Islam is a monotheistic Abrahamic religion founded on the belief in one God, Allah. It originated in the 7th century CE in the Arabian Peninsula with the Prophet Muhammad, who is considered the final prophet in a line that includes figures such as Abraham, Moses, and Jesus. The core texts of Islam are the Quran, believed to be the literal word of God as revealed to Muhammad, and the Hadith, which are records of Muhammad's sayings and actions.
Muslims follow the Five Pillars of Islam, which are:
1. **Shahada (Faith)**: The declaration of faith, stating that there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His prophet.
2. **Salah (Prayer)**: Performing ritual prayers five times a day.
3. **Zakat (Charity)**: Giving to those in need and supporting the less fortunate.
4. **Sawm (Fasting)**: Observing fasting during the month of Ramadan from dawn until sunset.
5. **Hajj (Pilgrimage)**: Undertaking a pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca at least once in a lifetime, if financially and physically able.
Islam emphasizes submission to God's will, ethical conduct, and the importance of community and social justice. It has diverse cultural and theological traditions but is unified by these core beliefs and practices.