Islam
Islam is a monotheistic religion that originated in the Arabian Peninsula in the 7th century CE. It was founded on the teachings of Prophet Muhammad, who Muslims regard as the last in a line of prophets stretching back to Abraham, Moses, and Jesus. These teachings were recorded in the Qur'an, which is considered the Islamic holy book.
Muslims, the followers of Islam, believe in the concept of Tawheed, which is the belief in the oneness of God (Allah in Arabic). They believe that God is the creator of the universe, and that he is merciful, compassionate, and just. Muslims also believe in angels, the Day of Judgment, and life after death.
Islamic practices are based on the Five Pillars of Islam, which are fundamental duties that every Muslim is expected to perform. The first pillar is Shahada (faith), which involves a declaration of faith in the oneness of God and the prophethood of Muhammad. The second pillar is Salat (prayer), which involves praying five times a day at prescribed times. The third pillar is Zakat (charity), which involves giving a certain percentage of one's wealth to the poor and needy. The fourth pillar is Sawm (fasting), which involves fasting from dawn to sunset during the month of Ramadan. The fifth pillar is Hajj (pilgrimage), which involves making a pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca at least once in a lifetime, if one is physically and financially able to do so.
Islam also has a strong emphasis on community, with Muslims encouraged to work together for the common good and to promote peace and justice. There are approximately 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide, making Islam the second-largest religion in the world.