Islam: An Overview
Islam is a religion articulated in the Qur'an (also spelled Koran). Followers of Islam, called Muslims, believe that the Qur'an is a text that is the literal word of God. It was narrated by Muhammad, who many believe to be a messenger of God, also known as a prophet. As the world's second largest religion, the majority of Muslims belong to one of two major denominations - the Sunni or the Shi'a. Islam is the predominant religion in the Middle East, North Africa and large parts of Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. Muslims follow religious practices known as the Five Pillars of Islam.
Who was Muhammad?
Muhammad was born in the year 570 C.E. and died in 632 C.E. Originally a trader, he later became a religious, political and military leader. Muslims view him not as the creator of Islam, but rather as the last of a string of prophets (including Adam Abraham, Moses, Jesus and others) who came closest to perfection. For the last 22 years of his life Muhammad reported receiving revelations from God. The content of these revelations comprise the Qur'an.
Five Pillars of Faith
1. Shahadah
Pronounced like this, Shahadah is the basic tenet of Islam. It states the following: "I testify that there is none worthy of worship except God and I testify that Muhammad is the Messenger of God." This must be said during all prayers and non-Muslims wishing to convert to Islam are often required to recite it.
2. Salah
Muslims perform the Salah 5 times a day.
Salah is a prayer that must be performed five times every day. Each time the prayer is recited it must be done facing the direction of Mecca. Certain countries are very strict about reciting the prayer five times a day, while other countries provide their citizens with more flexibility in when they recite their salah. Some countries even have reminders that are called Adhan in which the salah is publicly broadcast from local mosques at appropriate times. The prayers are spoken in Arabic and consist of verses from the Qur'an.
3. Zakat
Zakat is the practice of giving based on how wealthy one is. For all Muslims that can afford to give, it is mandatory. Usually a fixed portion of one's income is donated to helping the poor and also to help the spread of Islam. It is important to note that the zakat is considered a religious obligation, not charity. For those who can afford it, voluntarily giving even more is seen as virtuous.
4. Sawm
Musims sit down to eat after dusk.
During the month of Ramadan (check out more on Ramadan below!) Muslims are required to fast from sun-up until sun-down. The purpose of the fast is to encourage Muslims to feel a nearness to God. During this month of fasting, Muslims should express their gratitude for and dependence on God, atone for their sins and think of the needy. If someone has a health problem that prohibits them from being able to fast, sawm is not obligatory.
5. Hajj
Someone worshiping among tens of thousands of other Muslims.
The Hajj is a pilgrimage or a journey to a sacred place that Muslims make yearly to the city of Mecca. Mecca is located in Saudi Arabia. Every Muslim that is physically healthy enough to make the pilgrimage and can afford it must make the trip at least once in his or her lifetime. When one gets approximately six miles away from Mecca, one must dress in Ihram clothing. Ihram clothing consists of two white seamless sheets. There are many rituals involving the Hajj. These include walking around the Kaaba (the cube-shaped building at the center of Mecca) and kissing the "black stone" (a sacred rock supposedly kissed by Muhammad) seven times.
Demographics
As of 2009 approximately 23% of the world's population are Muslims. Roughly 1.57 billion people, 87% - 90% belong to the Sunni denomination and 10% - 13% are Shi'a. For more information on these denominations including their similarities and differences read the section called "Denominations". There are approximately fifty countries whose population is predominantly Muslim. A large misconception is that the majority of Muslims are Arab; this is not true. Only approximately 20% of Muslims are from Arab decent.
The vast majority of Muslims live in Asia and Africa. Nearly 62% of Muslims live in Asia, with particularly high numbers in Indonesia, Pakistan, India and Bangladesh. It is important to remember that the Middle East is considered a part of Asia. The largest Islamic country in the world is Indonesia.
The vast majority of Muslims live in Asia and Africa. Nearly 62% of Muslims live in Asia, with particularly high numbers in Indonesia, Pakistan, India and Bangladesh. It is important to remember that the Middle East is considered a part of Asia. The largest Islamic country in the world is Indonesia.
Sunni Muslims
Sunni Muslims are by far the largest group in Islam. Studies have calculated that Sunni Muslims comprise anywhere from 70% - 85% of the world’s 1.5 billion Muslims. The most distinguishing characteristic of Sunni Muslims is their belief that leaders of Islamic communities known as caliphs should be elected rather than requiring that they be decedents from Muhammad. This is belief contrasts with those of Shi'a Muslims.
Shi'a Muslims
Shi’a Muslims are the second largest group of Muslims. They comprise approximately 15% of all Muslims. The most distinguishing characteristic of Shi’a Muslims is their belief that leaders of Islamic communities known as caliphs should be decedents from Muhammad. There are numerous other groups within Islam, but Sunni and Shi’a are by far the most numerous and influential.
Here is an interactive from PBS.org that shows populations of Sunni and Shi'a in numerous Middle Eastern and African countries. In addition this website contains historical information on Sunni and Shi'a Muslims, there similarities, differences and the history of their relations. Click here to explore the map: http://www.pbs.org/wnet/wideangle/shows/iran/map.html
Ramadan
Ramadan is the month in which Muslims fast from dawn until dusk. Fasting means to eliminate or to limit the intake of food. For Muslims, and followers of other religions, fasting is a way to focus on their spirituality. It forces individuals to practice patience and to focus on praying.
As with nearly all religions, Islam has different practices and rituals depending on what country it is being practiced in. In some countries there are penalties for purposefully disrespecting the practice of fasting during Ramadan by eating in public.
Here is a link to see when Ramadan will be for the next several years:
Here is a link to see and hear a virtual tour of a Mosque:
As with nearly all religions, Islam has different practices and rituals depending on what country it is being practiced in. In some countries there are penalties for purposefully disrespecting the practice of fasting during Ramadan by eating in public.
Here is a link to see when Ramadan will be for the next several years:
Here is a link to see and hear a virtual tour of a Mosque: