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Islam: An Overview

He gives wisdom to whom He wills, and whoever has been given wisdom has certainly been given much good.’ - Qur’an 2:269 (Saheeh International)

Origins and History
Islam, one of the world’s major monotheistic religions, was founded in the 7th century CE in Mecca, located in present-day Saudi Arabia. The Prophet Muhammad, believed by Muslims to be the final messenger of God (Allah), received divine revelations starting in 610 CE. These revelations, recorded in the Qur’an, form the core of Islamic teachings. Muhammad’s migration (Hijra) from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE marks the start of the Islamic calendar. After his death in 632 CE, Islam spread rapidly across the Arabian Peninsula, North Africa, and beyond, creating a global civilization. Today, Islam has approximately 1.9 billion adherents, making it the second-largest religion worldwide.

Core Beliefs
Islam is based on submission to the will of Allah, the one true God. The fundamental creed, the Shahada, declares: “There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His messenger.” Muslims believe in the Qur’an as the literal word of God, supplemented by the Hadith (sayings and actions of Muhammad). Key beliefs include:


Islamic practice revolves around the Five Pillars, which guide daily life and devotion:


The Qur’an and Sacred Texts
The Qur’an, Islam’s central sacred text, is considered the verbatim word of Allah, revealed to Muhammad over 23 years through the angel Gabriel. Comprising 114 surahs (chapters), it is written in Arabic and revered for its linguistic beauty and spiritual depth. Muslims memorize and recite the Qur’an in its original language during prayers, and its study is a lifelong pursuit for many. The Hadith, collections of Muhammad’s sayings and actions, provide additional guidance on matters like ethics, law, and daily life. Major Hadith collections, such as Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, are meticulously authenticated and serve as a secondary source of authority. Translations of the Qur’an, while widely available, are seen as interpretations, as the Arabic text holds unique sanctity.

Denominations and Diversity
The two main branches of Islam are Sunni (about 85% of Muslims) and Shia (about 15%), differing primarily over leadership succession after Muhammad’s death. Sunnis follow the elected caliphs, while Shias believe in the divinely appointed Imams from Muhammad’s family. Smaller sects, such as Sufism (focused on mysticism) and Ahmadiyya, add further diversity. Practices vary across cultures, from South Asia to the Middle East to Africa, influencing rituals, dress, and interpretations of Sharia (Islamic law). Despite this diversity, the global Muslim community, or Ummah, is united by shared beliefs and the Qur’an.

Worship and Community
Muslims worship in mosques, where communal prayers, especially on Fridays, foster unity. The Qur’an is central to worship, often memorized or recited in Arabic. Islamic holidays include Eid al-Fitr (celebrating the end of Ramadan) and Eid al-Adha (commemorating Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son). Community life emphasizes charity, modesty, and ethical conduct based on Sharia, which varies in application from personal ethics to legal systems in some countries. Mosques also serve as centers for education and social welfare, reinforcing the Ummah’s sense of solidarity.

Art and Cultural Practices
Islamic art and architecture are renowned for their intricate designs, often avoiding human or animal depictions in religious contexts due to concerns about idolatry. Instead, calligraphy, geometric patterns, and arabesques dominate, as seen in mosques like the Hagia Sophia or the Alhambra. However, practices have evolved; for example, figurative art, including faces, appears in some historical Islamic traditions (e.g., Persian miniatures), though it remains rare in sacred spaces. Modern debates over depictions, such as in media or cartoons, highlight tensions between cultural expression and religious sensitivities, with varying perspectives among Muslims globally.

Persecution and Challenges
Muslims have faced persecution historically and today, particularly in regions where they are minorities. For instance, Uyghur Muslims in China face severe restrictions, while Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar have endured ethnic cleansing. Conversely, some Muslim-majority societies have been criticized for marginalizing religious minorities, such as Christians or Ahmadis, under strict interpretations of Sharia. These dynamics vary widely, shaped by local politics and cultural norms. Islam’s global spread has also led to integration challenges, with Muslims in Western countries sometimes facing Islamophobia while navigating cultural identity.

Controversies and Modern Debates
Islam has faced scrutiny over issues like gender roles, human rights, and political governance. Some interpretations of Sharia, particularly in conservative regions, have sparked debates over practices like women’s rights or punishments, though many Muslims advocate for contextual readings of the Qur’an that emphasize justice and mercy. Controversies over freedom of expression, such as depictions of Muhammad in media, have led to global tensions, with some Muslims viewing such acts as blasphemous, while others call for dialogue. These debates reflect diverse perspectives within Islam, from reformist to traditionalist.

Contemporary Context
Islam influences art, architecture, science, and governance across societies. Practices have adapted to modern contexts; for example, digital platforms now host Qur’an recitations and Islamic scholarship, while some communities adopt flexible prayer schedules in non-Muslim countries. Geopolitical tensions and media portrayals have fueled misconceptions, prompting interfaith efforts to promote understanding. Muslims continue to navigate issues of identity, integration, and modernization while upholding the Qur’an’s timeless guidance.