Sources: Islam by Vartan Gregorian (Brookings Institution Press, 2003); National Geographic Magazine; Encyclopedia Britannica

ISLAM: A PRIMER
Along with Judaism and Christianity, Islam is one of three monotheistic religions that trace common roots back to Abraham. Islam (which means “surrender” to the will of God) was founded by the Prophet Muhammad who received divine revelations from 610 until his death in 632. These revelations were collected into Islam’s holy book, the Quran. Islam has five cardinal tenets, including: public statement of faith, prayer five times a day, giving to the poor, fasting during the month of Ramadan and pilgrimage to Mecca once in one’s lifetime, if one is able.