alIslam

Al-Islam, usually shortened to Islam in English, is a monotheistic Abrahamic religion based on the revelations attributed to the Prophet Muhammad, recorded in the Quran and further interpreted in the Hadith collections. The term al-Islam derives from Arabic and is commonly translated as "the submission" or "the surrender" to the will of God. Muslims believe in one God (Allah) who communicates through prophets, with Muhammad regarded as the final messenger. The central creed is expressed in the shahada: there is no god but God, and Muhammad is his messenger. The religion emphasizes moral responsibility, social justice, and accountability in this life and the hereafter.

Practices include the Five Pillars: the declaration of faith (shahada), prayer five times a day (salat), charity (zakat), fasting during Ramadan (sawm), and the pilgrimage to Mecca (hajj) for those who are able. The Quran is regarded as the primary scripture, complemented by the prophetic example (the Sunnah). Belief in angels, the day of judgment, and God's all-encompassing decree are also central. Worship and law cover daily life, personal conduct, and forms of community organization.

Islam formed in the Arabian Peninsula in the 7th century and rapidly spread across Africa, Asia, and parts of Europe through conquest, trade, and mission. In theology and practice, Sunni and Shia are the two largest branches, with other groups such as Ibadi Muslims representing smaller traditions. Sufism refers to Islamic mysticism and varies by region. Today, Islam encompasses a wide range of cultures, languages, and legal schools, influencing societies through law, ethics, art, and education while maintaining internal diversity and ongoing reinterpretation.