Islam is a monotheistic Abrahamic faith that believes in the worship of one God, Allah. It is based on the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, who is considered the final prophet in a line that includes figures such as Abraham, Moses, and Jesus. The central religious text of Islam is the Quran, which Muslims believe to be the literal word of God as revealed to Muhammad.
The core practices of Islam are encapsulated in the Five Pillars:
1. **Shahada** (Faith): The declaration of faith that there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His messenger.
2. **Salah** (Prayer): Performing the five daily prayers at prescribed times throughout the day.
3. **Zakat** (Almsgiving): Giving to charity and aiding those in need, typically a fixed percentage of one’s wealth.
4. **Sawm** (Fasting): Observing fasting during the month of Ramadan from dawn to sunset.
5. **Hajj** (Pilgrimage): Making a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in a lifetime, if financially and physically able.
Islam also emphasizes a moral and ethical life, including principles like justice, compassion, and respect for others. The religious community is known as the Ummah, and Islamic law, or Sharia, guides both personal conduct and community law.
