Overview of Islam
Islam is a monotheistic faith whose followers, called Muslims, submit to the will of one God, known in Arabic as Allah. Muslims believe God revealed the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad in Mecca and Medina between 610 and 632 CE, completing a line of prophets that includes Abraham, Moses and Jesus. The Quran, together with the Sunnah, the example of the Prophet recorded in hadith collections, guides belief, worship, law and everyday conduct for well over a billion people.
The two largest branches are Sunni Islam, followed by the great majority of Muslims, and Shia Islam, which is concentrated in Iran, Iraq, Bahrain, Azerbaijan and Lebanon. Their division traces back to early disagreements over leadership after Muhammad's death. Within both branches there are schools of law, theological currents and Sufi orders, whose mystical poetry, music and devotion to saints have deeply shaped cultures from Morocco to Indonesia, the country with the largest Muslim population.
Islamic civilization produced some of the world's most remarkable architecture, from the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus to the Alhambra in Granada, the mosques of Isfahan and the Taj Mahal. Calligraphy, geometric tilework and gardens express ideas of divine unity and paradise. Travelers will notice the daily rhythm of prayer, announced by the call to prayer five times a day, and the transformation of public life during the month of Ramadan, when evenings fill with shared meals and festive gatherings.
Core beliefs
- There is only one God, who is unique and without partner.
- Muhammad is the final prophet and messenger of God.
- The Quran is the literal word of God revealed in Arabic.
- Earlier prophets, including Abraham, Moses and Jesus, brought God's message.
- Angels exist as servants and messengers of God.
- There will be a Day of Judgment followed by reward or punishment.
- God's decree encompasses all things.
Practices and worship
- The declaration of faith, or shahada.
- Five daily prayers facing Mecca, known as salat.
- Annual almsgiving to those in need, called zakat.
- Fasting from dawn to sunset during Ramadan.
- The Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca at least once for those able.
- Congregational Friday prayer at the mosque.
Pilgrimage in Islam
The Hajj to Mecca is one of the Five Pillars, required once in a lifetime of every Muslim who is physically and financially able. Millions gather each year for rites at the Kaaba, Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah. The lesser pilgrimage, or Umrah, can be made at any time. Many Muslims also visit the Prophet's Mosque in Medina and Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem. Shia pilgrims travel to Karbala, Najaf and Mashhad, and Sufi shrines across South Asia and North Africa draw devoted visitors.
Major festivals
| Festival | When | About |
|---|---|---|
| Ramadan | Ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar | A month of daytime fasting, prayer and charity. Evenings come alive with iftar meals that break the fast. |
| Eid al-Fitr | First day of Shawwal, after Ramadan | A joyful festival ending the fast with special prayers, new clothes, sweets and family visits. |
| Eid al-Adha | 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah, during the Hajj season | Commemorates Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son. Families share meat from sacrificed animals with relatives and the poor. |
| Mawlid al-Nabi | 12th of Rabi al-Awwal in many communities | Celebrates the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad with poetry, processions and gatherings, though not all Muslims observe it. |
Etiquette for visitors
- Dress modestly, covering arms and legs; women usually cover their hair in mosques.
- Remove shoes before entering the prayer hall.
- Avoid visiting during prayer times unless invited, and never walk in front of someone praying.
- Be discreet about eating, drinking and smoking in public during Ramadan days.
- Use your right hand for eating and giving or receiving items.
- Some mosques and the holy cities of Mecca and Medina are closed to non-Muslims.
Map of Islam sacred sites
Frequently asked questions
Can non-Muslims visit mosques?
Many famous mosques, such as the Blue Mosque in Istanbul and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, welcome visitors outside prayer times. Mecca and Medina, however, are restricted to Muslims.
Is it a good idea to travel during Ramadan?
Ramadan can be a rewarding time to visit, with festive evenings and generous hospitality. Expect shorter business hours, and avoid eating or drinking openly in public during daylight.
What is the difference between Hajj and Umrah?
Hajj takes place on fixed dates in the month of Dhu al-Hijjah and is obligatory for those able. Umrah is a shorter pilgrimage to Mecca that can be performed at any time of year.
