Understanding Islam

What Muslims Believe

Islam began in the 7th century in the Arabian Peninsula through the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. Today it is the world’s second-largest religion, with followers across every continent.

At the heart of Islamic belief is Tawhid — the absolute oneness and uniqueness of God (Allah). God is understood as singular, sovereign, and incomparable. Associating partners with God (shirk) is considered the gravest sin.

Muslims believe:

• The Qur’an is the final and perfect revelation of God.
• Muhammad is the final prophet in a long line including Abraham, Moses, and Jesus.
• Jesus (Isa) was born of the Virgin Mary and performed miracles, but is not the Son of God and was not crucified in the biblical sense.
• Salvation is ultimately determined by God’s mercy, but good deeds, obedience, and faithfulness matter deeply.

The Five Pillars of Islam shape daily life:

1. Declaration of faith (Shahada)
2. Daily prayers (Salat)
3. Giving to the poor (Zakat)
4. Fasting during Ramadan (Sawm)
5. Pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj)
6. For many Muslims, faith is not merely personal — it is woven into family, culture, law, and community identity.

Yet within the global Muslim world there is enormous diversity: cultural, theological, ethnic, and political.

The two largest branches are:

• Sunni Islam (majority worldwide)
• Shia Islam (significant populations in certain regions)

Countries with large Muslim populations include Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, Nigeria, Egypt, Iran & Turkey.

Understanding what Muslims believe helps us pray with insight rather than assumption.