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- DictionaryIslam/ˈɪzlɑːm/
noun
- 1. the religion of the Muslims, a monotheistic faith regarded as revealed through Muhammad as the Prophet of Allah.
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Learn about the origins, spread, and development of Islam as a culture and polity from the 7th century CE to the present. Explore the sources, timeline, and major events of Islamic history, as well as its branches, schools, and influences.
- Islam Facts
- Muhammad
- Hijra, Abu Bakr
- Caliphate System
- Sunnis and Shiites
- Other Types of Islam
- Quran
- Islamic Calendar, Symbols
- Five Pillars of Islam
- Sharia Law
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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.The prophet Muhammad, sometimes spelled Mohammed or Mohammad, was born in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, in A.D. 570. 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 in 610 while he was meditating in a cave. The angel ordered Muhammad to r...
In 622, Muhammad traveled from Mecca to Medina with his supporters. This journey became known as the Hijra (also spelled Hegira or Hijrah), and marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar. Some seven years later, Muhammad and his many followers returned to Mecca and conquered the region. He continued to preach until his death in 632. After Muhammad...
When Umar was assassinated six years after being named caliph, Uthman, Muhammad’s son-in-law, took the role. Uthman was also killed, and Ali, Muhammad’s cousin and son-in-law, was selected as the next caliph. During the reign of the first four caliphs, Arab Muslims conquered large regions in the Middle East, including Syria, Palestine, Iranand Iraq...
When Muhammad died, there was debate over who should replace him as leader. This led to a schism in Islam, and two major sects emerged: the Sunnis and the Shiites. Sunnis make up nearly 90 percent of Muslims worldwide. They accept that the first four caliphs were the true successors to Muhammad. Shiite Muslims believe that only the caliph Ali and h...
Other, smaller Muslim denominations within the Sunni and Shiite groups exist. Some of these include: 1. Wahhabi: This Sunni sect, made up of members of the Tameem tribe in Saudi Arabia, was founded in the 18th century. Followers observe an extremely strict interpretation of Islam that was taught by Muhammad bin Abd al-Wahhab. 2. Alawite: This Shiit...
The Quran (sometimes spelled Qur’an or Koran) is considered the most important holy book among Muslims. It contains some basic information that is found in the Hebrew Bible as well as revelations that were given to Muhammad. The text is considered the sacred word of God and supercedes any previous writings. Most Muslims believe that Muhammad’s scri...
The Islamic calendar, also called the Hijra calendar, is a lunar calendar used in Islamic religious worship. The calendar began in the year A.D. 622, celebrating the journey of Muhammad from Mecca to Medina. The Islamic calendar indicates the proper days of Islamic holidays and celebrations, including the period of fasting and prayer known as Ramad...
Muslims follow five basic pillars that are essential to their faith. These include: 1. Shahada: to declare one’s faith in God and belief in Muhammad 2. Salat: to pray five times a day (at dawn, noon, afternoon, sunset, and evening) 3. Zakat: to give to those in need 4. Sawm: to fast during Ramadan 5. Hajj: to make a pilgrimage to Mecca at least onc...
Islam’s legal system is known as Sharia Law. This faith-based code of conduct directs Muslims on how they should live in nearly every aspect of their lives. Sharia law requires men and women to dress modestly. It also outlines marriage guidelines and other moral principles for Muslims. If crimes are committed, Sharia law is known for its harsh puni...
Learn about the origins, history, beliefs and branches of Islam, the second-largest religion in the world. Find out how Muhammad, the Quran, the caliphate system and the Sunni-Shiite split shaped the faith.
2 days ago · Islam is a monotheistic religion founded by Muhammad in 7th-century Arabia. It spread rapidly through the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Asia, and has over 1.5 billion followers worldwide.
Islam is a monotheistic religion based on the Quran and the teachings of Muhammad, the final prophet. It originated in Mecca in 610 CE and spread across the world through various means, including trade, missionary activities, and conquests.
Nov 25, 2019 · Learn about the origin and spread of Islam, the Abrahamic-monotheistic religion based on the teachings of Prophet Muhammad. Explore the life of Muhammad, his migration to Medina, his battles with Mecca, and his legacy in the world.
Learn about the life, revelations, and legacy of the Prophet Muhammad, the founder of Islam, and his followers. Explore the history, art, and culture of the Islamic world through the Met's collection and resources.
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Muhammad, or Mohammed, (born c. 570, Mecca, Arabia—died June 8, 632, Medina), Arab prophet who established the religion of Islam. The son of a merchant of the ruling tribe, he was orphaned at age six. He married a rich widow, Khadījah, with whom he had six children, including Fāṭimah, a daughter.
