Responses to basic questions about Islam: What is Islam? Who are the Muslims? Does Islam Tolerate other Beliefs? How Did the Spread of Islam Affect the World?

What is Islam?

Islam is not a new religion, but the same truth that God revealed through all His prophets (peace be upon them) to every person. For a fifth of the world’s population. Islam is both a religion and a complete way of life. Muslims follow a religion of peace, mercy, and forgiveness.

Who are the Muslims?

One billion people from a vast range of races, nationalities and cultures across the globe – from the southern Philippines to Nigeria – are united by their common Islamic faith. About 18% live in the Arab world; the world’s largest Muslim community is in Indonesia; substantial parts of Asia and most of Africa are Muslim, while significant minorities are to be found in the former Soviet Union, China, North and South America, and Europe.

Does Islam Tolerate Other Beliefs?

It is one function of Islamic law to protect the privileged status of minorities, and this is why non-Muslim places of worship have flourished all over the Islamic world. History provides many examples of Muslim tolerance towards other faiths: when the Caliph Omar entered Jerusalem in the year 634, Islam granted freedom of worship to all religious communities in the city. Islamic law also permits non-Muslim minorities to set up their own courts, which implement family laws drawn up by the minorities themselves.

How Did the Spread of Islam Affect the World?

Among the reasons for the rapid and peaceful spread of Islam was the simplicity of its doctrine – Islam calls for faith in only One God worthy of worship. It also repeatedly instructs man to use his powers of intelligence and observation.