Islam - Revision history

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	'''Islam''' ~~({{lang-ar\|الإسلام\|al-’Islām}})~~ is an [[Abrahamic religions\|Abrahamic]] [[monotheism\|monotheistic]] religion centered on the [[Quran]] and the teachings of [[Muhammad]], the religion's founder and the final [[Prophets and messengers in Islam\|prophet and messenger of God]] (Allah). Adherents of Islam, called [[Muslims]], believe that the Quran is the verbatim word of God as revealed to Muhammad through the angel [[Gabriel in Islam\|Gabriel]]. Muslims consider Muhammad, through his teachings and normative example (the [[Sunnah]]), to be the perfect model for human life. Islam is the world's second-largest religion, with approximately 1.9 billion followers, known as Muslims, constituting about 25% of the global population (Pew Research Center, 2020).		'''Islam''' is an [[Abrahamic religions\|Abrahamic]] [[monotheism\|monotheistic]] religion centered on the [[Quran]] and the teachings of [[Muhammad]], the religion's founder and the final [[Prophets and messengers in Islam\|prophet and messenger of God]] (Allah). Adherents of Islam, called [[Muslims]], believe that the Quran is the verbatim word of God as revealed to Muhammad through the angel [[Gabriel in Islam\|Gabriel]]. Muslims consider Muhammad, through his teachings and normative example (the [[Sunnah]]), to be the perfect model for human life. Islam is the world's second-largest religion, with approximately 1.9 billion followers, known as Muslims, constituting about 25% of the global population (Pew Research Center, 2020).

	== Etymology and meaning ==		== Etymology and meaning ==

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	'''Islam''' ({{lang-ar\|الإسلام\|al-’Islām}}) is an [[Abrahamic religions\|Abrahamic]] [[monotheism\|monotheistic]] religion centered on the [[Quran]] and the teachings of [[Muhammad]], the religion's founder and the final [[Prophets and messengers in Islam\|prophet and messenger of God]] (Allah). Adherents of Islam, called [[Muslims]], believe that the Quran is the verbatim word of God as revealed to Muhammad through the angel [[Gabriel in Islam\|Gabriel]]. Muslims consider Muhammad, through his teachings and normative example (the [[Sunnah]]), to be the perfect model for human life. Islam is the world's second-largest religion, with approximately 1.9 billion followers, known as Muslims, constituting about 25% of the global population (Pew Research Center, 2020).~~<ref name="Pew2020" />~~		'''Islam''' ({{lang-ar\|الإسلام\|al-’Islām}}) is an [[Abrahamic religions\|Abrahamic]] [[monotheism\|monotheistic]] religion centered on the [[Quran]] and the teachings of [[Muhammad]], the religion's founder and the final [[Prophets and messengers in Islam\|prophet and messenger of God]] (Allah). Adherents of Islam, called [[Muslims]], believe that the Quran is the verbatim word of God as revealed to Muhammad through the angel [[Gabriel in Islam\|Gabriel]]. Muslims consider Muhammad, through his teachings and normative example (the [[Sunnah]]), to be the perfect model for human life. Islam is the world's second-largest religion, with approximately 1.9 billion followers, known as Muslims, constituting about 25% of the global population (Pew Research Center, 2020).

	== Etymology and meaning ==		== Etymology and meaning ==

Peysepar: /* Sunni Islam: The Five Pillars */

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Sunni Islam: The Five Pillars

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	'''[[Shahada]]''' (Testimony of Faith): The declaration, "I bear witness that there is no god but [[God in Islam\|God]] (Allah), and I bear witness that [[Muhammad]] is the Messenger of God."		'''[[Shahada]]''' (Testimony of Faith): The declaration, "I bear witness that there is no god but [[God in Islam\|God]] (Allah), and I bear witness that [[Muhammad]] is the Messenger of God."

	'''[[Salah]]''' (Prayer): Performing the five prescribed daily prayers.		'''[[Salah]]''' (Prayer): Performing the five prescribed daily prayers.

