Islam Today

Islam is a religion that is both controversial as well as at the height of American interest. Islam is the term used for the religion begun by Mohammed in Arabia in the early 600 's. The word Islam translates to mean "Submission" or "to the will of God". The people who practice Islam are called Muslim meaning "one who submits". Muslims adhere to five main practices of Islam, often referred to as the "five pillars of Islam". To many Islam is considered to be not just a religion but a way of life. Islam teaches its followers to live in peace and harmony with the Creator, oneself, other people and the environment. (Islam Today, 2001-2007). Muslims also believe that Mohammed is the very last Prophet and Messenger of God to mankind. Mohammed is considered to be the summation of all of the prophets before him. His life and history provide examples for which Muslims live their lives by. These sayings, examples and records of Mohammed 's life make up the second most important text of Islam and are called the Hadith. The most important text of Islam is the Quran. The Quran is considered the most holy book because it is considered by Muslims to be the exact word of God transmitted through the angel Gabriel to Mohammed. The main focus of the Quran is monotheism but it also encompasses all aspects of life even ideas that in the West would be considered non religious. Today Muslims have become established as minorities in places like North America. Due to the stigma that has been unfortunately attached to the Islamic religion after 9/11 Muslims have become persecuted or treated unfairly because of their religion more often than in the past. However, most Muslims in America are educated, peaceful people who seek to live in peace and harmony among themselves and others in their community. Muslims have established success in business as well as in many academic institutions, community centers and organizations, schools and places of worship thus creating

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