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A Look at Islam

By Dina El Nabli

When President Bush visited a mosque in Washington, D.C., last month, he had this message: "Islam is peace." The President wanted Americans to know that while the terrorists who attacked the U.S. follow the Islamic faith, their religion does not preach violence.

With more than 1 billion followers, Islam is the world's second largest religion after Christianity. Many countries in Asia, Africa and the Middle East have large populations of Muslims, the followers of Islam. More than 6 million Americans are Muslim.

Muslims, Christians and Jews share many beliefs. Most important is the belief in just one God. The city of Jerusalem is holy to all three religions. Abraham, Moses and Jesus are prophets to Muslims.

The Beginnings of Islam
Islam was first preached by the prophet Muhammad. He was born in 570 in the city of Mecca in what is now Saudi Arabia. Muslims believe that the angel Gabriel gave Muhammad the words of God, which are contained in the Koran. The Koran is as important to Muslims as the Bible is to Christians and Jews.

Islam rests on five pillars, or rules. Muslims must declare their faith in God; pray five times a day; fast during the holy month of Ramadan; give to the poor; and try to journey to Mecca.

While the terrorists said they struck in the name of Islam, they represent only a small group of Muslims. Says Imam Ahmed Dewidar from an Islamic center in New York City: "The message of Islam is to live in peace and to love each other."

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Key Words in Islam

Allah The Arabic word for God

Hijab A head scarf. Many Muslim women cover their heads; their religion requires modest dress.

Hajj A Muslim person's religious journey to Mecca

Imam A religious scholar who leads Muslims in prayer

Jihad A religious struggle to better oneself, fight injustice or defend the teachings of Islam

Koran (or Qur'an) Islam's holy book, originally written in Arabic

Mosque A place of worship for Muslims

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