	'''[[Zakat]]''' (Almsgiving): Giving an annual charity of 2.5% on surplus wealth above a minimum threshold (''[[Nisab\|nisab]]'') to specified categories of recipients.		'''[[Zakat]]''' (Almsgiving): Giving an annual charity of 2.5% on surplus wealth above a minimum threshold (''[[Nisab\|nisab]]'') to specified categories of recipients.

	'''[[Sawm]]''' (Fasting): Abstaining from food, drink, and marital relations from dawn to sunset during the month of [[Ramadan]].		'''[[Sawm]]''' (Fasting): Abstaining from food, drink, and marital relations from dawn to sunset during the month of [[Ramadan]].

	'''[[Hajj]]''' (Pilgrimage): Undertaking the pilgrimage to [[Mecca]] at least once in a lifetime for those who are physically and financially able (Denny, 2010).<ref>Denny, F. M. (2010). An Introduction to Islam (4th ed.). Pearson.</ref>		'''[[Hajj]]''' (Pilgrimage): Undertaking the pilgrimage to [[Mecca]] at least once in a lifetime for those who are physically and financially able (Denny, 2010).<ref>Denny, F. M. (2010). An Introduction to Islam (4th ed.). Pearson.</ref>

	These pillars represent the core acts of worship ('''[[Ibadah\|ibadah]]''') that structure a Muslim's relationship with God and society, emphasizing both personal devotion and social responsibility.		These pillars represent the core acts of worship ('''[[Ibadah\|ibadah]]''') that structure a Muslim's relationship with God and society, emphasizing both personal devotion and social responsibility.

Peysepar: /* Shia Islam: The Branches of Religion */

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Shia Islam: The Branches of Religion

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	'''[[Salah]]''' (Prayer)		'''[[Salah]]''' (Prayer)

	'''[[Sawm]]''' (Fasting)		'''[[Sawm]]''' (Fasting)

	'''[[Hajj]]''' (Pilgrimage)		'''[[Hajj]]''' (Pilgrimage)

	'''[[Zakat]]''' (Almsgiving)		'''[[Zakat]]''' (Almsgiving)

	'''[[Khums]]''' (One-Fifth Levy): An annual payment of 20% on surplus income and certain other forms of wealth, distributed between the descendants of the Prophet and religious authorities.		'''[[Khums]]''' (One-Fifth Levy): An annual payment of 20% on surplus income and certain other forms of wealth, distributed between the descendants of the Prophet and religious authorities.

	'''[[Jihad]]''' (Struggle): Primarily understood as an internal spiritual struggle (''jihad al-akbar'') and, under strictly defined conditions, an external defensive effort (''jihad al-asghar'').		'''[[Jihad]]''' (Struggle): Primarily understood as an internal spiritual struggle (''jihad al-akbar'') and, under strictly defined conditions, an external defensive effort (''jihad al-asghar'').

	'''[[Enjoining good and forbidding wrong\|Amr bi'l-maʿrūf]]''' (Enjoining Good): The duty to promote virtuous conduct.		'''[[Enjoining good and forbidding wrong\|Amr bi'l-maʿrūf]]''' (Enjoining Good): The duty to promote virtuous conduct.

	'''[[Enjoining good and forbidding wrong\|Nahy ʿan al-munkar]]''' (Forbidding Wrong): The duty to discourage sinful conduct.		'''[[Enjoining good and forbidding wrong\|Nahy ʿan al-munkar]]''' (Forbidding Wrong): The duty to discourage sinful conduct.

	'''[[Tawalla]]''' (Loving the Ahl al-Bayt): Expressing love and allegiance to the family of the Prophet.		'''[[Tawalla]]''' (Loving the Ahl al-Bayt): Expressing love and allegiance to the family of the Prophet.

	'''[[Tabarra]]''' (Dissociation): Disassociating from the enemies of the Prophet's family (Momen, 1985).<ref>Momen, M. (1985). An Introduction to Shi'i Islam: The History and Doctrines of Twelver Shi'ism. Yale University Press.</ref>		'''[[Tabarra]]''' (Dissociation): Disassociating from the enemies of the Prophet's family (Momen, 1985).<ref>Momen, M. (1985). An Introduction to Shi'i Islam: The History and Doctrines of Twelver Shi'ism. Yale University Press.</ref>

	The first four branches correspond directly to the Sunni pillars (though with some juristic differences in detail), while the latter six incorporate obligations that emphasize social justice, moral community, and the distinctive Shia doctrine of Imamah.		The first four branches correspond directly to the Sunni pillars (though with some juristic differences in detail), while the latter six incorporate obligations that emphasize social justice, moral community, and the distinctive Shia doctrine of Imamah.

Peysepar: /* Practices: The Five Pillars */

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Practices: The Five Pillars

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	'''[[Predestination in Islam\|Divine Decree (Qadr)]]:''' Belief that everything, good and evil, occurs by the will and knowledge of God, though humans possess free will and are responsible for their choices (Brown, 2009).<ref>Brown, D. W. (2009). A New Introduction to Islam (2nd ed.). Wiley-Blackwell.</ref>		'''[[Predestination in Islam\|Divine Decree (Qadr)]]:''' Belief that everything, good and evil, occurs by the will and knowledge of God, though humans possess free will and are responsible for their choices (Brown, 2009).<ref>Brown, D. W. (2009). A New Introduction to Islam (2nd ed.). Wiley-Blackwell.</ref>

	== Practices: ~~The Five~~ Pillars ==		== Practices: Branches and Pillars ==
	The ~~core religious practices~~ of Islam are ~~encapsulated in~~ the [[Five Pillars of Islam]] (''Arkān al-Islām''), ~~which are considered obligatory for all able Muslims~~. ~~While the pillars are shared~~, ~~there are minor differences~~ in ~~interpretation~~ and ~~practice between Sunni~~ and ~~Shia traditions~~.		The foundational tenets of Islam are categorized differently within the [[Sunni Islam\|Sunni]] and [[Shia Islam\|Shia]] traditions, reflecting distinct theological emphases. Sunnis primarily organize obligatory practice around the '''[[Five Pillars of Islam]]''' (''Arkān al-Islām''), while Shia theology articulates a complementary structure of '''[[Shia theology\|Roots of Religion]]''' (''Usūl al-Dīn'') governing belief and '''[[Furu' al-Din\|Branches of Religion]]''' (''Furūʿ al-Dīn'') governing practice. These frameworks, while differing in nomenclature and some specifics, share the common purpose of guiding a Muslim's worship and ethical conduct.

	'''[[~~Shahada~~]] (~~Profession of Faith):~~''' ~~The fundamental declaration~~: ~~"I bear witness that there is no god but~~ God (~~Allah~~), and ~~I bear witness that Muhammad is~~ the ~~Messenger~~ of ~~God~~."		=== Shia Islam: The Branches of Religion ===
			[[Shia Islam\|Shia]] theology first establishes core doctrines through the '''[[Shia theology#Principles of Religion (Usul al-Din)\|Roots of Religion]]''' (''Usūl al-Dīn''): [[Tawhid]] (Oneness of God), [[Adalah\|Adl]] (Divine Justice), [[Prophethood in Islam\|Nubuwwah]] (Prophethood), [[Imamate in Shia doctrine\|Imamah]] (Leadership of the [[Ahl al-Bayt\|Imams]]), and [[Qiyamah]] (Resurrection). Derived from these beliefs are the practical ordinances known as the '''[[Furu' al-Din\|Branches of Religion]]''' (''Furūʿ al-Dīn''). While the list varies slightly among scholars, the ten commonly accepted branches in [[Twelver Shi'ism\|Twelver]] jurisprudence are:

