What is Islam?
Islam is a monotheistic religion founded by the Prophet Muhammad in the 7th century CE in the Arabian Peninsula. Its central text is the Quran, believed by Muslims to be the word of God as revealed to Muhammad. The basic beliefs of Islam are encapsulated in the Five Pillars: Shahada: Declaration of faith, affirming that there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is his messenger. Salat: Ritual prayer performed five times a day facing the Kaaba in Mecca. Zakat: Giving alms to the poor and needy, typ