Islam
Muslims worship the one God (Allah, the Arabic word for God) and follow the teachings revealed to the Prophet Muhammad in the Qur'an.
Began in 7th-century Arabia when Muhammad received the revelations of the Qur'an. Muslims see it as continuing the message of earlier prophets including Abraham, Moses and Jesus.
Core ideas
- Tawhid: God is one, merciful and compassionate
- The Qur'an as God's word, and the example (Sunnah) of the Prophet
- The Five Pillars: faith, prayer, charity, fasting in Ramadan, and pilgrimage
- Every person is accountable to God for how they live
Common practices
- Five daily prayers
- Friday congregational prayer (Jumu'ah)
- Ramadan fast
- Zakat (charity)
American Muslims are among the most diverse faith communities in the country. Many mosques hold open houses and welcome questions.
Sacred texts
All traditions' scriptures →Muslims believe the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad in Arabic, and it is recited in Arabic in every prayer. Translations are treated as explanations of its meaning rather than the Quran itself, so most English editions print the Arabic alongside.
The Quran
Original language: Arabic
114 chapters (surahs). Many Muslims memorize parts or all of it, and the whole Quran is often recited over the nights of Ramadan.
- Saheeh International · Clear, fairly literal modern English; widely used.
- The Clear Quran (Mustafa Khattab) · Plain, readable modern English.
- M.A.S. Abdel Haleem (Oxford) · Fluent English from a university press.
- Yusuf Ali and Pickthall · Older, classic translations still found in many mosques.
Hadith and other texts
Hadith are reports of the Prophet's words and actions. Sunni Muslims rely most on collections like Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim; Shia Muslims have their own collections, such as al-Kafi, and treasure Nahj al-Balagha, the sermons and letters of Imam Ali.
Read free online or in an app
- Quran.com · Free nonprofit site and app: Arabic with many English translations, word-by-word meanings and recitations.
- Sunnah.com · Free hadith collections in Arabic and English.
- Al-Islam.org · Free Shia library, including Nahj al-Balagha in English.
Branches and communities
Sunni
About 85–90% of Muslims worldwide. Follows the Sunnah of the Prophet as interpreted by four main schools of law.
Beliefs: Leadership passed to the Prophet's companions, chosen by the community.
Worship: Friday midday prayer with a sermon (khutbah) is the main weekly gathering; most mosques also hold weekend classes and community events.
On a first visit
- Remove your shoes before the prayer hall. Women typically cover their hair; scarves are often available.
- Men and women usually pray in separate areas.
- Non-Muslims are welcome to observe; call ahead or ask about an open house.
Shia
The second-largest branch, following a line of Imams descended from the Prophet's family, beginning with Ali.
Beliefs: Spiritual authority passed through the Prophet's family. Includes Twelver, Ismaili and Zaydi communities.
Worship: Daily and Friday prayers, plus gatherings to remember the Imams, especially during Muharram. Centers may be called a mosque, imambargah or Islamic center.
On a first visit
- Same etiquette as most mosques: shoes off, modest dress, head covering for women.