	Sunni ~~practice: This statement alone constitutes~~ the ~~Shahada~~.		'''[[Salah]]''' (Prayer)
			'''[[Sawm]]''' (Fasting)
			'''[[Hajj]]''' (Pilgrimage)
			'''[[Zakat]]''' (Almsgiving)
			'''[[Khums]]''' (One-Fifth Levy): An annual payment of 20% on surplus income and certain other forms of wealth, distributed between the descendants of the Prophet and religious authorities.
			'''[[Jihad]]''' (Struggle): Primarily understood as an internal spiritual struggle (''jihad al-akbar'') and, under strictly defined conditions, an external defensive effort (''jihad al-asghar'').
			'''[[Enjoining good and forbidding wrong\|Amr bi'l-maʿrūf]]''' (Enjoining Good): The duty to promote virtuous conduct.
			'''[[Enjoining good and forbidding wrong\|Nahy ʿan al-munkar]]''' (Forbidding Wrong): The duty to discourage sinful conduct.
			'''[[Tawalla]]''' (Loving the Ahl al-Bayt): Expressing love and allegiance to the family of the Prophet.
			'''[[Tabarra]]''' (Dissociation): Disassociating from the enemies of the Prophet's family (Momen, 1985).<ref>Momen, M. (1985). An Introduction to Shi'i Islam: The History and Doctrines of Twelver Shi'ism. Yale University Press.</ref>
			The first four branches correspond directly to the Sunni pillars (though with some juristic differences in detail), while the latter six incorporate obligations that emphasize social justice, moral community, and the distinctive Shia doctrine of Imamah.

	~~Shia practice~~: ~~While the above is the core of the pillar, it is common in Shia tradition to add~~, ~~"And I bear witness that Ali is~~ the ~~friend of God (~~''~~Wali Allah~~'') and ~~the successor~~ of ~~the Prophet." This addition affirms belief in the Imamate but is not considered a part of the formal, obligatory pillar~~ for ~~the validity of one's Islam~~.		=== Sunni Islam: The Five Pillars ===
			In [[Sunni Islam]], the '''Five Pillars''' constitute the essential and universally obligatory framework of worship and practice for all competent adults. They are enumerated as follows:

	'''[[~~Salah~~]] (~~Prayer~~):~~''' Performing the five daily ritual prayers at prescribed times while facing the~~ [[~~Kaaba~~]] ~~in Mecca.~~		'''[[Shahada]]''' (Testimony of Faith): The declaration, "I bear witness that there is no god but [[God in Islam\|God]] (Allah), and I bear witness that [[Muhammad]] is the Messenger of God."
			'''[[Salah]]''' (Prayer): Performing the five prescribed daily prayers.
	~~Sunni practice: Prayers are performed at five distinct times (Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha). The call to prayer~~ (~~Adhan~~) ~~includes specific phrases.~~		'''[[Zakat]]''' (Almsgiving): Giving an annual charity of 2.5% on surplus wealth above a minimum threshold (''[[Nisab\|nisab]]'') to specified categories of recipients.
			'''[[Sawm]]''' (Fasting): Abstaining from food, drink, and marital relations from dawn to sunset during the month of [[Ramadan]].
	~~Shia practice: Permits the combination of Dhuhr and Asr prayers~~, and ~~Maghrib and Isha prayers, so they may be performed during three time slots. The Shia Adhan includes the phrase "~~I bear witness that ~~Ali~~ is the ~~friend~~ of God" (''~~Ashhadu anna Aliyyan waliyyullah~~''~~). Minor differences exist in prayer postures, such as placing hands at the sides during standing and the use of a turbah~~ (~~clay tablet~~) ~~for prostration (Nasr, 2013).<ref>Nasr, S. H., Dagli, C. K., Dakake, M. M., Lumbard, J. E. B., & Rustom, M. (Eds.). (2013). The Study Quran~~: ~~A New Translation and Commentary~~. ~~HarperOne.</ref>~~		'''[[Hajj]]''' (Pilgrimage): Undertaking the pilgrimage to [[Mecca]] at least once in a lifetime for those who are physically and financially able (Denny, 2010).<ref>Denny, F. M. (2010). An Introduction to Islam (4th ed.). Pearson.</ref>
			These pillars represent the core acts of worship ('''[[Ibadah\|ibadah]]''') that structure a Muslim's relationship with God and society, emphasizing both personal devotion and social responsibility.
	'''[[Zakat]] (Almsgiving):~~'''~~ Giving ~~a portion of one's wealth to the poor and needy.~~

