Islam is the monotheistic world religion based on the revelation of God (Arabic: Allah) to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in the 7th century in Arabia. Muslims believe that Islam is the final and complete revelation of God, which confirms and perfects all previous divine messages (such as those of Judaism and Christianity).

The central statement of faith in Islam is: “There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.” This so-called Shahada is the first of the Five Pillars of Islam, which structure the religious life of Muslims:

• Shahada – the Declaration of Faith
• Salah – the five daily prayers
• Zakah – the compulsory charity
• Sawm – fasting in the month of Ramadan
• Hajj – the pilgrimage to Mecca, if possible

The Quran, the holy book of Islam, is considered the unaltered word of God, revealed in Arabic. The faith is supplemented by the Sunnah, the recorded sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad.

Islam places great importance on justice, mercy, compassion, and the accountability of man toward God and his fellow human beings. Muslims see Islam not just as a religion, but as a comprehensive way of life.