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Islamic schools and branches have different understandings of Islam. There are many different sects or denominations, schools of Islamic jurisprudence, and schools of Islamic theology, or ʿaqīdah (creed).
Apr 2, 2004 · Islam consists of a number of religious denominations that are essentially similar in belief, but which have significant theological and legal differences. According to most sources, approximately 85% of the world's Muslims are Sunni, and approximately 15% are Shi'a; however, there is a small minority who are members of other Islamic sects.
It is estimated that, by 2050, the number of Muslims will nearly equal the number of Christians around the world, "due to the young age and high fertility rate of Muslims relative to other religious groups." Main branches or denominations
Islam portal. v. t. e. World Muslim population by percentage (2014 estimate) [1] Adherents of Islam constitute the world's second largest religious group. A projection by the PEW suggests that Muslims numbered approximately 1.9 billion followers in 2020.
- Islam Facts
- Muhammad
- Hijra, Abu Bakr
- Caliphate System
- Sunnis and Shiites
- Other Types of Islam
- Quran
- Islamic Calendar, Symbols
- Five Pillars of Islam
- Sharia Law
The word “Islam” means “submission to the will of God.”Followers of Islam are called Muslims.Muslims are monotheistic and worship one, all-knowing God, who in Arabic is known as Allah.Followers of Islam aim to live a life of complete submission to Allah. They believe that nothing can happen without Allah’s permission, but humans have free will.The prophet Muhammad, sometimes spelled Mohammed or Mohammad, was born in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, in A.D. 570. Muslims believe he was the final prophet sent by God to reveal their faith to mankind. According to Islamic texts and tradition, an angel named Gabriel visited Muhammad in 610 while he was meditating in a cave. The angel ordered Muhammad to r...
In 622, Muhammad traveled from Mecca to Medina with his supporters. This journey became known as the Hijra (also spelled Hegira or Hijrah), and marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar. Some seven years later, Muhammad and his many followers returned to Mecca and conquered the region. He continued to preach until his death in 632. After Muhammad...
When Umar was assassinated six years after being named caliph, Uthman, Muhammad’s son-in-law, took the role. Uthman was also killed, and Ali, Muhammad’s cousin and son-in-law, was selected as the next caliph. During the reign of the first four caliphs, Arab Muslims conquered large regions in the Middle East, including Syria, Palestine, Iranand Iraq...
When Muhammad died, there was debate over who should replace him as leader. This led to a schism in Islam, and two major sects emerged: the Sunnis and the Shiites. Sunnis make up nearly 90 percent of Muslims worldwide. They accept that the first four caliphs were the true successors to Muhammad. Shiite Muslims believe that only the caliph Ali and h...
Other, smaller Muslim denominations within the Sunni and Shiite groups exist. Some of these include: 1. Wahhabi: This Sunni sect, made up of members of the Tameem tribe in Saudi Arabia, was founded in the 18th century. Followers observe an extremely strict interpretation of Islam that was taught by Muhammad bin Abd al-Wahhab. 2. Alawite: This Shiit...
The Quran (sometimes spelled Qur’an or Koran) is considered the most important holy book among Muslims. It contains some basic information that is found in the Hebrew Bible as well as revelations that were given to Muhammad. The text is considered the sacred word of God and supercedes any previous writings. Most Muslims believe that Muhammad’s scri...
The Islamic calendar, also called the Hijra calendar, is a lunar calendar used in Islamic religious worship. The calendar began in the year A.D. 622, celebrating the journey of Muhammad from Mecca to Medina. The Islamic calendar indicates the proper days of Islamic holidays and celebrations, including the period of fasting and prayer known as Ramad...
Muslims follow five basic pillars that are essential to their faith. These include: 1. Shahada: to declare one’s faith in God and belief in Muhammad 2. Salat: to pray five times a day (at dawn, noon, afternoon, sunset, and evening) 3. Zakat: to give to those in need 4. Sawm: to fast during Ramadan 5. Hajj: to make a pilgrimage to Mecca at least onc...
Islam’s legal system is known as Sharia Law. This faith-based code of conduct directs Muslims on how they should live in nearly every aspect of their lives. Sharia law requires men and women to dress modestly. It also outlines marriage guidelines and other moral principles for Muslims. If crimes are committed, Sharia law is known for its harsh puni...
Dec 18, 2012 · Muslims number 1.6 billion, representing 23% of all people worldwide. There are two major branches of Islam – Sunni and Shia. The overwhelming majority (87-90%) of Muslims are Sunnis; about 10-13% are Shia Muslims. 8
Islamic schools and branches have different understandings of Islam. There are many different sects or denominations, schools of Islamic jurisprudence, and schools of Islamic theology, or ʿaqīdah (creed).