	~~Sunni practice: Zakat is~~ an annual ~~payment~~ of 2.5% on ~~most forms of saved~~ wealth above a minimum threshold (~~''nisab'').~~

	~~Shia practice: Also obligates Zakat. Additionally, Shias practice '~~''[[~~Khums~~]]''' ("one-fifth"), which is a separate, obligatory annual levy of 20% on surplus income and certain other forms of wealth. Half of Khums (''Sahm al-Imam'') is given to a living Islamic jurist (''Marja'') for religious and charitable purposes, while the other half (''Sahm al-Sadat'') is for descendants of the Prophet (Momen, 1985).<ref>Momen, M. (1985)~~. An Introduction~~ to ~~Shi'i Islam: The History and Doctrines~~ of ~~Twelver Shi'ism~~. ~~Yale University Press.</ref>~~

	'''[[Sawm]] (Fasting):~~'''~~ Abstaining from food, drink, and ~~sexual~~ relations from dawn to sunset during the month of [[Ramadan]].

	Both Sunni and Shia Muslims observe this pillar. A minor difference is the timing for ending the fast (Iftar). Sunnis generally break the fast when the sun has completely set, while Shias wait until the redness of the eastern sky has vanished. The additional fasts and specific devotional practices during Ramadan may also differ.

	'''[[Hajj]] (Pilgrimage):~~'''~~ Undertaking a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in a lifetime for those who are physically and financially ~~capable.~~

	The core rituals (Tawaf, Sa'i, standing at Arafat, etc.) are identical for both. Shia pilgrims often incorporate visits to the tombs of Imams in Medina ([[Al-Baqi' Cemetery]]) and Iraq (Najaf, Karbala) as part of a broader pilgrimage (''Ziyarat''). Some jurisprudential details, such as the type of footwear worn during certain rites, may differ (Denny, 2010).<ref>Denny, F. M. (2010). An Introduction to Islam (4th ed.). Pearson.</ref>

	== Scripture: The Quran ==		== Scripture: The Quran ==

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Beliefs

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	The core beliefs of Islam are articulated in the [[Aqidah\|articles of faith]] (''[[ʿAqīdah]]''). While Sunnis and Shias share fundamental beliefs, there are distinct emphases and additions within Shia theology.		The core beliefs of Islam are articulated in the [[Aqidah\|articles of faith]] (''[[ʿAqīdah]]''). While Sunnis and Shias share fundamental beliefs, there are distinct emphases and additions within Shia theology.

	Shia principles of religion		'''Shia principles of religion'''

	Shia theology incorporates the above but structures its creed around '''Five Principles of Religion''' (''Usul al-Din''), which place particular emphasis on divine justice and divinely appointed leadership:		Shia theology incorporates the above but structures its creed around '''Five Principles of Religion''' (''Usul al-Din''), which place particular emphasis on divine justice and divinely appointed leadership:

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	Belief in the angels and holy books is included within these principles.		Belief in the angels and holy books is included within these principles.

	Sunni articles of faith		'''Sunni articles of faith'''

	In Sunni Islam, the foundational creed is based on six core beliefs:		In Sunni Islam, the foundational creed is based on six core beliefs:

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Beliefs

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 == Beliefs ==
 The core beliefs of Islam are articulated in the [[Aqidah|articles of faith]] (''[[ʿAqīdah]]''). While Sunnis and Shias share fundamental beliefs, there are distinct emphases and additions within Shia theology.
 Sunni articles of faith
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 '''[[Predestination in Islam|Divine Decree (Qadr)]]:''' Belief that everything, good and evil, occurs by the will and knowledge of God, though humans possess free will and are responsible for their choices (Brown, 2009).<ref>Brown, D. W. (2009). A New Introduction to Islam (2nd ed.). Wiley-Blackwell.</ref>
 == Practices: The Five Pillars ==

Peysepar at 07:21, 17 December 2025

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Peysepar: Created page with "'''Islam''' ({{lang-ar|الإسلام|al-’Islām}}) is an Abrahamic monotheistic religion centered on the Quran and the teachings of Muhammad, the religion's founder and the final prophet and messenger of God (Allah). Adherents of Islam, called Muslims, believe that the Quran is the verbatim word of God as revealed to Muhammad through the angel Gabriel. Muslims..."

