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Islam began around 610 CE with a series of divine revelations given to the Prophet Muhammad, which became known as the Qur’an.

Islam is part of the Abrahamic tradition, tracing its lineage through prophets such as Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus, with Muhammad regarded as the final Messenger of God.

Explore its core teachings—faith in Allah, devotion through prayer and worship, and the pursuit of justice and compassion in daily life.

Islam 101

Dr. Maher Hathout was a prominent spokesperson for the American Muslim community and a retired physician known for his unwavering dedication to public service. Recognized internationally, he was a respected voice for Islam, offering insightful perspectives on national and global issues affecting Muslims.

Watch this 11-minute video to hear his perspective on Islam and its role in today’s world.

Sacred Texts: The Holy Qur’an

In 2014, Dr. Jihad Turk, President of Bayan Islamic Graduate School, presented “Islamic Sacred Texts 101.” Dedicated to Islamic scholarship and religious leadership training, Dr. Turk works to strengthen relationships between the U.S. Muslim community and other faiths.

Watch this 13-minute video to gain insights into Islam’s sacred texts and their significance.

Decoding Rituals and Symbols of Islam

Dr. Jihad Turk brings an engaging sense of humor and a scholar’s depth of understanding to this discussion, making Arabic and Islam accessible to all. He begins with how to greet a Muslim person, explains the Five Pillars of Islam, and shares personal reflections on his pilgrimage and deepening faith.

Watch this video to learn about the rituals and symbols of Islam in a way that is both insightful and relatable.

Islam Holy Days and Observances

Because the Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle, holy days shift forward by about 11 days each year. Discover these sacred observances and how they are celebrated across different cultures.

Learn More!

Dive Deeper into Islam

Explore its teachings, traditions, and the ways it continues to shape communities and spiritual life around the world.

Frequently Asked Questions about Islam

What is the difference between Shia and Sunni Muslims?

Shia and Sunni Muslims represent the two main branches of Islam, each with unique beliefs and practices. The division originated from a disagreement over the rightful successor to the Prophet Muhammad. Sunnis, making up the majority, emphasize the community's role in leadership, while Shias believe in a line of Imams descended from Muhammad. This distinction influences various aspects of worship, religious authority, and community life. Understanding these differences fosters greater appreciation for the rich diversity within the Islamic faith.

What percentage of the world's population today consider themselves to be Muslim?

As of recent estimates, approximately 24 percent of the global population identifies as Muslim, making Islam one of the largest religions in the world. This diverse community spans across continents, cultures, and languages, contributing to a rich tapestry of beliefs and practices. Understanding the demographics of Islam not only highlights its significance but also encourages dialogue and connection among different faiths.

What are the Abrahamic Faiths?

The Abrahamic Faiths encompass Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, each rooted in the teachings of the patriarch Abraham. These religions share a belief in one God and a commitment to ethical living. Explore how these faiths intersect through shared narratives, sacred texts, and moral principles, fostering a rich dialogue about faith, community, and humanity's shared journey. Delve into their unique traditions and discover the common threads that unite them in the pursuit of understanding and peace.

What are the Five Pillars?

  • These are the core requirements of the faith:

    1. Shahada: Declaration of faith.  

    2. Salat: Five daily prayers.   

    3. Zakat: Annual charity for the poor. 

    4. Sawm: Fasting during the month of Ramadan.

    5. Hajj: Pilgrimage to Mecca.  

       

Why do Muslim Women wear the hijab?

Based on common educational resources and the context of Islamic practice, the hijab is worn by many Muslim women for several spiritual and social reasons:

  • Modesty and Faith: Many women view the hijab as a way to fulfill a religious requirement for modesty, viewing it as a beautiful expression of their devotion and submission to God.

  • Identity: It serves as a visible sign of Muslim identity, allowing women to be recognized as followers of the faith and to connect with their community.

  • Shifting Focus: By covering their hair and body, many women believe it shifts the focus of social interactions away from their physical appearance and toward their intellect, character, and personality.

  • Personal Empowerment: For many modern Muslim women, wearing the hijab is a personal choice and a statement of empowerment, representing their right to control how they are seen by the world.

