THESE ARE THE BASIC BELIEFS OF MUSLIMS

 Islam is the second largest religion in the world, with an estimated 1.8 billion followers. People  who follow the religion are called Muslim. The religion began in the 7th century B.C. in what is now Saudi Arabia. While Muslims live in many countries worldwide, they make up the majority of the population in several countries. There are seven countries where more than 90% of the population is Muslim (Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Turkey, and Pakistan). Some places follow Sharia law. 

The Islamic faith is monotheistic, believing in Allah as the one true God. It teaches that the prophet Muhammad is Allah’s final messenger, who continued to receive messages from Allah to share with the people. After Muhammad’s death, other leaders rose in his place under a system called the caliphate, with the individual leaders being referred to as caliphs.

There are two major sects within Islam: Sunnis and Shiites. About 90% of Muslims are Sunnis. Muslims pray at five specific times throughout each day, they are expected to complete a pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca at least once in their lives, they are also required to fast during the month of Ramadan. The Quaran is their holy book and their women wear a hijab that covers their hair, while others wear a niquab or burka, which conceals more of their appearance.