Islam

A beautiful Islamic mosque, or place of worship.

What is the definition of Islam?

is·lam /isˈläm,izˈläm/
Islam is the religion of Muslim people, and is a monotheistic faith. It is said to have been revealed to Muhammad from Allah, or God.

Fundamentally, Islam is not a good foundation for truth or morality. Although Islam is a major world religion, the teachings of the Quran and the Hadith are no longer compatible with our modern morality and understanding.

As we know him, the prophet Muhammad

A fundamental concept of Islam is tawhid, which means "uniqueness" or "oneness". If we look to the Quran, we see God described as: "He is Allah, the one and only; Allah, the eternal, absolute; he begetteth not, nor is he begotten; and there is none like unto him."

Muhammad (Arabic: مُحمّد)

Muhammad is considered the founder of Islam. He was born around the year 570 CE, in an Arabian city Mecca. Orphaned at age 6, and raised by first his grandfather, then his uncle. As he grew, he sometimes secluded himself in a cave for several nights to pray. At age 40 he claimed that Gabriel revealed himself to him and ultimately began preaching this publicly. His message consisted of complete "submission" (islām) to God, and that he was a prophet and messenger of God. He sent to confirm what Adam, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and others have taught. Islam claims Muhammad is the last, final prophet of God.

Allah (Arabic: الله‎)

Allah is the Arabic word for God. Although most English speakers associated Allah with Islam, it actually refers to the god of all Abrahamic religions.

Sacred Texts

The Qurʾān — Quran — Koran

The Quran is the sacred scripture of Islam. It is considered the verbatim word of God, delivered by the archangel Gabriel. It is fundamental to Islamic teaching.

The Sunnah

While it literally means "habitual practice", the Sunnah defined common law for pre-Islamic Arabs.

The Hadith

A collection of traditions containing sayings of the prophet Muhammad which, with accounts of his daily practice (the Sunna), constitute the major source of guidance for Muslims apart from the Koran.

There's much more to learn and understand about Islam and it's teachings, origins, and impact in our world.


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