Islam is one of the oldest and largest religions in the world. It is second after Christianity in terms of followers. The Prophet Muhammad, who was a trader in Arabia, founded the Islamic religion around 622 AD. Islam was founded in the Middle East and has spread to take on a wide representation in all corners of the world. Use Arabic as your primary language. The sacred text used by Muslims is called the Koran. The Quran was originally written in Arabic and later translated into English. Islam is made up of two main denominations: Sunni and Shia (Facts about religion, 1). Both of these denominations have a similar general concept of Islam and its fundamental laws, but refer to the historical concepts surrounding Islam. The religion has important holidays that it observes just like other religions. These are just some of the facts that characterize Islam as a religion. These facts will be expanded to provide in-depth insight into religion. The word Islam means to submit to the will of Allah. Followers who practice this faith are called Muslims, and as an extension of the definition, they are people who submit to the will of Allah. Islam as a religion began in Arabia and has spread around the world to more than 60 different countries. Allah is the name Muslims call their God. They believe that their religion is timeless and that their God is the one true God. In reality, Islam has the same origin as Christianity and Judaism, although they all have different times. Islam is similar to Christianity in many ways. Both religions believe that God is a supernatural being and the creator of heaven and earth. They also believe that He has existed since the beginning of time. Islam has different names it gives to its prophets. A deeper study of this... middle of paper... are among the most respected prophets of God and Muhammad was the last in the line of prophets. This is similar to Christianity where prophets like Elijah were sent to teach Christians the way of life. Islam is guided by Sharia law which establishes a way of life for Muslims. The lifestyle is characterized by five pillars of Islam which are rituals that every Muslim should perform to live an acceptable life. Finally, Muslims base their religion on the teachings contained in the Quran.Works CitedBBC. Islam. September 2009, web. March 13, 2014. Religious facts. What are the facts of the Muslim religion? March 17, 2004. Web. June 13, 2014Abdul, A. Islamic Faith. July 2007. Web. 13 June 2014. Teece, G. Islam: Religion in Focus. New York: Black Rabbit Books, 2009. Print.Muhammad, SI The Emergence of Shi'ism and the Shi'ites” 1989. Web. June 13 2014.