What Islam is depends on whom you ask and when for it is a religion, a culture, and a way of life. It may be all three of these simultaneously or exclusively. Islam was founded as an Abrahamic religion from the prophethood of Muhammad ibn Abdullah (PBUH) in 610 CE in Arabia for the worship of Allah, the god of Abraham. Though revealed initially in the Arab peninsula, his teachings have spread and diversified all over the world and many schools of thought and belief have come forward, each with a unique understanding of his teachings. These include the four Sunni schools of thought: Hanafi, Hanbali, Shafi'i, and Maliki; several Shiite schools of thought including the Ismaili and Ithna Ashari; Sufis such as the Qadiriyyah, and Nur Ashki Jerrahi; and several more.

Today Islam is the world's second largest religion and the fastest growing. Most adherents believe that Islam, rather than a new religion, is a continuation of the true religion of Abraham. Those who follow Islam are considered Muslims and generally follow five basic pillars including fasting, giving alms, prayer, testifying their belief, and conducting a pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca. At its core, it preaches for the betterment of people, and kindness and love for all of God's creations. Most traditions and practices stem from the Quran which is the holy book of Islam believed by Muslimsto be the word of God. These are accompanied by various traditions known as the hadith which are known as the sayings of the prophet.