Islam - GCSE Religious Studies Definition

Islam is a monotheistic (one God) faith founded in the 7th century CE in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is centred on the belief in one God, Allah. Followers of Islam, known as Muslims, adhere to the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), who is considered the final prophet in a long line that includes figures like Abraham, Moses, and Jesus. The core beliefs and practices of Islam are encapsulated in the Five Pillars: the declaration of faith (Shahada), prayer (Salah), almsgiving (Zakat), fasting during Ramadan (Sawm), and the pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj). Islam's holy book, the Qur'an, is considered the verbatim word of God as revealed to Muhammad (pbuh), and it, along with the Sunnah, guides Muslim practices and beliefs. Students studying GCSE Religious Studies explore these aspects to understand Islam's impact on individual lives and global cultures.