Islam is a monotheistic religion that follows the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. It is the second-largest religion in the world, with over 1.8 billion followers.
Historical Profile
When and where did this worldview first appear?
As a final revealed way of life, Islam was sent to Prophet Muhammad in Makkah then Madinah in Arabia between 610 and 632 AD, confirming the earlier religion of all prophets.
What historical conditions or events shaped its early development?
It arose in a society of idolatry, tribal rivalry, injustice to orphans, women and the poor, including burying daughters alive, which Islam condemned and reformed.
Who were the key figures who articulated or preserved its teachings?
Prophet Muhammad is the final messenger who conveyed the Qur'an, and it affirms earlier prophets like Nuh, Ibrahim, Musa and 'Isa as carriers of the same core message.
What texts, scriptures, or writings form the foundation of this worldview?
The primary foundation is the Qur'an, revealed in clear Arabic, confirming the original Tawrah, Injil and Zabur.
How did the worldview spread across cultures or regions?
It spread through recitation of the Qur'an, preaching, migration and struggle of the Prophet and believers, as a message sent to all humankind.
Where is this worldview practiced today, and by approximately how many people?
Today Islam is followed worldwide by more than 2 billions people; the Qur'an describes it as guidance sent to all worlds, not limited to one region or nation.
What major internal milestones shaped its evolution?
Key scriptural milestones are the Makkan call to tawhid, the Hijrah from Makkah to Madinah, the establishment of law and community, and the completion of religion near the end of the Prophet’s life.
Central Narrative: Problem & Solution
What does this worldview identify as the main problem facing humanity or the world?
The main problem is turning away from Allah into partners, disbelief and injustice, which corrupts the self and society.
How does it explain the origin or cause of suffering, evil, injustice, or disorder?
Much suffering and disorder come from human sins and corruption, within a created world that is also a test from Allah.
What deeper condition—moral, spiritual, psychological, or societal—is said to be broken?
The Qur'an describes diseased hearts, ignorance of Allah, following desires and wronging the soul as the deep inner corruption.
What solution does the worldview offer to fix the human condition?
The solution is sincere tawhid, faith in Allah and His messengers, repentance, and doing righteous deeds according to revelation.
What path, practice, or transformation leads from the problem to the solution?
The path is iman, Islam and ihsan: believing, praying, giving zakah, fasting, obeying Allah and His Messenger, and purifying the heart.
Does the worldview believe the problem can be fully solved, partially solved, or never solved?
On earth, corruption never fully disappears, but individuals and communities can be guided and purified; complete justice comes on the Day of Judgment.
How does the proposed solution affect individuals, society, or the world as a whole?
Guidance brings inner peace, mercy, justice, mutual help, and security for individuals and societies in this world and the next.
Source of Truth & Authority
What does this worldview consider the ultimate source of truth?
The ultimate source of truth is Allah, the Lord of the worlds, whose word is the Qur'an.
Does it rely on revelation, reason, science, intuition, tradition, or personal experience?
Its primary source is divine revelation, supported by reason, observation of signs in creation and the innate fitrah.
How does it justify the reliability of its truth source?
The Qur'an presents itself as preserved, free of contradiction, and from the All-Knowing, and promises Allah’s protection of it.
What method does it use to distinguish truth from falsehood?
Truth is distinguished by revelation as furqan, by rejecting conjecture, and by thoughtful listening and reflection.
How does it determine moral truths—objectively existing or socially constructed?
Moral truths are objective, rooted in what Allah commands and forbids, and He does not command indecency.
What is this worldview’s explanation for cause and effect?
Allah is the ultimate cause of all things and sustains fixed patterns and laws in creation.
Does this worldview believe humans can understand infinite or transcendent realities?
Humans can know some of Allah’s names, signs and guidance, but cannot encompass His essence or complete knowledge.
Are its teachings open to reinterpretation, or fixed and final?
The Qur'an as revelation is final, perfect and unchangeable; human understanding applies it through its clear principles.
Scriptural Analysis & Textual Integrity
What are the primary scriptures associated with this worldview?
The primary scripture is the Qur'an; it also affirms earlier revelation: the Tawrah, Injil and Zabur in their original form.
What is known about the historical compilation and preservation of these texts?
The Qur'an says Allah took charge of collecting it, ensuring its recitation, and preserving it in writing and in hearts.
How do scholars assess the textual authenticity and transmission accuracy?
The Qur'an describes itself as a protected, noble Book that falsehood cannot approach, which forms the basis for claims of its authenticity.
What internal structure, themes, or literary forms characterize the scripture?
