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ISLAM Islam, the world's second-largest religion, began in the seventh century in Arabia. Mohammed, its founder-prophet, was born about 570 in Mecca. The revelations that he is believed to have received from God form the Quran. Islam means "submission to God," and a Muslim is "one who submits to God." Muslims pray in mosques; a prayer leader is called an imam. There are about 6 million Muslims in the United States and more than 1.3 billion worldwide. MAJOR BELIEFS • There is one God. The Quran emphasizes God's unity, and Islam rejects Christian trinitarianism. • Islam preserves the final revelation of God to humanity. Earlier versions of the revelation, as represented by Judaism and Christianity, were imperfect. • Mohammed was the channel for that revelation. • The Five Pillars of Islam are declaration of faith, prayer five times daily, alms-giving (zakat), pilgrimage (hajj) and fasting during Ramadan. HOW THEY DRESS Some Muslim women wear a veil that covers everything but their eyes. Others wear a veil over the head but not over the face. Still others wear none. TO LEARN MORE |
