ISLAM

Background/Current Standings.
Islam, which when translated from Arabic, means "to submit to the will of Allah," is the
youngest of the world's major religions. Worshippers of this monotheistic religion are
known as Muslims, which means "one who submits to the will of Allah." Islam is currently
the second most practiced religion in the world, and experts predict that it will overtake
Christianity as the most popular religion in the world sometime during the 21st century.
This widespread popularity is a direct result of the vast trading the Muslims engaged in.
Although Muslims can be found on every continent, currently Islam is the dominant
religion in the Middle East, including Southwest Asia and North Africa. Islam was founded
on the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad as an expression of surrender to the will of
Allah, the creator and sustainer of the world.

Life of Muhammad.
In about 570 AD, an Arab named Muhammad was born in Mecca (see map). As
Muhammad grew up he became increasingly troubled by the idol worship of the Arabs
at that time. According to Muslim tradition, the angel Gabriel came to Muhammad and
commanded him to spread the word of Allah (Muslim God). Muhammad obeyed his
command and began to spread the teachings of Islam. Shortly after other merchants
and Arabs became angry will Muhammad and sought to kill him. In 622 AD Muhammad
and his followers left Mecca for Medina on a journey known as the hijra. Muslim converts
in Medina welcomed Muhammad and Islam began to grow.

Muslim Beliefs.
The Quran, the sacred text of Islam,
contains the teachings of the Prophet
that were revealed to Muhammad from
Allah. Muslims may gather to worship in
temples called Mosques. Essential to
Islam is the belief that Allah is the one
and true God with no partner or equal.

Islam has several branches and much variety within those branches. The two divisions
within the tradition are the Sunni and Shi'a, each of which claims different means of
maintaining religious authority. One of the unifying characteristics of Islam is the Five
Pillars, the fundamental practices of Islam.
Every Muslim is expected to follow these rules in order to lead an ethical life:
1. Confession of Faith: The belief that "there is no God but Allah, and Mohammed is His
prophet."
2. Prayer: Muslims must pray five times per day, facing towards Mecca.
3. Charity: Muslims must give alms to the poor, and support the local Mosque by
donating a portion of their income.
4. Fasting: During the Ramadan, the ninth month of the Muslim calendar, all Muslims must
fast during daylight hours, except the very young or sick.
5. Pilgrimage: If possible financially, each Muslim must make a hijra, or holy pilgrimage, to
the city of Mecca.