2025-12-17T07:09:22Z

Created page with "'''Islam''' ({{lang-ar|الإسلام|al-’Islām}}) is an Abrahamic monotheistic religion centered on the Quran and the teachings of Muhammad, the religion's founder and the final prophet and messenger of God (Allah). Adherents of Islam, called Muslims, believe that the Quran is the verbatim word of God as revealed to Muhammad through the angel Gabriel. Muslims..."

New page

'''Islam''' ({{lang-ar|الإسلام|al-’Islām}}) is an [[Abrahamic religions|Abrahamic]] [[monotheism|monotheistic]] religion centered on the [[Quran]] and the teachings of [[Muhammad]], the religion's founder and the final [[Prophets and messengers in Islam|prophet and messenger of God]] (Allah). Adherents of Islam, called [[Muslims]], believe that the Quran is the verbatim word of God as revealed to Muhammad through the angel [[Gabriel in Islam|Gabriel]]. Muslims consider Muhammad, through his teachings and normative example (the [[Sunnah]]), to be the perfect model for human life. Islam is the world's second-largest religion, with approximately 1.9 billion followers, known as Muslims, constituting about 25% of the global population (Pew Research Center, 2020).<ref name="Pew2020" />

== Etymology and meaning ==
The word "Islam" is derived from the Arabic root ''s-l-m'' (س ل م), which carries meanings of peace, purity, submission, and surrender. In a religious context, it means "voluntary submission to the will of God (Allah)" (Esposito, 2002).<ref>Esposito, J. L. (2002). What Everyone Needs to Know About Islam. Oxford University Press.</ref> A follower of Islam is called a '''Muslim''' (مُسْلِم), meaning "one who submits (to God)."

== Beliefs ==
The core beliefs of Islam are articulated in the [[Aqidah|articles of faith]] (''[[ʿAqīdah]]'').

Six articles of faith
In Sunni Islam, the foundational creed is based on six core beliefs:

'''[[God in Islam|Oneness of God (Tawhid)]]:''' The absolute, uncompromising monotheism that God is one (''Al-ʾAḥad'') and unique (''Al-Wāḥid''). Associating partners with God (''[[Shirk (Islam)|shirk]]'') is the gravest sin.

'''[[Angels in Islam|Angels (Malāʾikah)]]:''' Belief in angels, created from light, who are unseen beings that carry out God's commands.

'''[[Prophets and messengers in Islam|Prophets and Messengers (Rusul wa Anbiyāʾ)]]:''' God has sent prophets and messengers to every nation, beginning with [[Adam in Islam|Adam]] and including [[Abraham in Islam|Abraham]], [[Moses in Islam|Moses]], [[Jesus in Islam|Jesus]], and culminating in [[Muhammad]], who is the "Seal of the Prophets" (''Khatam an-Nabiyyin'').

'''[[Holy books in Islam|Revealed Books (Kutub)]]:''' Belief in the divine scriptures revealed to various prophets, including the [[Torah in Islam|Torah]] (''Tawrat'') to Moses, the [[Psalms in Islam|Psalms]] (''Zabur'') to David, the [[Gospel in Islam|Gospel]] (''Injil'') to Jesus, and the [[Quran]] to Muhammad. Muslims believe the Quran is the final, unaltered, and perfect revelation.

'''[[Islamic view of the Last Judgment|Day of Resurrection and Judgment (Yawm al-Qiyāmah)]]:''' Belief in an afterlife where all humans will be resurrected and held accountable for their deeds, leading to eternal paradise (''[[Jannah]]'') or hell (''[[Jahannam]]'').

