Islam is one of the world’s major monotheistic religions, rooted in the belief in one God, Allah. Its followers, known as Muslims, believe that Islam is the final and complete revelation of God’s will, as conveyed through the Prophet Muhammad, who is regarded as the last prophet in a long line of prophets. The Qur'an, Islam's sacred text, is considered the literal word of God, and it forms the foundation of Muslim faith, law, and practice. Alongside the Qur'an, the Hadith, which are collections of sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad, serve as an important guide for interpreting Islamic teachings.

Islam emphasizes the submission to the will of God, and the term "Islam" itself means "submission" or "surrender" in Arabic. It promotes living a life in alignment with divine commandments as revealed through the Qur'an and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, and it stresses the importance of personal morality, social justice, and compassion for others.

At the heart of Islam is the belief in the oneness of God (Tawhid), who is both transcendent and immanent. Muslims believe that Allah is the only deity, and that Muhammad is His final messenger. The Five Pillars of Islam represent the core practices that all Muslims follow:

1. Shahada (Faith): The declaration of faith, stating that there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His messenger.

2. Salah (Prayer): Muslims perform five daily prayers at prescribed times to maintain a constant connection with Allah.

3. Zakat (Charity): Muslims are required to give a portion of their wealth to help those in need, promoting social justice and care for the poor.

4. Sawm (Fasting): During the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset as an act of worship and spiritual discipline.

5. Hajj (Pilgrimage): Muslims who are able are expected to undertake a pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca at least once in their lifetime.

The concept of Jihad is often misunderstood; it is most fundamentally about striving to live a righteous life, but it also refers to the struggle to spread and defend Islam, and the defense of justice.

Islam began in the 7th century CE in the Arabian Peninsula, where the Prophet Muhammad received revelations from Allah through the archangel Gabriel. These revelations were eventually compiled into the Qur'an, which Muslims believe is the literal word of God. Muhammad’s teachings rapidly spread throughout the Arabian Peninsula and beyond, establishing the foundation for the Islamic community, or Ummah.

Following the death of Muhammad, Islam continued to expand across the Middle East, North Africa, and beyond. The early Islamic caliphates, particularly the Rashidun and Umayyad Caliphates, played crucial roles in spreading Islam and establishing its theological, legal, and cultural systems. Islam eventually spread across Asia, Europe, and Africa, and today, it is one of the world’s largest religions, with over a billion adherents.

The division between Sunni and Shia Islam occurred shortly after Muhammad’s death, when disagreements arose over who should succeed him as the leader of the Muslim community. Sunnis make up the majority of Muslims, while Shia Muslims are a significant minority. Despite differences in practices and leadership, both groups share the fundamental beliefs of Islam.

• Sunni Islam: The largest denomination within Islam, Sunnis believe in the legitimacy of the first four caliphs as rightful successors to Muhammad and emphasize the community's role in interpreting Islamic law.

• Shia Islam: Shia Muslims believe that the leadership of the Muslim community should have passed through Muhammad’s family, specifically to Ali, Muhammad’s cousin and son-in-law. The Shia emphasize the importance of the Imams, whom they believe are divinely appointed leaders.

• Sufism: A mystical and spiritual dimension of Islam, Sufism emphasizes direct experience of God through meditation, chanting (dhikr), and love of the divine.

• Ibadi Islam: A sect primarily found in Oman, Ibadi Muslims trace their beliefs to the early days of Islam, differing from both Sunni and Shia Muslims in certain theological aspects.

• Ahmadiyya: A modern movement within Islam that views the founder of the movement, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, as a prophet. The Ahmadiyya community is controversial within the broader Muslim world, and many mainstream Muslim groups do not consider them to be Muslims.

Today, Islam is practiced by people around the world, with significant populations in the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia, though Muslim communities can be found across all continents. The practice of Islam varies depending on cultural, geographical, and political contexts, but the core beliefs and practices remain consistent.

In the modern world, Muslims continue to face challenges related to their faith, such as political and social tensions, the role of Islam in contemporary society, and the rise of extremist interpretations. However, the vast majority of Muslims reject extremism and view Islam as a religion of peace, submission to God, and justice. Islam continues to be a powerful force for good, with Muslim communities around the world engaged in charitable work, education, interfaith dialogue, and humanitarian efforts.

Islamic law, or Sharia, continues to shape the lives of Muslims, guiding their personal, social, and political actions. While interpretations of Sharia vary by region, country, and sect, it remains a central aspect of Muslim identity and governance. In many countries, Islam plays an influential role in politics and culture, shaping social norms, values, and legal systems.

Modern Islamic practice varies widely depending on factors such as geography, culture, and personal belief. However, most Muslims adhere to the Five Pillars, and worship remains central to Muslim life. Islamic prayers, or Salat, are performed five times a day, and they serve as a constant reminder of the believer’s submission to God. Fasting during the month of Ramadan and charitable giving (Zakat) remain central acts of devotion and social responsibility.

Islamic theology continues to evolve in response to modern challenges. Contemporary Muslim scholars engage with issues such as the relationship between Islam and science, the role of women in Islamic society, the integration of Islamic values with modern democratic principles, and the use of technology in religious practice. Many Muslims find ways to reconcile traditional practices with the demands of modern life, such as online Islamic education, digital charitable donations, and virtual prayer spaces.

• Jihad: Often misunderstood, Jihad is primarily the internal struggle to live a righteous life and uphold the tenets of Islam. It also refers to the struggle to protect the Muslim community, both physically and spiritually.

• Halaal and Haram: Islamic dietary laws are central to Muslim life. Food and drink are considered Halaal(permissible) if they adhere to Islamic law, and Haram (forbidden) if they violate these laws, such as the consumption of alcohol or pork.

• The Role of Women in Islam: Women’s roles within Islam are diverse and vary widely. In many Muslim-majority countries, the role of women has evolved, and women actively participate in social, political, and economic life.

• Islamic Philosophy: Islamic thinkers have contributed to fields like logic, ethics, and metaphysics, exploring the relationship between reason and faith, and the nature of God’s existence.

• Islamic Art and Architecture: Islam has a rich cultural heritage, particularly in art and architecture, where geometric patterns, calligraphy, and architectural monuments such as mosques reflect Islamic spirituality.

Islam is a religion of peace, community, and submission to the will of Allah. With over a billion followers worldwide, its impact on global culture, politics, and interfaith relations is significant. Understanding Islam’s beliefs, practices, and historical context fosters a deeper appreciation for its role in shaping societies and its contributions to the rich tapestry of global religious traditions. Islam remains an important force for good, with its followers continuing to contribute positively to the spiritual, cultural, and social life of the world.

1. The Qur'an

2. The Life of Muhammad by Muhammad Husayn Haykal

3. "Islam: An Introduction" by John L. Esposito

4. "What is Islam?" BBC Religion

5. "Islamic Practices" Encyclopedia Britannica