The Islam religion is one of the largest in the world, with approximately 1.6 followers or 23 percent of the world’s population, with 90 percent being Sunni Muslims and 10 percent being Shia Muslims (Johnson). Islam is a monotheistic religion that was founded in the Middle East in the 7th century C.E. based on the experiences of the Prophet Muhammad. Muslims follow the scriptures of the Koran (“recitation”), most importantly the Five Pillars, and only worship one God named Allah. The Five Pillars which they adhere to in the religion include the declaration of faith, ritual prayer, the zakat, fasting, and the hajj (a pilgrimage to Mecca). The zakat is the careful calculation of 2.5 percent of one’s wealth given to the poor as a way to “purify” the rest of one’s wealth (Richter 141). In addition, Muslims show their commitment and dedication to their faith by praying …show more content…
A major figure in the religion, if not the most important one is Muhammad, who is considered the Prophet to the Arabs (just as Moses was to the Jews) and is the prime example of how to live and behave on earth as a Muslim. According to the Central Intelligence Agency, Muslims are thought to be the world’s fastest growing religious group. They make up a majority in 50 countries and live as minorities in different sizes in almost all non-Muslim countries (Al-Shahri). Islam encompasses various religious sites which are sacred to its followers and widely known, even among non-Muslims. Mecca, home of the Prophet is one, followed by Medina, the city to which Muslims relocated when forced from Mecca due to persecution, and the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem believed to be the oldest Islamic building in existence (Johnson). Islam is also present outside of its origin in the Arabian Peninsula as it is seen in Africa, throughout Asia, Europe and the