Islam

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ɪsˈlɑːm/

Definitions

• Islam: A monotheistic Abrahamic faith regarded as revealed through the Prophet Muhammad and the Quran, emphasizing submission to the will of Allah (God).
• Islam (plural Islam): The religion, practices, and beliefs associated with Islam as a world religion, including its theology, law, and rituals.

Usage Examples

• "Millions of people around the world practice Islam."
• "Islam is one of the Abrahamic religions, along with Christianity and Judaism."

Etymology

The word "Islam" is derived from the Arabic root "s-l-m," which means peace, submission, or surrender. Islam literally means "submission to the will of Allah" or "the act of surrendering to the divine will." The term was first used in the Quran in the 7th century to describe the religion of the Prophet Muhammad and his followers.

Synonyms

• Muslim religion
• Mohammedanism
• Faith of Islam

Antonyms

• Atheism
• Secularism
• Hinduism (in some religious discourse context)

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In American English: /ɪsˈlɑːm/
• In British English: /ɪsˈlɑːm/
• In Australian English: /ɪsˈlɑːm/

Historical Usage

The term "Islam" first appeared in the 7th century as the religion spread across the Arabian Peninsula. The word itself signifies submission to the will of God, and Islam began as a monotheistic movement, challenging the polytheistic beliefs of the region. Throughout history, Islam has expanded significantly and now has followers around the world, with diverse sects, including Sunni and Shia. Islamic empires, such as the Umayyad, Abbasid, and Ottoman Empires, played key roles in shaping world history.

Cultural Nuances

Islam is not only a religion but also a cultural force that has shaped art, architecture, politics, philosophy, and science over the centuries. Islamic civilization contributed to the development of various fields, including medicine, mathematics, and astronomy. Today, the practice of Islam influences cultures across diverse regions, from the Middle East and North Africa to South Asia and beyond. Cultural practices, including Ramadan, Eid, and Hajj, form integral parts of Islamic tradition.

More Information

Islam, the second-largest religion in the world, is based on the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, who received revelations from Allah (God), compiled into the Quran. Central to Islam is the belief in one God (Allah) and the following of the Five Pillars of Islam: Shahada (faith), Salat (prayer), Zakat (charity), Sawm (fasting), and Hajj (pilgrimage). Islam has diverse cultural and theological practices, with the main divisions being Sunni and Shia Islam. The global Muslim population continues to grow, and the religion remains a significant social, cultural, and political force worldwide.

Islamic practices vary from region to region, but all Muslims share certain key beliefs and practices. The religion places a strong emphasis on social justice, community service, and compassion for others, encouraging its followers to live according to divine guidance. The study of Islam, known as Islamic studies, continues to be an area of active scholarship, exploring the deep history and diverse manifestations of this influential religion.