'''[[Predestination in Islam|Divine Decree (Qadr)]]:''' Belief that everything, good and evil, occurs by the will and knowledge of God, though humans possess free will and are responsible for their choices (Brown, 2009).<ref>Brown, D. W. (2009). A New Introduction to Islam (2nd ed.). Wiley-Blackwell.</ref>

In Shia Islam, beliefs also include the concepts of divine justice (''Adl'') and the [[Imamate in Shia doctrine|Imamate]] (the leadership of the divinely appointed Imams).

== Practices: The Five Pillars ==
The core religious practices of Islam are encapsulated in the [[Five Pillars of Islam]] (''Arkān al-Islām''), which are considered obligatory for all able Muslims.

'''[[Shahada]] (Profession of Faith):''' The declaration: "I bear witness that there is no god but God (Allah), and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of God." This is the fundamental statement of faith.

'''[[Salah]] (Prayer):''' Performing the five daily ritual prayers at prescribed times while facing the [[Kaaba]] in Mecca.

'''[[Zakat]] (Almsgiving):''' Giving a fixed portion (usually 2.5%) of one's accumulated wealth to the poor and needy each year.

'''[[Sawm]] (Fasting):''' Abstaining from food, drink, and sexual relations from dawn to sunset during the month of [[Ramadan]].

'''[[Hajj]] (Pilgrimage):''' Undertaking a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in a lifetime for those who are physically and financially capable (Denny, 2010).<ref>Denny, F. M. (2010). An Introduction to Islam (4th ed.). Pearson.</ref>

== Scripture: The Quran ==
The [[Quran]] (القرآن, "the recitation") is the central religious text of Islam, believed by Muslims to be a revelation from God. It is divided into 114 chapters (''[[sura]]s''), which are further divided into verses (''[[ayah]]s''). The Quran covers a wide range of topics, including theology, law, narratives of earlier prophets, ethics, and eschatology. Muslims consider its Arabic text to be the literal word of God, inimitable and preserved from corruption (Nasr, 2015).<ref>Nasr, S. H. (Ed.). (2015). The Study Quran: A New Translation and Commentary. HarperOne.</ref> The Quran is supplemented by the [[Hadith]], which are collections of reports detailing the sayings, actions, and approvals of Muhammad, forming the basis of the Sunnah.

== History ==

Origins in Arabia (610–632 CE)
Islam emerged in the 7th century CE in the commercial city of [[Mecca]] in the [[Arabian Peninsula]]. In 610 CE, Muhammad, then a merchant aged 40, began receiving revelations. He started preaching monotheism, social justice, and the coming Day of Judgment, attracting followers but facing persecution from Mecca's polytheistic elite. In 622 CE, he and his followers migrated to [[Medina]] (an event known as the ''[[Hijrah]]''), which marks the beginning of the [[Islamic calendar]]. In Medina, Muhammad established a socio-political community (''[[Ummah]]''). After a series of military conflicts, he eventually conquered Mecca in 630 CE, clearing the [[Kaaba]] of idols. By his death in 632 CE, most of Arabia had embraced Islam (Armstrong, 1992).<ref>Armstrong, K. (1992). Muhammad: A Biography of the Prophet. HarperSanFrancisco.</ref>

Caliphates and empires (632–1918 CE)
After Muhammad's death, leadership passed to a series of caliphs (successors). The [[Rashidun Caliphate|Rashidun]] (632–661), [[Umayyad Caliphate|Umayyad]] (661–750), and [[Abbasid Caliphate|Abbasid]] (750–1258) caliphates oversaw the rapid expansion of the Islamic world, from the Iberian Peninsula to the Indus Valley. This period saw the "[[Islamic Golden Age]]" with major advances in science, philosophy, medicine, and art. Subsequent empires, such as the [[Ottoman Empire|Ottoman]], [[Safavid dynasty|Safavid]], and [[Mughal Empire|Mughal]], were major Islamic political and cultural powers (Lapidus, 2014).<ref>Lapidus, I. M. (2014). A History of Islamic Societies (3rd ed.). Cambridge University Press.</ref>

