Islam Overview
If we translate “Islam” from Arabic, it means “to submit to the will of Allah”. Islam, a monotheistic religion, is to be believed as the youngest religion of the world’s major religions. This religion is followed by Muslims. It is the world’s second most practiced religion and scholars predict that it will overtake Christianity and become the first most practiced religion of the world in 21st century. About 23% of the people living on Earth follow Islam. Islam was founded by Prophet Mohammed in A.D. 600's. Muhammad (c. 570 – June 8, 632) was a trader, later becoming a religious, political, and military leader. However, Muslims do not view Muhammad as the creator of Islam, but instead regard him as the last messenger of God, through which the Qur'an was revealed. Prophets are messengers of God which are chosen by God. They are not seen as divine but some can perform miracles to prove their claim. It is currently practiced in the Middle East (includes Southwest Asia and North Africa) but was started and developed on the Arabian Peninsula in the year 622 CE and quickly spread to other regions. Muslims worship in temples called Mosques. The important people are the Caliph (successor to the Prophet Mohammed), Imam (leader of prayers), and Muezzin (issues a call to prayer and gather at Mosque).
Once, when Mohammed lived in the city of Mecca, he received Allah’s message through angel Gabriel. He started receiving threats when townspeople became afraid of Mohammed’s preaching (lecture). He went to the city of Medina where he became trustworthy of the people. In 622, Islam was founded when Mohammed was on his way to Medina. His believers motivated him to think that he is strong enough and he declared a jihad or holy war and captured the city. The Five Pillars of Islam were established, which every Muslim should follow for a decent life, under his guidance. These pillars were confession of faith (belief in Allah and Prophet Mohammed), prayer (five times per day facing Mecca), charity (donating portion of their income), fasting (Ramadan – fast during daylight hours), and pilgrimage (make a hajj, holy pilgrimage, to the city of Mecca if possible).
Father in family in Islam has financial responsibility of his family. A woman shares half of the inheritance of men, usually. Marriage is considered as a civil contract which is done in the presence of two witnesses. Woman can only have one husband, but a man can have four wives if he can treat them equally.
Once, when Mohammed lived in the city of Mecca, he received Allah’s message through angel Gabriel. He started receiving threats when townspeople became afraid of Mohammed’s preaching (lecture). He went to the city of Medina where he became trustworthy of the people. In 622, Islam was founded when Mohammed was on his way to Medina. His believers motivated him to think that he is strong enough and he declared a jihad or holy war and captured the city. The Five Pillars of Islam were established, which every Muslim should follow for a decent life, under his guidance. These pillars were confession of faith (belief in Allah and Prophet Mohammed), prayer (five times per day facing Mecca), charity (donating portion of their income), fasting (Ramadan – fast during daylight hours), and pilgrimage (make a hajj, holy pilgrimage, to the city of Mecca if possible).
Father in family in Islam has financial responsibility of his family. A woman shares half of the inheritance of men, usually. Marriage is considered as a civil contract which is done in the presence of two witnesses. Woman can only have one husband, but a man can have four wives if he can treat them equally.