Islam

Photo: Shashwat Nagpal, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Important words

Islam is Arabic for "submission", referring to submission to the will of God.The Muslim holy book is traditionally called the Koran in English, and we use that term here. Qur'an or just Quran are closer to the Arabic and are becoming more common in recent writing.The Arabic word rasul, usually rendered as prophet in English, translates literally as "messenger".The Arabic word madrasah literally translates as "school", though in English and many other languages it is typically used to refer specifically to Islamic religious schools.Although the Arabic word jihad is often translated as "holy war", the actual meaning is much broader, closer to "crusade" or "struggle", which can include things like a crusade against corruption or a personal struggle against evil in one's own heart.

Islam is one of the world's most important religions, second only to Christianity in number of adherents. Its followers are called Muslims and their houses of worship, mosques.

Islam is the main religion of most of the Middle East, North Africa, the Sahel and Central Asia, and is also widespread in Southeast Asia, South Asia and West and East Africa. Today there are Muslims in most of the world's countries, mainly due to immigration but also some converts.

The annual pilgrimage to Mecca, the Hajj, is one of the largest human migrations and brings together Muslims from all over the world. Some Muslims also make pilgrimages to various other holy sites.

Many sites built in the name of Islam are s. As Muslim congregations have had a significant role in most communities where they are present, no matter what travellers believe, they may learn much from visiting a local mosque.

UnderstandThere is no god but God. Muhammad is the messenger of God.

DenominationsThere are a large number of religious groups in the Muslim world today, differing considerably in theology and style.

Islam and politicsThe Muslim world has complicated politics and some, though by no means all, of the complications derive from religious differences which create sectarian violence among Muslim denominations.

CitiesIslam has had a tremendous influence on architecture and on other arts and crafts.

RespectIn some places, non-Muslims are not permitted to enter mosques at all.

TalkArabic, specifically Classical Arabic, is the original language of Islam's main religious text, the Koran, and continues to be used as the liturgical language throughout the Muslim world.

SeeThere are fine mosques in many places and Islamic traditions in art, crafts, literature, music, and architecture. One of those traditions is fine mosaic work in tile, stone and wood.

DoThe Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina is one of the Five Pillars of Islam; every adult Muslim should do it if possible.

LearnThere were universities of Islam in the Muslim world before the first university opened its doors in the Christian world.

WorkInstruction in Arabic, the Koran, Islamic law and Islamic religion is needed throughout the Muslim world and beyond. Teachers with native Arabic accents may receive preference in some parts of the Muslim world.

BuyMany Islamic regions, especially those along the Silk Road, produce fine carpets and those are a common souvenir for travel in those regions.

EatIn Islamic law, several foodstuffs are forbidden (Arabic: haram), with the most widely known being pork and other pig products, including pig-derived gelatin and pig leather, as well as alcohol and any dishes that make…

DrinkThe Koran condemns alcoholic beverages. In many Muslim-majority countries, alcohol sale and consumption is strongly regulated, and in some, it is prohibited.

Sources and licences

Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Islam" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Shashwat Nagpal, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

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