Introduction
Islam is the final religion among the monotheistic and Abrahamic faiths. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) brought this religion to humanity through divine revelation, encapsulated in the Quran. The call to Islam began in 610 CE in Mecca, located in the Arabian Peninsula. Its rapid expansion followed the Prophet’s migration (Hijra) to Medina, marking the start of a new chapter in the spread of Islam. Muslims believe that Muhammad (PBUH) is the last messenger of God and that Islam is the ultimate and most complete religion.
The Quran and the traditions of the Prophet (Sunnah), along with the teachings of the Imams, serve as the primary sources for understanding Islamic beliefs and practices. Muslims maintain that the Quran is free from error or corruption and has remained intact since its revelation. The Sunnah, encompassing the sayings and actions of the Prophet and the Imams, has been preserved in written form and passed down through generations.
The core principles of Islamic faith include monotheism (Tawhid), belief in the prophethood of Muhammad (PBUH), and belief in the Day of Judgment (Ma’ad). Islamic teachings are divided into three categories: acts of worship, moral guidance, and civil and social laws. Central acts of worship include prayer (Salat), fasting (Sawm), almsgiving (Zakat), pilgrimage (Hajj), and striving in the way of God (Jihad). A significant portion of Islamic texts is dedicated to promoting virtuous behavior and avoiding immorality, providing practical steps for achieving ethical and spiritual refinement. Islam also emphasizes justice and respect in social and familial interactions and offers guidelines for everyday life, including marriage, divorce, commerce, leasing, and legal proceedings. These are covered in Islamic jurisprudence under the category of transactions.
Islam has two major branches: Sunni and Shia, each with its own sub-sects. The main difference between the two lies in the concept of leadership (Imamate) after the Prophet, as well as differences in some beliefs and legal rulings.
Today, Muslims can be found in nearly every country worldwide, with the majority living in Asia, particularly the Middle East. The global Muslim population is estimated to be around 1.5 billion.
Terminology
The word “Islam” is derived from the Arabic root “S-L-M,” meaning health, peace, and freedom from defect or corruption. It also signifies submission, unconditional obedience, acceptance of divine authority, and sincerity in worship.
Before the advent of Islam, Arabs used the term “Aslama” to describe the act of giving up something precious to someone else. When applied to one’s self, it referred to complete submission to another’s will.
According to Allama Tabatabai, Islam is so named because it represents the submission of the servant to the will of God. Seyyed Hossein Nasr explains that a Muslim is someone who consciously chooses to align their will with God’s.
The term “Islam” is mentioned in the Quran, and according to verse 85 of Surah Al-Imran, no religion other than Islam is accepted by God. After the advent of Islam, it is regarded as the only valid faith in the eyes of the Almighty. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also referred to his religion as Islam and to its followers as Muslims.
Islam is categorized as one of the divine, monotheistic, and Abrahamic religions. Muslims believe in the oneness of God and consider Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as the final messenger tasked with delivering God’s message. The Quran, regarded as the word of God, contains the revelations given to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Origin and Practices
Islam originated in the city of Mecca on the Arabian Peninsula. Prayer (Salat) is the most important act of worship in Islam, and Muslims face the Kaaba in Mecca while praying.
Imam Ali (AS):
“This Islam is the religion that God chose for Himself, nurtured under His care, and entrusted to the best of His creations for its propagation. Its foundations are rooted in His love, and through its glory, He humbled other religions while elevating it above all others.”
(Nahj al-Balaghah, Sermon 189)
Islam vs. Faith (Iman)
A person becomes a Muslim by reciting the two testimonies of faith (Shahada): “I bear witness that there is no god but Allah” and “I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.” This declaration affirms the oneness of God and the prophethood of Muhammad (PBUH). Without it, a person cannot be considered a Muslim.
This declaration represents the initial stage of accepting Islam and is an outward acknowledgment. At this level, a person’s inner beliefs may not necessarily align with their verbal declaration. Islam, in this sense, refers to external submission to God’s law, whereas faith (Iman) involves internal conviction and heartfelt belief. While Islam includes outward adherence, faith requires both submission and internal conviction.
The Quran highlights the distinction between Islam and faith. For example, the Ash’ari theologian al-Baqilani interprets verse 14 of Surah Al-Hujurat to suggest that Islam is broader than faith, with faith being rooted in the heart and Islam being expressed through actions. Allama Tabatabai also points to verses such as Surah Al-Ahzab (33:35), where believers are distinguished from Muslims, as evidence of their difference.
The Prophet
Prophet Muhammad ibn Abdullah (PBUH) is the founder of Islam. Islamic texts describe him as the final messenger of God to humanity. Muslims regard him as the greatest human being and the best role model for life. He is believed to have been infallible and endowed with divine knowledge. Born in Mecca in 570 CE to the Quraysh tribe, he was orphaned at a young age and raised by his grandfather Abdul Muttalib and later his uncle Abu Talib. Known for his honesty and integrity, he earned the title “Al-Amin” (the trustworthy). At the age of 40, he received his first revelation from God through the Angel Gabriel in the cave of Hira, marking the beginning of his prophethood.
The Quran
The Quran is the holy scripture of Islam and serves as the primary source of its teachings. Muslims believe that the Quran is the literal word of God, revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) through the Angel Gabriel. It is regarded as free from error or distortion and has remained unchanged since its revelation.
The Quran consists of 114 chapters (Surahs), each containing a varying number of verses (Ayahs).