The word Islam literally means "submission to God", "peace" or "way to peace." The Islamic faith tradition originated in 622 CE in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Islam is built on the belief in Allah, the same god worshipped by Jews and Christians. Muslims, or adherents of the Islamic faith, believe that Allah revealed himself to various prophets, including Abraham, Moses and Jesus. However, they believe that his final revelation was to the prophet Muhammed. The revelation is recorded in the Qu'ran, they holy scripture of the Islamic faith.

Sects

There are two major sects within Islam, Sunni and Shi'ite. The split occurred after the death of the prophet Muhammed and was rooted in the debate over who his rightful successor was. Shi’ites followed Ali, because he was Muhammed’s closest relative; while Sunni’s believed the new leader should be elected among those capable of being effective leaders, and as such, followed Abu Bakr. To this day, Sunni Muslims believe that leaders cannot make hereditary claims to power, but should be elected from the community. Shia Muslims believe that imams are given authority directly from God, and are venerated as saints.

Sunnis compose the majority of Muslims throughout the world, approximately 80 - 90%. The Shi'ite population is between 10 and 20% of the whole Muslim population.

Practices

There are 5 pillars of Islamic faith that Muslims strive to practice. The first, shahadah, is the “recitation” of the creed, “There is no God but God; Muhammad is the messenger of God.”  The second is salaht, or “daily prayer.” Devout Muslims pray 5 times a day, prostrate towards Mecca.  The third pillar, zakaht, meaning “almsgiving,” is an obligatory tax of 2.5 to 10% of one’s wealth.  Sawm, or “fasting,” takes place in the month of Ramadan (the month Muhammad received his revelation) during daylight hours.  The final pillar, haji, is a “pilgrimage” to Mecca.  Each Muslim should make the pilgrimage once in his/her life if he/she is able.

Spiritual Leaders: Sheik, or Imam

Place of Worship: Mosque

Language of Origin: Arabic

By The Numbers:

            1.3 billion Muslims worldwide

            1.35 million Muslims in the United States

Virginia Muslim Coalition for Public Affairs:

A Richmond-based, non-profit organization “committed to participate in the religious, social, and civic aspects” of Richmond. It is a coalition of Muslim individuals, groups, and organizations throughout the Central Virginia region dedicated to ensuring a truthful understanding of Islam. 

Muslim Student Association Affiliates in Virginia:

A religious organization dedicated to establishing and maintaining Islamic societies on college campuses in Canada and the United States.

American Society for Muslim Advancement: 

Dedicated to strengthening an authentic expression of Islam based on cultural and religious harmony through interfaith collaboration, youth and women’s empowerment, and arts and cultural exchange.

 Muslim American Society: 

A dynamic charitable, religious, social, cultural, and educational, organization. MAS offers unique programs and services that seek to better the individual and in turn, the greater society by imparting Islamic knowledge, promoting community service, engaging in political activism, and much more. 

Muslim Students' Association:

 A religious organization dedicated to establishing and maintaining Islamic societies on college campuses in Canada and the United States.

Islamic Society of North America:

ISNA is an association of Muslim organizations and individuals that provides a common platform for presenting Islam, supporting Muslim communities, developing educational, social and outreach programs and fostering good relations with other religious communities, and civic and service organizations.

 

For a comprehensive listing of books about Islam, please visit:

http://www.theamericanmuslim.org/tam.php/features/articles/books_book_reviews/