Islam is the second-largest faith in the world following Christianity, with about 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide.
Although its roots go back more, authorities typically date the creation of Islam to the 7th century, making it the youngest of the major world religions.
Islam began in Mecca, in modern-day Saudi Arabia, during the time of the prophet Muhammad’s life. Today, faith is spreading rapidly throughout the world.
The Quran (or Koran) is the central holy text of Islam. Hadith is another important book. Muslims also respect some material found in the Judeo-Christian Bible.
Followers worship Allah by praying and reciting the Quran. They believe there will be a day of judgment and life next to death.
A central thought in Islam is “jihad,” which means “struggle.” While the term has been used negatively in mainstream culture, Muslims believe it applies to internal and external efforts to defend their faith.
Although rare, this can include military jihad if a “just war” is required.
The prophet Muhammad, sometimes spelled Mohammed or Mohammad, was born in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, in 570 A.D. Muslims consider he was the final prophet sent by God to explain their faith to mankind.
According to Islamic books and tradition, an angel named Gabriel visited Muhammad in 610 A.D. while he was meditating in a cave. The angel commanded Muhammad to recite the words of Allah.
Muslims believe that Muhammad continued to get revelations from Allah throughout the rest of his life.
Starting in about 613, Muhammad began teaching throughout Mecca the messages he received. He explained that there was no other God but Allah and that Muslims should devote their lives to this God.
Read More: Tohfat Alatfal