Islam

Islam is a monotheistic religion based on the Quran, the scripture recognised by Muslims as the word of God revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, and the Sunnah, which comprises the sayings, actions, and example of the Prophet. The word 'Islam' derives from Arabic and means submission or surrender of the self to God; one who practises Islam is called a Muslim, meaning 'one who submits'.

Islam began in the seventh century CE in the Arabian Peninsula, particularly in the cities of Mecca and Medina. Following the Prophet Muhammad's death, the Muslim states that succeeded him expanded across territory stretching from Al-Andalus to Central Asia. Today, Muslims form one of the two largest religious communities in the world, inhabiting all continents, with the largest populations in Asia and Africa.

Core belief

The centre of Islamic belief is tawhid (the concept of monotheism): God is one, without partner, without son or equal. Muslims also believe in the angels, the revealed scriptures, the prophets—including Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus—and Muhammad, recognised as the final prophet. Belief in the Day of Resurrection and God's decree is also part of Islamic faith. The doctrine of prophetic succession connects Islam to Judaism and Christianity, all three considered part of the Abrahamic faith tradition.

Practices

The five pillars of Islam are: the Shahada (affirmation of God's oneness and Muhammad's prophethood); Salah (prayer five times daily); Zakat (giving a portion of wealth to those in need); fasting during the month of Ramadan; and Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca), obligatory at least once for those able to undertake it. These practices structure the daily and yearly rhythm of Muslim community life.

Sharia and jurisprudence

Sharia is the system of law and ethics derived from the Quran and Sunnah, while fiqh (jurisprudence) is the human understanding derived from these sources. Scholars employ methods such as ijma (consensus) and qiyas (analogical reasoning). Among the legal schools of Sunni Islam are Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbali; Shia Islam has its own schools, such as Ja'fari. In Somalia, the Shafi'i school is predominantly followed.

Branches

Sunni Islam is the largest branch, followed by Shia Islam; the split originated from disagreement over community leadership following the Prophet's death. There is also a spiritual movement called Sufism present in both branches, and other groups such as Ibadism. Sufism, particularly the Qadiri and Ahmadi orders, played a significant role in the Islamic history of the Horn of Africa.