prayer-time and Ramadan sections cover practice.

The other eleven faiths · Comparison table

Questions people ask

This is a short, neutral introduction written from widely agreed facts. Every faith has many traditions and its members may describe it differently; for a true account, ask a member of that faith. We state no figures and no dates of moveable festivals.