    What is Sharia?

    Sharia (Arabic: shari’ah) literally means "the path" or "the way to the water". In a religious context, it is not a single, static book of law, but rather a comprehensive set of ethical and religious guidelines that help Muslims live a life in accordance with God’s will.

    1. The Core Meaning

    For many Muslims, Sharia represents the ideal of divine justice. It provides a framework for how to live a moral life, covering everything from private spiritual practices to social and financial dealings.

    2. The Four Primary Sources

    Scholars derive Sharia from four main sources to ensure that any interpretation remains faithful to the core tenets of Islam:

    • The Quran: The primary source, considered by Muslims to be the literal word of God.

    • The Sunnah/Hadith: The recorded words and actions of the Prophet Muhammad, used to clarify and expand on Quranic principles.

    • Ijma (Consensus): The collective agreement of learned religious scholars on a particular issue.

    • Qiyas (Analogy): The application of established principles to new situations that are not explicitly mentioned in the primary texts.

    3. Categories of Actions

    Under Sharia, human actions are typically classified into five categories to help individuals navigate their daily choices:

    1. Obligatory (Fard): Actions that must be performed (e.g., daily prayer).

    2. Recommended (Mustahabb): Acts that are encouraged but not mandatory (e.g., extra charity).

    3. Permitted (Mubah): Neutral actions where there is no religious merit or demerit.

    4. Discouraged (Makruh): Actions that are disliked but not strictly forbidden (e.g., wasting water).

    5. Forbidden (Haram): Actions that are strictly prohibited (e.g., theft, alcohol, or interest-bearing loans).

    4. Sharia vs. Islamic Law

    It is helpful to distinguish between Sharia (the divine, immutable ideal) and Fiqh (human jurisprudence):

    • Sharia is the perfect, abstract concept of God's guidance.

    • Fiqh is the human effort to interpret and apply that guidance to real-world legal systems. Because Fiqh involves human interpretation, it can vary significantly across different cultures, time periods, and schools of thought.

    What does "Jihad" mean?
    • In Islamic tradition, the term Jihad (Arabic: jihād) literally translates to "struggle" or "striving." While it is often popularly equated only with "holy war" in global media, its meaning within the faith is far broader and primarily focused on spiritual growth.

      1. The Greater Jihad (Jihad al-Akbar)

      The most significant form of jihad is the internal, spiritual struggle. It refers to the personal effort a Muslim makes to:

      • Overcome their own ego, desires, and impulses.

      • Lead a moral and righteous life in accordance with God's will.

      • Remain steadfast in their faith despite life’s challenges.

      2. The Lesser Jihad (Jihad al-Asghar)

      This refers to external struggles, which can take several forms:

      • Jihad of the Tongue or Pen: Speaking or writing in defense of justice and truth.

      • Physical Jihad: This is the context most often misunderstood. In Sharia (Islamic law), physical struggle or military action is permitted only in specific circumstances, such as self-defense or protecting the oppressed. It is strictly governed by ethical rules, such as the prohibition against harming non-combatants, women, children, or the environment.

      3. Social and Intellectual Jihad

      Jihad also encompasses the effort to improve society. This includes:

      • Striving for Social Justice: Working to end poverty, inequality, or oppression.

      • Educational Striving: The pursuit of knowledge and the effort to share it with other

    Is Islam a violent religion?

    • According to common Islamic scholarship, Islam is fundamentally a religion centered on faith in God, devotion, justice, and compassion. While some people associate the faith with violence due to modern geopolitical events, the core teachings provide a different perspective:

      • Principles of Compassion: The pursuit of justice and compassion in daily life is a core teaching of Islam.

      • Meaning of Jihad: As explained in the FAQs, the term "Jihad" primarily refers to an internal spiritual "struggle" or "striving" to lead a righteous life and overcome one's own ego.

      • Rules of Engagement: While physical struggle or defense is permitted under specific circumstances (such as self-defense), it is strictly governed by ethical rules in Sharia.

      • Global Context: Dr. Maher Hathout, a respected voice for Islam, dedicated his life to public service and unwavering dedication to highlighting Islam’s role as a force for good in today’s world.