Islam is the second largest religion in the world with over 1 billion followers. There are 6-8 million Muslims in the USA or around 2% of the population and around 2 million in Britain, around 2.7% of the population.
The word 'Islam' in Arabic means submission to the will of God.
Followers of Islam are called Muslims. Muslims believe there is one true God Allah (the Arabic word for God)
Muslims believe that Islam was revealed over 1400 years ago in Mecca, Arabia through a man called Muhammad. Muhammad is so revered that it is usual for Muslims to say 'peace be upon him' whenever they mention his name.
Muhammad is believed by Muslims to be the last prophet sent by God (Allah) According to Muslims, God sent prophets to mankind to teach them how to live according to His law. Jesus (Isa), Moses (Musa) and Abraham (Ibrahim) are other respected prophets.
The Muslim holy book is called the Qur'an. Muslims believe this to be the word of Allah as dictated to Muhammad. They also have the Sunnah, which Muslims believe to be the practical example of Prophet Muhammad. Muslims follow the five basic Pillars of Islam.They are an essential part of Muslim life:
The Five Pillars of Islam are an essential part of Muslim life. These pillars are:
* the declaration of faith (Shahada)
* praying five times a day (Salat)
* giving money to charity (Zakah)
* fasting (Sawm)
* a pilgrimage to Makkah at least once in a lifetime(Hajj)
Muslims worship in a building called a Mosque. On Friday at noon, the most important of the weekly services is held. When Muslims pray, they must always face Makkah.
(from BBC website)
Learn more about Islam on the BBC Islam website