Islam – the youngest of the major monotheistic world religions

Estimates of the number of followers of Islam range from 690 million to one billion. It was first preached by Mohammed Ibn Abdullah (570-632), later called Prophet Muhammad, a merchant from Mecca. His extensive travels with trade caravans, as well as his deep religious interest, gave him knowledge of the religions of his surroundings. The Quran is the holy scripture of Islam. According to Muslim belief, it contains the literal revelation of God (Allah) to the Prophet Muhammad, mediated by the Archangel Gabriel.

Islam has two main branches: Sunni and Shia. The central tenet is that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is his last and most perfect prophet.

The five pillars of Islam, i.e., the most important religious precepts and duties of a Muslim, are derived from the Quran and the Sunna:
1. Shahada, the declaration of faith
2. Salat, the daily five-times prayer
3. Sakat, the giving of alms
4. Saum, the fasting during the holy month of Ramadan
5. Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca should be undertaken at least once in a lifetime, provided it is financially and health-wise possible.

Many Egyptians strictly adhere to the obligations of Islam. The headscarf is also being worn voluntarily by many women again.