6. Islam

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This religion is practiced by over 20% of the world's population (over 1 billion people) and is the dominant religion from North Africa to Asia. There are two main groups: Sunni and Shi'ite.

Muslims with the former accounting for 90% of believers. It is the youngest of the world's major religions having being formed in the 7th Century by Muhummad the Prophet, who developed his convictions after a visitation in Mecca by the angel Gabriel. Followers of Islam (which is derived from 'salam', meaning peace) are known as Muslims. The holy book of Islam is the Qur'an (Koran) which contains the words of God. The other guide to living is the Hadith, a collection of the sayings of Muhummad. The Muslim believes that there is only one, indivisible God (Allah) and that his prophets are Abraham, David, Moses, Jesus and finally, Muhummad whose purpose was to clarify and purify the faith.

The Five Pillars of Islam outline the Muslim's duties. These are:
1. To recite the shahadah (the creed: "There is no god but God and Muhummad is his Prophet") at least once during their lifetime.

2. To perform the salat (prayer) 5 times a day (morning, noon, mid-afternoon, after sunset and just before sleeping), if possible. This is recited while orienting one's body toward Mecca.

3. To donate regularly to charity through zakat (a 2.5% charity tax).

4. To fast during the month of Ramadan

5. If possible, to make at least one hajj (pilgrimage) to Mecca.

Muslims believe in Heaven (for those who submit to Allah and repent their sins) and Hell (for unbelievers and those in sin) and that all people are children of Allah (hence, racism is strictly forbidden). They avoid the use of alcohol and drugs, eating pork and gambling. The term jihad refers to a struggle towards improvement - it has been equated (incorrectly) by some to mean 'holy war'.

"There is no god but God and Muhummad is his Prophet"

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