Islam

Islam
Adli Wahid Minor modifications made by Basile Morin, from the original version. · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Name	Islam
Founder	Muhammad
Founded date	7th century CE
Founded place	Mecca, Hejaz
Scripture	Qur'an
Primary places	Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia
Adherents	Over 1.8 billion

Islam is a major monotheistic religion originating in the Hijaz region of the Arabian Peninsula in the 7th century CE. Centered on the revelation received by Muhammad, it shaped political structures like the Rashidun Caliphate and cultural developments across regions such as Al-Andalus, Ottoman Empire, Safavid Iran, and the Mughal Empire. Its scriptures and legal traditions influenced movements and institutions including the Qur'an, Hadith, Fiqh schools, and modern organizations like the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

Introduction

Islam emerged in the 7th century CE with the prophetic mission of Muhammad in Mecca and Medina, catalyzing events such as the Hijra and the establishment of the Medinan community. Early political transformations included the Ridda wars and expansion under the Umayyad Caliphate and Abbasid Caliphate, producing scholars associated with centers like Baghdad and institutions such as the House of Wisdom. Interactions with neighboring polities—Byzantine Empire, Sasanian Empire, and later the Mongol Empire—shaped doctrinal, legal, and cultural exchange. Modern dynamics involve nation-states like Saudi Arabia, Iran, Turkey, and organizations including the Arab League.

Beliefs and Theology

Core theological tenets are grounded in revelations compiled as the Qur'an and transmitted sayings in collections like those of Al-Bukhari and Muslim ibn al-Hajjaj. Central doctrines include belief in one God (tawhid) articulated by theologians such as Al-Ash'ari and Al-Maturidi, eschatological teachings referencing figures like Isa ibn Maryam and the concept of Day of Judgment. Angelology and prophetic succession involve beings and persons like Jibril (Gabriel), Iblis, and prophets recognized across traditions including Ibrahim, Musa, and Isa. Legal and interpretive methodologies developed by jurists of the Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbali schools shaped discourse on theology, while movements like Mutazilite and Ash'arite contested rationalist and traditionalist approaches.

Practices and Rituals

Religious obligations codified as pillars trace practice to texts and communities tied to sites like the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca and the Al-Masjid an-Nabawi in Medina. Ritual prescriptions include prayer cycles reflected in jurisprudence from figures such as Imam Abu Hanifa and observances during months like Ramadan with associated rites like the Hajj pilgrimage to Arafat and rituals performed at the Kaaba. Charitable obligations reference institutions and terms such as Zakat and communal gatherings in spaces like the Jami' al-Qasaba and madrasas akin to Al-Azhar University. Life-cycle ceremonies and devotional practices were influenced by scholars including Ibn Taymiyyah and mystics tied to orders like the Qadiriyya and Naqshbandiyya.

History and Development

Political and intellectual history spans the Rashidun Caliphate, territorial expansion under the Umayyad Caliphate, cultural florescence during the Abbasid Caliphate, and regional polities such as Fatimid Caliphate, Ayyubid dynasty, Safavid dynasty, Ottoman Empire, and Mughal Empire. Intellectual figures like Al-Ghazali, Ibn Sina, Ibn Rushd, Al-Idrisi, and Ibn Khaldun contributed to philosophy, medicine, geography, and historiography. Colonial encounters with powers including the British Empire, French Republic, and Russian Empire prompted reform movements associated with leaders like Muhammad Abduh, Jamal al-Din al-Afghani, and later nation-state projects in Egypt, India, and Indonesia. Twentieth-century developments feature events and institutions such as the Partition of India, the Iranian Revolution, the Arab Spring, and contemporary movements including political parties like Muslim Brotherhood and international bodies like the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

Sects and Denominations

Major denominational divisions include Sunni communities associated with the Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbali madhhabs, and Shia communities centered on lines of succession related to figures like Ali ibn Abi Talib, the Twelver Imams, and regional dynasties such as the Safavids. Other groups include Ibadi communities with historic presence in Oman, mystical traditions linked to Sufi orders like the Mevlevi and Chishti, and reformist currents represented by thinkers like Rashid Rida and organizations like Salafi movements. Minority communities and sects include historical groups such as the Ismailis, Akhbari, and contemporary communities tied to regions like Azerbaijan, Lebanon, Nigeria, and Malaysia.

Culture, Law, and Society

Legal traditions (Sharia) developed through jurisprudential authorities like Al-Shafi'i and institutions such as Ottoman Kanun administrations and courts in Cordoba and Cairo. Educational and intellectual institutions include Al-Azhar University, Madrasa al-Qarawiyyin, and libraries like the House of Wisdom. Cultural contributions appear in architecture exemplified by the Dome of the Rock, Great Mosque of Córdoba, and Sultan Ahmed Mosque; in literature from authors like Rumi and Al-Mutanabbi; and in sciences through figures such as Al-Khwarizmi and Al-Razi. Contemporary legal and social debates involve constitutional arrangements in countries such as Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey; human rights discussions engage bodies like the United Nations and NGOs; and diasporic communities in cities like London, Paris, New York City, and Toronto contribute to global cultural exchange.

Category:Abrahamic religions