21 Interesting Facts About Islam

Islam, a monotheistic religious group, spreading the concept that there is only one God (Allah), is the second most followed religion in the world (in terms of numbers). Along with its primary scripture i.e., Quran, Islam’s followers are called Muslims. Besides being one of the most followed religions in the world, Islam has many other facts worth knowing. Here are some interesting facts about Islam:Islam Religion
Image: pixabay.com

1. Surrender Yourself

Islam Prayer

The word “Islam” corresponds to ‘submission to the will of God.’ Its derivatives include “submission” or “surrender.”
Source: bbc.co.uk, Image: pixabay.com

2. A Greeting in Itself

The best-known derivative of the word “Islam” is the noun “Salam” or “Salaam,’ and is often used as a salutation or greeting. ‘Salaam’ or ‘Salaam Alaikum’ is a common form of greeting between Muslims.
Source: Islam: The Religion and the People By Bernard Ellis Lewis, Buntzie Ellis Churchill, GIF: gifer.com

3. Islam vs Muhammadanism

Muhammadanism in Africa

Earlier, Islam was termed as Muhammadanism in Anglophone societies. However, with time, the term had to face opposition and has now become obsolete.
Source: Wikipedia, Image: Wikimedia

4. God is One

Islam has a monotheistic (belief in one God) message. The followers of Islam i.e., Muslims, believe in one God, Allah.
Source: cnn.com, GIF: whicdn.com

5. Islam And Its Guiding Religions

Islam Christianity And Judaism

Islam is partially based on the Judeo-Christian religions. It follows some of the same principles as Christianity and Judaism.
Source: cnn.com, Image: Flickr

6. The Messenger of God

Prophet Muhammad

Promulgated by the Prophet Muhammad in Arabia in the 7th century, Islam’s core doctrine is that every follower of Islam must surrender to the will of Allah. This message is contained in the sacred scripture, the Quran, which Allah revealed to his messenger, Muhammad.
Source: britannica.com

7. Jesus Christ: A Messenger of Islam!


Although the name of Prophet Muhammad is the most prominent one while talking about Islam, he is considered the last of a series of prophets (including Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Solomon, and Jesus).
Source: britannica.com, Image: pixabay.com

8. No Visuals of God

Islam and God

Muslims renounce polytheism and idolatry; they believe that God is beyond all comprehensions, and no one can visualize or anthropomorphize Him.
Source: Wikipedia, Image: pixabay.com

9. Five Pillars of Islam

– The Shahadah – a statement of faith all Muslims recite at least one time in their lives.

– The Salat or Salah – a daily ritual prayer of faith done five times a day.


– Sawm – a fast done during the month of Ramadan.

Source: cnn.com, GIF: gifer.com

10. The Holiest Place in Islam

Masjid al-Haram (“The Sacred Mosque”) in the city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia; surrounds the Kaaba, the place considered by Muslims to be the holiest place on Earth.
Source: Wikipedia, GIF: gfycat.com

11. The Sacred Book

Quran is considered the holiest book in Islam. The Holy Book is divided into 30 equal parts. There are 114 chapters, and 6,236 verses, containing 99,464 words made up of 330, 113 letters.
Source: al-islam.org, GIF: gfycat.com

12. Divided; Yet United

Islam And Muslims

There are various Muslim denominations such as Sunni, Shiite or Shia, and Wahabi. Although many sectarian movements have arisen within Islam, all Muslims are bound by a common faith and a sense of belonging to a single community.
Source: britannica.com, Image: pixabay.com

13. World’s Second-Most Followed Religion!

Islam And Its Followers

With over one billion followers, Islam is the second-largest religion in the world after Christianity.
Source: bbc.co.uk, Image: Wikimedia

14. The Angel of Muhammad

Angel Gabriel in Islam

Muhammad was born in 570 AD in Mecca, and in 610 AD, the Angel Gabriel visited Muhammad and told him “you are the messenger of God.”
Source: history.com, Image: Wikimedia

15. Life After Death!

The followers of Islam believe that there will be a day of judgment, and life after death.
Source: history.com, GIF: pinimg.com

16. Islam & Jihad

Islam And Jihad

One of the central ideas in Islam is “Jihad;” which means “struggle.” While the term has been used negatively in mainstream culture, Muslims believe it refers to efforts to defend their faith.
Source: history.com, Image: squarespace.com

17. A Journey That Gave Birth To The Islamic Calendar

Islamic Calendar

The journey from Mecca to Medina that Muhammad took in 622 AD with his supporters is known as the Hijra, and it marked the beginning of the Islamic Calendar.
Source: bbc.co.uk, Image: Wikimedia

18. The Rise of the Caliphate System

Prophet Muhammad And Four Caliphs (Only A Depiction)

After the demise of Muhammad, a series of leaders, known as caliphs, emerged as successors to Muhammad. This system of leadership became popular as “Caliphate.” Muhammad’s father-in-law and close friend, Abu Bakr is considered the first caliph. There have been four caliphs- Abu Bakr, Umar (another father-in-law of Muhammad), Uthman (Muhammad’s son-in-law), and Ali (Muhammad’s cousin and son-in-law). All the four caliphs were killed.
Source: history.com, Image: Wikimedia

19. Sunnis and Shiites

Sunnis and Shiites

After Muhammad’s death, two major sects were emerged: the Sunnis and the Shiites. These two sects had a fierce debate over who should replace Muhammad as the leader. Sunnis, who make up more than 90% of Muslims worldwide, believe that the first four caliphs were the true successors to Muhammad. While Shiites consider that only the caliph Ali and his descendants are the real successors to Muhammad.
Source: Wikipedia, Image: Wikimedia

20. Islam Has Its Own Law

Islamic Law

Sharia Law is considered the legal system of Islam. It is a faith-based code of conduct, which directs Muslims on how to carry out their daily routines such as how to dress, marriage guidelines, and other moral principles.
Source: britannica.com, Image: islamicity.org

21. Radical Islam

In recent years, Islam has been typecast to be associated with terrorism worldwide. The controversial term “Radical Islam” is used as a label to describe Islam’s connection to the act of violence.
Source: history.com, GIF: giphy.com