Islam is one of the world's major monotheistic religions, with over 1.8 billion followers globally. It was founded in the 7th century CE in the Arabian Peninsula by the Prophet Muhammad, whom Muslims believe is the last prophet sent by God (Allah). Below is a general overview of key aspects of Islam:

1. Core Beliefs of Islam

• Tawhid: The belief in the oneness of God (Allah). Islam teaches that God is unique and has no partners or children.
• Prophethood: Muslims believe that Allah sent a series of prophets to guide humanity. These include figures like Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus, with Muhammad being the final prophet.
• Angels: Muslims believe in the existence of angels, created by Allah from light, who have various roles, including delivering God's messages to prophets.
• Holy Books: The Qur'an is considered the final and complete revelation from God, given to Prophet Muhammad. Earlier scriptures like the Torah (to Moses), Psalms (to David), and the Gospel (to Jesus) are also recognized, but the Qur'an is seen as the ultimate guide.
• Day of Judgment: Muslims believe in an afterlife where all people will be judged by Allah based on their deeds. Those who followed God's guidance and lived righteously will be rewarded with eternal paradise, while others will face punishment.

2. The Five Pillars of Islam

These are the fundamental acts of worship and the framework for a Muslim's life:

1. Shahada: The declaration of faith, stating that "There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah."
2. Salah: The performance of ritual prayers five times a day: at dawn (Fajr), midday (Dhuhr), afternoon (Asr), sunset (Maghrib), and night (Isha).
3. Zakat: Giving alms or charity, usually a portion (2.5%) of one’s savings, to those in need. It purifies wealth and promotes social justice.
4. Sawm: Fasting during the month of Ramadan, where Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, smoking, and marital relations from dawn until sunset.
5. Hajj: A pilgrimage to Mecca that every Muslim who is physically and financially able must perform at least once in their lifetime.

3. The Qur'an

The Qur'an is the central religious text of Islam, believed to be the literal word of God as revealed to Prophet Muhammad over a period of 23 years. It is composed of 114 chapters (Surahs) and is written in classical Arabic. The Qur'an covers a wide range of topics, including theology, law, morality, guidance for personal conduct, and narratives of past prophets.

4. Hadith

Hadith are the sayings, actions, and approvals of Prophet Muhammad. They are collected and compiled into books, and serve as a major source of Islamic law, ethics, and guidance alongside the Qur'an. Two major collections are "Sahih al-Bukhari" and "Sahih Muslim," regarded as highly authoritative.

5. Islamic Law (Sharia)

Sharia is a legal system based on the teachings of the Qur'an and Hadith. It covers all aspects of life, including worship, morality, family life, business transactions, and criminal law. Sharia is interpreted differently in various parts of the world, with some countries adopting it fully, while others incorporate only parts of it into their legal systems.

6. Sects within Islam

• Sunni Islam: The largest branch of Islam, making up about 85-90% of Muslims. Sunnis emphasize the community's consensus in interpreting Islamic law and theology.
• Shia Islam: Shia Muslims make up around 10-15% of the Muslim population. They believe in the leadership of the Prophet’s family, specifically Ali (the Prophet's cousin and son-in-law) and his descendants, as the rightful leaders of the Muslim community.

7. Key Figures in Islam

• Prophet Muhammad: The last prophet, believed to be the Seal of the Prophets, who delivered the final revelation, the Qur'an.
• Imams: In Shia Islam, the Imams are considered divinely chosen leaders. They are seen as spiritual guides with special knowledge and authority.
• Companions of the Prophet: Early followers of Muhammad, many of whom played key roles in spreading Islam after his death.

8. Major Islamic Holidays

• Eid al-Fitr: Celebrated at the end of Ramadan, marking the end of fasting. It is a day of feasting, charity, and community prayers.
• Eid al-Adha: Celebrated during the Hajj pilgrimage, commemorating the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. It is also known as the "Festival of Sacrifice."
• Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year): Marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar calendar, commemorating the migration of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina (the Hijra).
• Laylat al-Qadr: The "Night of Power," believed to be the night when the first verses of the Qur'an were revealed to Muhammad.

9. Islamic Calendar

The Islamic (Hijri) calendar is based on the lunar cycle, with 12 months totaling around 354 or 355 days. Major events, such as Ramadan and Hajj, depend on the sighting of the moon.

10. Muslim Places of Worship

• Mosques: The place where Muslims gather for communal prayers. The Friday prayer (Jumu'ah) is especially significant.
• Mihrab: A niche in a mosque that indicates the direction of Mecca (Qibla), towards which Muslims face during prayer.

11. The Concept of Jihad

Jihad is often misunderstood in the media. The term means "struggle" or "striving" and refers to the effort to live a good life, defend Islam, and strive for justice. While it can refer to armed struggle in defense of Islam, the greater jihad refers to the inner spiritual struggle against sin and temptation.

12. Muslim Dress Code

Muslim men and women are encouraged to dress modestly, with some women wearing the hijab (headscarf) as an expression of modesty and religious commitment. However, the dress code varies greatly depending on culture and interpretation.

This is a broad overview, and Islam's teachings and practices can vary greatly across cultures and regions. Would you like to explore any specific topics in more detail?