Islam is the second-most popular religion in the world with over 1 billion followers world-wide. Approximately 3 million people follow Islam in the UK, making it the second-largest religion in the country.

Islam originated in Saudi Arabia in the 7th century, and was delivered to the world through the prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him - pbuh). Muhammad (pbuh) was born in Mecca in 570 CE. A spiritual man, he was visited by the Angel Jibreel while meditating on Mt Hira. Jibreel instructed Muhammad (pbuh) to recite the words of Allah.

Muhammad received revelations throughout his life, and the teachings revealed to him comprise the Holy Quran, the Muslim holy book. Muhammad (pbuh) preached Allah's teachings and developed a large following. Uneasy relations between Islam's followers and local authorities drove Muhammad (pbuh) to leave Mecca and settle in Medina in 622. This move, called the Hijrah, meaning migration,” is fundamental to Islam and marks the start of the Islamic calendar. Muhammad (pbuh) and his followers returned within ten years to conquer Mecca.

Muslims believe that Islam is the one true faith, delivered to the world through the last prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Meaning surrender to God, Islam involves a complete surrender of secular interests to spiritual devotion. Five pillars of faith blend dedication to Allah with daily life:

· Shahadah: declaration of faith
· Salat: ritual prayer, five times daily
· Zakat: giving 2.5% of annual wealth to charity
· Sawm: fasting for the month of Ramadan
· Hajj: pilgrimage to Mecca

Muslim life is based in meeting the obligations laid out in the five pillars of faith. Muslims must put their faith before secular interests; no matter how sincerely a person may believe, faith must be put into practice and put before all secular interests.
For Muslims, Allah is the creator, eternal and all-knowing. Islam is the religion delivered by the prophets, including Ibrahim (Abraham), Musa (Moses) and Isa (Jesus), to the world from the beginning of time. The true and final word of God, however, was delivered through Muhammad (pbuh). Muslims believe in a final day of judgement in which all will be put before Allah. Islam also teaches predestination, but reserves free choice to humans.

Recorded information on: Wolverhampton Mosque, Wolverhampton