Islam began around 600 AD in present day Saudi Arabia.
Prophet Mohammed.
The Qu'ran
Over one billion, mostly in the Middle East, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Africa, China and Eastern Europe.
There are two main divisions within Islam. The Sunnis are followers of the political successors of Mohammed. The Shiites are followers of Mohammed's family successors, all martyred at an early age.
Islam means 'submission', surrender to the will of God, called Allah. Those who submit are called Muslims. Islam is based upon five "pillars," or principle acts of faith to which every Muslim in the world adheres. These are:
Islam teaches absolute monotheism and Mohammed's primacy as God's last Prophet on earth. Stress is on the brotherhood of believers, none-difference of religious and secular life, obedience to God's Law, abstinence from alcohol, good conduct and the limitation of all except Allah. Today Islam is the world's fastest-growing religion.