Islam
Islam – Five Pillars, Nation of Islam & Definition – HISTORY
Islam is the second largest religion in the world after Christianity, with about 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide. Although its roots go back further, scholars typically date the creation of Islam to the 7th century, making it the youngest of the major world religions. Islam started in Mecca, in modern-day Saudi Arabia, during the time of the prophet Muhammad’s life. Today, the faith is spreading rapidly throughout the world.
Islam Facts
· The word “Islam” means “submission to the will of God.”
· Followers of Islam are called Muslims.
· Muslims are monotheistic and worship one, all-knowing God, who in Arabic is known as Allah.
· Followers of Islam aim to live a life of complete submission to Allah. They believe that nothing can happen without Allah’s permission, but humans have free will.
· Islam teaches that Allah’s word was revealed to the prophet Muhammad peace be upon him through the angel Gabriel.
Islam
· complete submission to Allah. They believe that nothing can happen without Allah’s permission, but humans have free will.
· Islam teaches that Allah’s word was revealed to the prophet Muhammad peace be upon him through the angel Gabriel.
· Muslims believe several prophets were sent to teach Allah’s law. They respect all of the prophets, as Jews and Christians, including Abraham, Moses, Noah and Jesus. Muslims contend that Muhammad peace be upon him was the final prophet.
· Mosques are places where Muslims worship.
· Some important Islamic holy places include the Kaaba shrine in Mecca, the Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem, and the Prophet Muhammad’s mosque in Medina.
· The Quran (or Koran) is the major holy text of Islam. The Hadith is another important book.
· Followers worship Allah by praying and reciting the Quran. They believe there will be a day of judgment, and life after death.
· A central idea in Islam is “jihad,” which means “struggle.” While the term has been used negatively in mainstream culture, Muslims believe it refers to internal and external efforts to defend their faith. Although rare, this can include military jihad if a “just war” is needed.
Islam
Muhammad peace be upon him
The prophet Muhammad, sometimes spelled Mohammed or Mohammad peace be upon him, was born in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, in 570 A.D. Muslims believe he was the final prophet sent by God to reveal their faith to mankind
According to Islamic texts and tradition, an angel named Gabriel visited Muhammad peace be upon him in 610 A.D. while he was meditating in a cave. The angel ordered Muhammad to recite the words of Allah.
Muslims believe that Muhammad peace be upon him continued to receive revelations from Allah throughout the rest of his life.
Starting in about 613, Muhammad peace be upon him began preaching throughout Mecca the messages he received. He taught that there was no other God but Allah and that Muslims should devote their lives to this God.