Modern era (20th–21st centuries)
The abolition of the Ottoman Caliphate in 1924, European colonialism, and the creation of modern nation-states fundamentally changed the Muslim world. Key developments include the rise of [[Arab nationalism]], [[Islamism]] (political Islam), the establishment of the state of [[Israel]], the [[Iranian Revolution]] of 1979, and the [[Arab Spring]] uprisings. Islam today is a global religion with diverse communities across every continent.

Demographics ==
Islam is the majority religion in approximately 50 countries, primarily across the [[Middle East]], [[North Africa]], the [[Horn of Africa]], the [[Sahel]], [[Central Asia]], and parts of [[South Asia]] and [[Southeast Asia]]. The country with the largest Muslim population is [[Indonesia]]. Significant minority communities exist in Europe, the Americas, and China (Pew Research Center, 2011).<ref>Pew Research Center. (2011). The Future of the Global Muslim Population. https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2011/01/27/future-of-the-global-muslim-population/</ref>

== Schools of thought and sects ==

Sunni Islam
[[Sunni Islam]] is the largest denomination, comprising about 85–90% of Muslims. Sunnis emphasize the authority of the Quran, the Sunnah, and consensus (''ijma'') of the community. They follow one of four major schools (''[[madhhab]]'') of jurisprudence: [[Hanafi]], [[Maliki]], [[Shafi‘i]], and [[Hanbali]].

Shia Islam
[[Shia Islam]] is the second-largest denomination, making up about 10–15% of Muslims. Shias believe that leadership after Muhammad rightly belonged to his cousin and son-in-law, [[Ali|Ali ibn Abi Talib]], and his descendants, the [[Imamate in Shia doctrine|Imams]]. The largest branch is [[Twelver Shi'ism]], followed by [[Isma'ilism]] and [[Zaidism]].

Other groups
Other significant denominations include the [[Khawarij|Kharijites]], whose sole surviving branch is [[Ibadi Islam]], and movements like the [[Ahmadiyya]] and the [[Nation of Islam]], whose Islamic classification is disputed by mainstream Muslim scholars.

== Culture and law ==
Islamic culture and [[Sharia|Islamic law (Sharia)]] are deeply intertwined. Sharia, derived from the Quran and Sunnah and interpreted by Islamic jurisprudence (''[[fiqh]]''), governs many aspects of Muslim life, including prayer, contracts, family law, inheritance, and dietary restrictions (''[[halal]]''). Islamic art, architecture, literature, and music have made profound contributions to world heritage, often characterized by an emphasis on calligraphy, geometric patterns, and aniconism (Brend, 1991).<ref>Brend, B. (1991). Islamic Art. Harvard University Press.</ref>

== Contemporary issues ==
Muslim communities today engage with a wide array of contemporary issues, including debates on:

The relationship between [[Islam and democracy]]

[[Islamic feminism]] and women's rights

[[Islam and modernity]]

[[Islam and science]]

Religious pluralism and interfaith dialogue

Extremism and terrorism, often associated with groups like [[al-Qaeda]] and the [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant|Islamic State]], which are widely condemned by Muslim scholars and organizations.

== See also ==

[[Glossary of Islam]]

[[Index of Islam-related articles]]

[[Islam by country]]

[[Islamophobia]]

[[List of Islamic texts]]

[[Outline of Islam]]

[[Spread of Islam]]

[[Timeline of Islamic history]]

[[World Muslim Congress]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==

[https://www.britannica.com/topic/Islam Islam] – Encyclopædia Britannica

[https://www.islamicity.org/ IslamiCity] – A major Islamic portal and resource

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[[Category:Abrahamic religions]]
[[Category:Monotheistic religions]]
[[Category:Religious organizations established in the 7th century]]
[[Category:Islam-related lists| ]]