Muslims are followers of Islam, one of the world's major monotheistic religions, founded by the Prophet Muhammad in the 7th century CE in present-day Saudi Arabia. Islam, meaning "submission to the will of God," is based on the belief in one God, Allah, and centers around the Qur'an, the holy book believed to be the word of God revealed to Muhammad. With over 1.9 billion adherents, Islam is the second-largest religion globally.

### Core Beliefs of Islam:
1. **Tawhid (Monotheism)**: The belief in the oneness of Allah, who is eternal, all-powerful, and merciful.
2. **Prophethood**: Muslims believe that Allah sent many prophets to guide humanity, with Muhammad being the final prophet. Other prophets include figures like Moses, Jesus, and Abraham.
3. **Angels**: Belief in angels, such as Gabriel, who brought revelations to prophets.
4. **Revelation**: The Qur'an is considered the final and complete revelation of Allah, delivered through Muhammad.
5. **Day of Judgment**: Muslims believe that humans will be judged based on their deeds in the afterlife, leading to either eternal paradise (Jannah) or punishment (Jahannam).

### The Five Pillars of Islam:
The foundational practices of Islam are known as the Five Pillars, which guide a Muslim’s religious and daily life:
1. **Shahada (Faith)**: The declaration of faith, affirming that "There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His messenger."
2. **Salah (Prayer)**: Muslims are required to pray five times daily facing the Kaaba in Mecca.
3. **Zakat (Charity)**: Giving a portion of one's wealth to the needy, typically 2.5% of savings.
4. **Sawm (Fasting)**: During the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset to develop self-control and empathy for the less fortunate.
5. **Hajj (Pilgrimage)**: Muslims who are physically and financially able are required to perform the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lifetime.

### Sunni and Shia:
Islam is divided into two major sects, Sunni and Shia, primarily due to disagreements over the rightful successor to Muhammad. Sunnis, who make up about 85-90% of Muslims, believe that the community should choose the leader, while Shia Muslims hold that leadership should remain within the Prophet’s family, specifically Ali, his cousin and son-in-law.

### Islamic Culture and Society:
Islamic culture has had a significant impact on global civilization. Historically, Muslim scholars and scientists made groundbreaking contributions in fields such as mathematics, medicine, astronomy, and philosophy, especially during the Islamic Golden Age (8th to 14th centuries). Cities like Baghdad, Cairo, and Cordoba were centers of learning and culture.

Islamic art is known for its intricate geometric patterns, calligraphy, and architecture. Mosques, which serve as places of worship, are often adorned with domes, minarets, and detailed decorations. Famous examples include the Great Mosque of Mecca, Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, and the Alhambra in Spain.

### Contemporary Issues:
Today, Muslims are found across the globe, with the largest populations in countries like Indonesia, Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh. Islam is also a growing religion in Western countries. Muslim communities worldwide face diverse issues, ranging from maintaining religious practices in non-Muslim-majority societies to addressing political and social challenges such as Islamophobia, extremism, and integration.

### Misconceptions:
There are common misconceptions about Islam, often related to its association with terrorism or extremism. Islam, like any religion, advocates for peace, justice, and compassion. The actions of a small minority of extremists do not reflect the beliefs of the majority of Muslims, who emphasize peaceful coexistence and ethical conduct.

Muslims contribute to the cultural, social, and political fabric of many societies and continue to play a vital role in shaping the modern world.

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