Islam is a monotheistic religion founded in the 7th century CE by the Prophet Muhammad in the Arabian Peninsula.
Its central beliefs are encapsulated in the Qur’an, considered the word of God (Allah), supplemented by the Hadith, which contains the Prophet’s teachings.
Islam emphasizes the Five Pillars: Shahada (faith), Salat (prayer), Zakat (charity), Sawm (fasting), and Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca).
With over a billion followers worldwide, Islam shapes cultural, legal, and social norms in many countries, particularly in the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia.
