Islam
Muslims are monotheistic and worship one, all-knowing God, who in Arabic is known as Allah.
Distinctions
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Summary
"There is no god but God, and Muhammad is the Prophet of God."
Islam means "peace" or "submission" and a Muslim is "one who submits to God." Muslims believe that by submitting to the will of God they can find peace within themselves anbd between all people. Muslims believe in on God, Allah in Arabic, who is known by titles such as the Creator, the Merciful or the Compassionate. At different times God has sent prophets to give his message to humanity. The final, complete meassage was given by the Prophet Muhammad, who lived in Arabia in the sixth century CE. Muslims believe that their holy book, the Qur'an, was written by God before time began and dictated to the Prophet Muhammad by the angel Jibra'il, a messenger from God.
Symbol
Muslims say that Islam guides a person's life just as the moon and starts gyude a traveler in the desert. This symbol on a contry's flag often indicates a Muslim state.
Worldwide Numbers
There are 1.25 billion Muslims worldwide, principally in the Middle Easat, North and West Africa, southeastern Eukrope and Southeast Asia. In nineteen countries of the Middle East and North Africa more than 90% of the population is Muslim.
Holy Places
All Muslims try at least one in their lives to make the pilgrimage to Makkah in Saudi Arabia, site of the first House of God on eath and the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad.
Holy Writings
The revelations written in the Qur'an are central to Muslim life, whether used as a system of law or as a guide for everyday life. The Qur'an is written in Arabic and, although Muslims speak many native languages, it is always recited in Arabic.
Key Links
Additional in-depth information here on Wikipedia.