muslims

Muslims are followers of Islam, a monotheistic Abrahamic faith. They believe in one God, called Allah in Arabic, and that the Qur'an is the final revealed scripture, supplemented by the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. Islam teaches submission to God’s will, a moral code guiding personal conduct, social justice, and worship. Global Muslims come from diverse ethnic, linguistic, and cultural backgrounds.

Central to Islam are the Five Pillars: the declaration of faith (Shahada); performing daily prayers (Salah); giving to charity (Zakat); fasting during the month of Ramadan (Sawm); and undertaking the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in a lifetime if able (Hajj). Muslims also observe dietary guidelines, seek cleanliness, and may participate in annual communal prayers, education, and celebrations such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.

Muslims constitute a global community with large populations in Southeast Asia, the Indian subcontinent, the Middle East, and North Africa, as well as sizable communities in Europe, the Americas, and sub-Saharan Africa. The two largest branches are Sunni and Shia, with other movements and schools including Ibadi and various Sufi traditions. Practices, languages, and customs vary widely across regions and cultures.

Islam emerged in the 7th century CE in the Arabian Peninsula and spread rapidly through trade, conquest, and conversion. Over centuries, Muslim scholars contributed to science, mathematics, medicine, philosophy, and the arts. Today Muslims live in many nations and contexts, and their communities are diverse in beliefs, practices, and levels of religious observance.