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==The Rise of Islam==

==The Rise of Islam==

There is only one major world religion that developed after [[Jesus Christ]]: Islam.<ref>The small Indian religion of Sikhism, which broke off from Hinduism to defend against Islam, also developed after Christianity.</ref>  But it has gained more adherents and conquered more countries in the past 1300 years than any other non-Christian religion.  The religion of Islam is one of the most important aspects of World History, and its importance is growing.

There is only one major world religion that developed after [[Jesus Christ]]: Islam.<ref>The small Indian religion of Sikhism, which broke off from Hinduism to defend against Islam, also developed after Christianity.</ref>  But it has gained more adherents and conquered more countries in the past 1300 years than any other non-Christian religion.  The religion of Islam is one of the most important aspects of World History, and its significance is growing.

'''The word "Islam" means "submission to Allah."'''  Its founder was [[Muhammad]] (A.D. 570-632), a successful merchant in [[Mecca]].  According to Islamic (Muslim) beliefs, Muhammad founded Islam based on revelations from the Angel Gabriel, whom many Christians recognize as having the same name as the angel who appeared to [[Mary the mother of Jesus|Mary]], the mother of Jesus.  (The angel Gabriel is also mentioned in the [[Old Testament]], such as in the [[Book of Daniel]].)  In fact, Islam treats Mary, Jesus and the Old Testament prophets as very holy people, and Muslims consider [[Abraham]] to have been their father just as [[Jewish]] people do.  Muslims considered Christians and Jews "people of the book," and allowed them special rights in the early days of Islam, a policy of cooperation that does not exist today.

'''The word "Islam" means "submission to Allah."'''  Its founder was [[Muhammad]] (A.D. 570-632), a successful merchant in [[Mecca]].  According to Islamic (Muslim) beliefs, Muhammad founded Islam based on revelations from the Angel Gabriel, whom many Christians recognize as having the same name as the angel who appeared to [[Mary the mother of Jesus|Mary]], the mother of Jesus.  (The angel Gabriel is also mentioned in the [[Old Testament]], such as in the [[Book of Daniel]].)  In fact, Islam treats Mary, Jesus and the Old Testament prophets as very holy people, and Muslims consider [[Abraham]] to have been their father just as [[Jewish]] people do.  Muslims considered Christians and Jews "people of the book," and allowed them special rights in the early days of Islam, a policy of cooperation that does not exist today.

Islam's religious beliefs are set forth in the "Five Pillars of Islam" and moral commands set forth in the Qur'an (Koran).  The Five Pillars of Islam are these:

Islam's religious beliefs are set forth in the "Five Pillars of Islam" and moral commands set forth in the Qur'an (Koran).  The Five Pillars of Islam are these:

1.  '''Submission''' is to one god, Allah, whose prophet was Muhammad.  This is simple and powerful:  '''''submit'''''.  It is easy for everyone to understand quickly.

1.  '''Submission''' is to one god, Allah, whose prophet was Muhammad.  This basic concept of Islam is simple and powerful:  '''''submit'''''.  It is easy for everyone to understand quickly.

   

   

2.  '''Prayer''' is to Allah five times a day while facing Mecca.  This is more than many Christians pray.

2.  '''Prayer''' is to Allah five times a day while facing Mecca.  This is more than many Christians pray.

4.  '''Almsgiving''':  Muslims must donate to the poor.

4.  '''Almsgiving''':  Muslims must donate to the poor.

5.  The [[Hajj]] or '''pilgrimage''' is made at least once during a Muslim's lifetime to Mecca, where Muhammad himself made a hajj from A.D. 629 to 632.

5.  The [[hajj]] or '''pilgrimage''' is made at least once during a Muslim's lifetime to Mecca, where Muhammad himself made a hajj from A.D. 629 to 632.

Islam also has a social law known as the "[[shariah]]" to dictate how people should relate to each other.  The shariah can impose harsh punishments pursuant to the Qur'an for wrongful conduct.  Islam strictly prohibits alcohol, drugs, [[gambling]], [[prostitution]], [[homosexuality]], [[pornography]] and other harmful activity.  [[Abortion]] is illegal under Islamic law.   

Islam also has a social law known as the "[[shariah]]" to dictate how people should relate to each other.  The shariah can impose harsh punishments pursuant to the Qur'an for wrongful conduct.  Islam strictly prohibits alcohol, drugs, [[gambling]], [[prostitution]], [[homosexuality]], [[pornography]] and other harmful activity.  [[Abortion]] is illegal under Islamic law.