Islam

Islam is a monotheistic religion founded upon belief in the oneness of Allah (tawḥīd) and adherence to the guidance revealed through Prophet Muḥammad (PBUH), whom Muslims regard as the final messenger in a long line of prophets beginning with Ādam (AS). The term Islam derives from the Arabic root s-l-m, meaning peace, submission, and surrender to the will of Allah. According to Islamic belief, Islam is not a new religion but the continuation and completion of the divine message conveyed by earlier prophets, including Nūḥ, Ibrāhīm, Mūsā, and ʿĪsā (AS). The Qurʾān declares: “Indeed, the religion in the sight of Allah is Islam” (Qurʾān 3:19), presenting Islam as the universal path of submission to God revealed throughout human history.

Today, Islam is the second-largest religion in the world, with approximately two billion adherents distributed across every inhabited continent. Muslims constitute nearly one-quarter of the global population and are concentrated particularly in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and increasingly in Europe and North America. This global presence reflects the historical expansion of Islam and its enduring influence on religious, cultural, intellectual, and social life throughout the world.

The primary sources of Islam are the Qurʾān and the sunnah of Prophet Muḥammad (PBUH). Muslims believe that the Qurʾān is the final and preserved revelation of Allah, transmitted to the Prophet through Jibrīl (AS) over a period of approximately twenty-three years. The Sunnah, preserved through authentic ḥadīth literature, provides the authoritative explanation and practical application of Qurʾānic teachings. Together, these sources constitute the foundation of Islamic belief, worship, law, ethics, and spirituality. The core doctrines of Islam consist of belief in Allah, His angels, His revealed books, His messengers, the Last Day, and divine decree. These six articles of faith form the foundation of Islamic creed (ʿaqīdah) and are expressed in the declaration: “I believe in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, the Last Day, and in divine decree, both its good and its apparent evil.” Their practical manifestation is found in the Five Pillars of Islam: the testimony of faith (shahādah), prayer (ṣalāh), almsgiving (zakāh), fasting (ṣawm), and pilgrimage (ḥajj), which collectively shape the religious life of Muslims.

During the lifetime of Prophet Muḥammad (PBUH), the followers of Islam constituted a single religious community (ummah) united by faith in Allah, acceptance of the Prophet’s message, and adherence to the teachings of the Qurʾān and Sunnah. The Qurʾān refers to believers collectively as “Muslims” and emphasizes their spiritual brotherhood, mutual support, and obedience to divine guidance. Under the Prophet’s leadership, the Muslim community developed from a small group of believers in Makkah into an organized religious and social community in Madinah, bound together by shared beliefs, worship, and ethical values.

The Prophet (PBUH) established the foundations of a comprehensive religious civilization that integrated faith, worship, law, morality, education, and social responsibility. Through the Qurʾān and his practical example, he cultivated a community devoted to justice, compassion, and obedience to Allah. By the time of his death in 632 CE, Islam had spread throughout much of the Arabian Peninsula, and the Muslim community possessed a clear religious identity rooted in revelation. Subsequent historical developments witnessed the geographical expansion of Islam and the emergence of various intellectual, legal, and theological traditions, all of which traced their origins to the teachings of the Qurʾān and the sunnah of Prophet Muḥammad (PBUH).

Another early movement within Islamic history was the Khārijite tradition, which emerged during the political conflicts of the first Islamic century. While most Khārijite groups disappeared, the Ibāḍī community survived and developed into a distinct branch of Islam, particularly in Oman and parts of North Africa. Ibāḍī Muslims emphasize moderation, communal consultation, and adherence to the Qurʾān and Sunnah. Although differing from both Sunnī and Shīʿī traditions in certain theological and legal matters, they remain part of the broader Islamic heritage.

Despite the historical emergence of different branches, Muslims across the world remain united by fundamental beliefs and practices rooted in the Qurʾān and the teachings of Prophet Muḥammad (PBUH). The Qurʾān repeatedly calls believers to unity, righteousness, and devotion to Allah, while recognizing diversity within the human community. Throughout its history, Islam has developed rich intellectual, legal, theological, and spiritual traditions that continue to shape the religious lives of Muslims worldwide. As a comprehensive way of life, Islam encompasses worship, ethics, social relations, and spiritual development, all directed toward achieving submission to Allah and success in the Hereafter.