Islam, a monotheistic religious group, spreading the concept that there is only one God (Allah), is the second most followed religion in the world (in terms of numbers). Along with its primary scripture i.e., Quran, Islam’s followers are called Muslims. Besides being one of the most followed religions in the world, Islam has many other facts worth knowing. Here are some interesting facts about Islam:
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1. Surrender Yourself
The word “Islam” corresponds to ‘submission to the will of God.’ Its derivatives include “submission” or “surrender.”
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2. A Greeting in Itself
The best-known derivative of the word “Islam” is the noun “Salam” or “Salaam,’ and is often used as a salutation or greeting. ‘Salaam’ or ‘Salaam Alaikum’ is a common form of greeting between Muslims.
Source: Islam: The Religion and the People By Bernard Ellis Lewis, Buntzie Ellis Churchill, GIF: gifer.com
3. Islam vs Muhammadanism
Earlier, Islam was termed as Muhammadanism in Anglophone societies. However, with time, the term had to face opposition and has now become obsolete.
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4. God is One
Islam has a monotheistic (belief in one God) message. The followers of Islam i.e., Muslims, believe in one God, Allah.
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5. Islam And Its Guiding Religions
Islam is partially based on the Judeo-Christian religions. It follows some of the same principles as Christianity and Judaism.
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6. The Messenger of God
Promulgated by the Prophet Muhammad in Arabia in the 7th century, Islam’s core doctrine is that every follower of Islam must surrender to the will of Allah. This message is contained in the sacred scripture, the Quran, which Allah revealed to his messenger, Muhammad.
Source: britannica.com
7. Jesus Christ: A Messenger of Islam!
Although the name of Prophet Muhammad is the most prominent one while talking about Islam, he is considered the last of a series of prophets (including Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Solomon, and Jesus).
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8. No Visuals of God
Muslims renounce polytheism and idolatry; they believe that God is beyond all comprehensions, and no one can visualize or anthropomorphize Him.
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9. Five Pillars of Islam
– The Shahadah – a statement of faith all Muslims recite at least one time in their lives.
– The Salat or Salah – a daily ritual prayer of faith done five times a day.
– Zakat – a tax paid to benefit the poor or those in need.
– Sawm – a fast done during the month of Ramadan.
– Hajj – a pilgrimage every Muslim must do at least once in his/her life, if he or she can afford it, to the Holy city of Mecca, in modern-day Saudi Arabia.
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10. The Holiest Place in Islam
Masjid al-Haram (“The Sacred Mosque”) in the city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia; surrounds the Kaaba, the place considered by Muslims to be the holiest place on Earth.
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11. The Sacred Book
Quran is considered the holiest book in Islam. The Holy Book is divided into 30 equal parts. There are 114 chapters, and 6,236 verses, containing 99,464 words made up of 330, 113 letters.
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12. Divided; Yet United
There are various Muslim denominations such as Sunni, Shiite or Shia, and Wahabi. Although many sectarian movements have arisen within Islam, all Muslims are bound by a common faith and a sense of belonging to a single community.
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13. World’s Second-Most Followed Religion!
With over one billion followers, Islam is the second-largest religion in the world after Christianity.
Source: bbc.co.uk, Image: Wikimedia
14. The Angel of Muhammad
Muhammad was born in 570 AD in Mecca, and in 610 AD, the Angel Gabriel visited Muhammad and told him “you are the messenger of God.”
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15. Life After Death!
The followers of Islam believe that there will be a day of judgment, and life after death.
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16. Islam & Jihad
One of the central ideas in Islam is “Jihad;” which means “struggle.” While the term has been used negatively in mainstream culture, Muslims believe it refers to efforts to defend their faith.
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17. A Journey That Gave Birth To The Islamic Calendar
The journey from Mecca to Medina that Muhammad took in 622 AD with his supporters is known as the Hijra, and it marked the beginning of the Islamic Calendar.
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18. The Rise of the Caliphate System
After the demise of Muhammad, a series of leaders, known as caliphs, emerged as successors to Muhammad. This system of leadership became popular as “Caliphate.” Muhammad’s father-in-law and close friend, Abu Bakr is considered the first caliph. There have been four caliphs- Abu Bakr, Umar (another father-in-law of Muhammad), Uthman (Muhammad’s son-in-law), and Ali (Muhammad’s cousin and son-in-law). All the four caliphs were killed.
Source: history.com, Image: Wikimedia
19. Sunnis and Shiites
After Muhammad’s death, two major sects were emerged: the Sunnis and the Shiites. These two sects had a fierce debate over who should replace Muhammad as the leader. Sunnis, who make up more than 90% of Muslims worldwide, believe that the first four caliphs were the true successors to Muhammad. While Shiites consider that only the caliph Ali and his descendants are the real successors to Muhammad.
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20. Islam Has Its Own Law
Sharia Law is considered the legal system of Islam. It is a faith-based code of conduct, which directs Muslims on how to carry out their daily routines such as how to dress, marriage guidelines, and other moral principles.
Source: britannica.com, Image: islamicity.org
21. Radical Islam
In recent years, Islam has been typecast to be associated with terrorism worldwide. The controversial term “Radical Islam” is used as a label to describe Islam’s connection to the act of violence.
Source: history.com, GIF: giphy.com
