Islam is one of the largest religions in the world, with billions of followers across all continents. It began in the 7th century when the Prophet Muhammad received his first revelation in Mecca. Since then, Islam has spread from the Arabian Peninsula across the globe, forming a deep spiritual, cultural, and scientific legacy. It is based on a well-defined doctrine, ethical principles, and structured daily practices. Below are some of the most interesting and informative facts about Islam that you may not know.
- Islam is the second-largest religion in the world after Christianity. The total number of Muslims exceeds 1.9 billion people. Most Muslims live in Asia and Africa, but there are also large communities in Europe and the Americas.
- The word Islam comes from the Arabic root meaning submission or surrender to God. A follower of Islam is called a Muslim, which means one who submits to the will of Allah. The central belief of Islam is the oneness of God.
- The holy book of Islam is the Quran, which is believed to have been revealed to the Prophet Muhammad by the angel Jibril. The Quran contains 114 chapters and offers guidance for all aspects of life. It is considered the literal word of God and cannot be altered.
- Islam is based on five pillars, which form the foundation of religious practice. These include the declaration of faith (shahada), prayer (salat), fasting during Ramadan (sawm), almsgiving (zakat), and pilgrimage to Mecca (hajj). Every Muslim who is able is expected to fulfill these duties.
- Muslims perform prayers five times a day at specific times. Before each prayer, they perform a ritual purification called wudu. During prayer, they face the Kaaba, the sacred site in Mecca.
- Islam recognizes many biblical prophets such as Abraham, Moses, David, and Jesus. The Prophet Muhammad is considered the final prophet, the seal of the prophets. All prophets, according to Islam, preached the core message of monotheism.
- Ramadan is a sacred month of fasting, prayer, and spiritual reflection. From dawn until sunset, Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, smoking, and intimate relations. In the evening, they break their fast with a meal called iftar.
- The hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca, is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. Each year, over two million Muslims from various countries perform this sacred journey. It includes several rituals such as the circumambulation of the Kaaba.
- Islam emphasizes equality among all people regardless of race, nationality, or social status. All Muslims are considered equal before God. This principle is especially evident during hajj, when pilgrims wear the same simple clothing.
- Islamic law, known as Sharia, covers not only religious rituals but also family matters, inheritance, commerce, and criminal justice. Its sources include the Quran, the Sunnah (the life and sayings of the Prophet), scholarly consensus (ijma), and analogy (qiyas). The interpretation and application of Sharia vary by region.
- The Islamic calendar is lunar and consists of 12 months totaling 354 or 355 days. As a result, Islamic holidays shift each year in relation to the Gregorian calendar. The two main holidays are Eid al-Fitr (celebration at the end of Ramadan) and Eid al-Adha (festival of sacrifice).
- Sunni and Shia are the two main branches of Islam that separated in the 8th century. They share the core beliefs but differ in leadership principles and some rituals. The majority of Muslims worldwide are Sunnis.
- Islam made significant contributions to science, medicine, mathematics, astronomy, and philosophy. During the Middle Ages, Muslim scholars preserved and translated classical works and made their own discoveries. Many modern scientific concepts entered Europe through the Islamic world.
- In many Muslim countries, both religious and secular education systems are well developed. The University of Al-Qarawiyyin in Fez, founded in 859, is considered the oldest operating university in the world. Islamic education includes the study of the Quran, Hadith, law, and rhetoric.
- In Islam, depictions of God, prophets, and holy figures are forbidden to avoid idolatry. As a result, Islamic art developed through calligraphy, geometric patterns, and architecture. Calligraphy is seen as a spiritual art and is used to adorn mosques, books, and buildings.
- Friday is a special day in Islam, marked by communal prayer called Jumu’ah. Muslims gather in mosques, listen to sermons (khutbah), and pray together. This day is considered blessed and spiritually significant.
- Islam places great importance on cleanliness of both body and soul. Hygiene is seen not just as a health necessity but as a religious obligation. Ritual purification is required before prayers and after certain life events.
- Islamic culture has influenced architecture, music, clothing, and social customs in many regions. Mosques, minarets, and madrasas are often distinguished by domes, arches, and intricate designs. Islamic art in the Middle Ages influenced the development of the European Renaissance.
- Today, Islam is practiced not only in the East but also by many converts in Europe, America, and Australia. Muslim communities are actively involved in charity, education, and interfaith dialogue. The religion continues to evolve and adapt to modern realities.
These fascinating facts about Islam reveal the depth and diversity of one of the world’s major religions. It encompasses not only faith and rituals but also science, culture, law, and daily life. Islam has shaped civilizations and continues to influence the modern world. The more we learn about Islam, the better we understand the richness of human culture and spirituality.
