About Islam

There are over 1 Billion Muslims in the world

Less than 20% of Muslims are Arabs. In fact, the most populous Muslim nation in the World is Indonesia with over 202 million Muslims in that country.

Islam was revealed by Prophet Mohammed in the 7th Century who Muslims believe is the last and final Prophet.

Islam is a monotheistic religion.

The Holy Book for Muslims is the Qur'an which is considered to have been revealed by God to Prophet Mohammed.

There are two main branches in Islam: Shias and Sunnis. At the death of Mohammed, there was a difference of interpretation as to who has the right to lead the Muslim community known as the Ummah. Muslims generally agreed on the first four caliphs at which time a split happened thus forming the Shias and the Sunnis.

Shias

The group who became to be known as the Shias believe that the authority to lead as an Imam must come from a descendant of the Prophet with the first Imam as Ali, the Prophet's cousin and son-in-law. Shia's look to the Imam for guidance. The Ismailis are also part of the Shia branch and they believe their spiritual leader the Aga Khan is a direct descendant of the Prophet.

Sunnis

The majority of Muslims in the world are Sunni and they have a notion of leadership that is based on consensus of the community.