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Overview of Islam

Islam is one of the world’s largest religions, with approximately 1.9 billion adherents globally. It is based on the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, who is considered the final prophet of God, and the holy book, the Qur’an. Islam originated in the 7th century CE in Mecca, in present-day Saudi Arabia, and has since grown to become a major global religion.

Major Branches of Islam

  1. Sunni Islam
    • Adherents: Approximately 85-90% of Muslims
    • Overview: The largest branch of Islam. Sunnis believe that the first four caliphs were the rightful successors to Muhammad.
    • Key Practices: Emphasis on the Sunnah (practices) of Muhammad, adherence to the Five Pillars of Islam, and following one of the four major schools of jurisprudence (Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, Hanbali).
  2. Shia Islam
    • Adherents: Approximately 10-15% of Muslims
    • Overview: Shia Muslims believe that Ali, the cousin and son-in-law of Muhammad, and his descendants are the rightful successors to Muhammad.
    • Key Practices: Commemorate the martyrdom of Ali and his son Husayn, pilgrimage to holy sites in Karbala and Najaf, and follow distinct religious leadership (e.g., Ayatollahs in Twelver Shia).
  3. Sufism
    • Adherents: Not a separate sect, but a mystical dimension within both Sunni and Shia Islam
    • Overview: Focuses on the inner, spiritual development of the individual. Sufis seek a personal experience of God through rituals, prayers, and ascetic practices.
    • Key Practices: Dhikr (remembrance of God), meditation, poetry, and music (e.g., the whirling dervishes of the Mevlevi Order).
  4. Ibadi Islam
    • Adherents: A small minority, primarily in Oman
    • Overview: One of the oldest Islamic sects, distinct from both Sunni and Shia Islam. Ibadis emphasize a puritanical approach to Islam.
    • Key Practices: Emphasis on community consensus, justice, and piety.

Cardinal Doctrinal Beliefs

  1. The Five Pillars of Islam
    • Shahada (Faith): The declaration of faith, stating that “There is no god but God, and Muhammad is the Messenger of God.”
    • Salat (Prayer): Performing ritual prayers five times a day facing Mecca.
    • Zakat (Almsgiving): Giving a portion of one’s wealth (usually 2.5%) to the needy and poor.
    • Sawm (Fasting): Fasting during the month of Ramadan from dawn to sunset.
    • Hajj (Pilgrimage): Performing the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in a lifetime, if financially and physically able.
  2. Belief in One God (Tawhid)
    • Definition: The belief in the oneness and uniqueness of God (Allah).
    • Significance: Central to Islamic theology, emphasizing that God is singular, all-powerful, and merciful.
  3. Prophethood
    • Definition: The belief in the prophets sent by God to guide humanity, with Muhammad being the final prophet.
    • Significance: Prophets are considered messengers who conveyed God’s guidance and laws.
  4. Revelation
    • Definition: The belief that God’s revelations are contained in the holy books, with the Qur’an being the final and complete revelation.
    • Significance: The Qur’an is regarded as the literal word of God, providing guidance for all aspects of life.
  5. Angels
    • Definition: The belief in the existence of angels, created by God to perform various tasks, including delivering revelations to prophets.
    • Significance: Angels are considered to be pure, obedient beings who worship God and carry out His commands.
  6. Day of Judgment
    • Definition: The belief in a final day of judgment where all individuals will be resurrected and judged by God based on their deeds.
    • Significance: Encourages moral and ethical behavior, emphasizing accountability and the afterlife.
  7. Predestination (Qadar)
    • Definition: The belief that all events are preordained by God, yet humans have free will to choose their actions.
    • Significance: Balances the concept of divine sovereignty with human responsibility.

Islam’s rich theological traditions, diverse practices, and profound teachings continue to influence the lives of its adherents worldwide, contributing significantly to global culture, science, art, and spirituality.