It is arranged in surahs and ayat, containing laws, stories, parables, wisdom, warnings and good news.
What key doctrines or teachings are explicitly taught in the text itself?
It teaches tawhid, prophethood, the Hereafter, worship, justice, moral virtues and social duties.
How do adherents interpret the scripture—literally, metaphorically, contextually?
The Qur'an speaks of clear and ambiguous verses and calls for reflection, context and submission to its overall guidance.
What major commentaries, interpretations, or scholarly traditions exist around the scripture?
The Qur'an points to the Prophet’s explanation and those firmly rooted in knowledge; detailed tafsir works are later human efforts built on this.
Are there significant textual variants, contradictions, or debates about authenticity?
The Qur'an presents itself as free of contradiction and guarded from corruption, rejecting the idea of falsehood entering it.
How does the scripture address itself—claims of divine origin, authority, universality, or immutability?
It calls itself a Book sent down from Allah as guidance for all people, whose words cannot be changed.
Metaphysics & Human Nature
What is the fundamental nature of reality—material, spiritual, or both?
Reality is created by Allah and includes both the seen material world and the unseen spiritual realm.
Does this worldview believe in souls, spirits, or consciousness beyond the physical brain?
Yes, it affirms the soul, the spirit, angels, jinn and an unseen world beyond the body.
What is consciousness according to this worldview?
Consciousness is a living soul with hearing, sight and hearts that understand and are responsible before Allah.
What makes a person the same individual over time (identity)?
The enduring self is the nafs that will be resurrected and brought back to Allah with its deeds.
Are humans inherently good, sinful, neutral, divine, or something else?
Humans are created in the best form upon a sound fitrah, but can become unjust and ignorant if they corrupt their souls.
Do humans possess free will, or is life determined by destiny, fate, karma, physics, or divine decree?
Both apply: all things are within Allah’s decree, yet humans have real choice and are accountable for what they choose.
How does this worldview explain the relationship between mind and body?
The human is formed from clay and given a spirit; the heart is the center of understanding, and the soul is taken at death and sleep.
Why does anything exist at all, instead of nothing?
Allah created the heavens and the earth with truth and for a purpose, not in vain.
What does this worldview teach about the origin of the universe or existence?
The universe was created by Allah’s command from a joined state, and He formed the heavens and the earth.
Ethics & Daily Practice
What moral principles define right and wrong in this worldview?
Right and wrong are defined by Allah’s commands and prohibitions, centered on justice, mercy and avoiding oppression and indecency.
What virtues or character traits does it encourage?
It encourages taqwa, patience, gratitude, honesty, humility, forgiveness, generosity and modesty.
What behaviors or actions does it prohibit?
It prohibits shirk, murder, injustice, theft, zina, riba, intoxication, lying, backbiting and consuming others’ wealth unlawfully.
What daily or regular practices shape a follower’s life?
Central practices are the five daily prayers, zakah, fasting in Ramadan, remembrance of Allah and reciting the Qur'an.
How does it expect followers to approach relationships, work, hardship, and community life?
They should act with justice, kindness, patience, consultation and fulfilling trusts in family, work and community.
What is this worldview’s vision of an ethically ideal human being?
The ideal person is a believer with taqwa and ihsan who follows the example of the Prophet.
How does this worldview address moral failure—punishment, forgiveness, purification, karma, correction, or growth?
It calls for repentance, seeking Allah’s forgiveness, making amends, legal penalties where applied, and purification through patience and reform.
Ultimate Purpose
What is the ultimate purpose or goal of human life?
The ultimate purpose is to worship Allah alone and live in conscious servitude to Him.
What does this worldview believe happens after death?
After death, people are resurrected, judged by Allah, and sent to Paradise or Hell according to faith and deeds.
Does it promise salvation, enlightenment, liberation, justice, or meaning in this life?
It promises guidance, inner peace and meaning in this life, and salvation, forgiveness and Paradise in the next for believers.
What is the final destination or end-state humanity is moving toward?
Humanity moves toward meeting Allah on the Day of Judgment, then eternal life in Paradise or Hell, and a transformed creation.
What gives meaning to human existence according to this worldview?
Meaning comes from knowing Allah, worshipping Him, doing good, and hoping to meet Him and enter His mercy.
Does it teach about final judgment, cosmic cycles, or dissolution of the self?
It teaches one earthly life followed by death, resurrection, final judgment and eternal recompense, without repeated cosmic cycles.
How does this worldview describe the ideal future for individuals and humanity?
The ideal future is believers’ eternal life in Paradise and, in this world, communities established in faith, justice and security.
Sociological Context
How do followers emotionally and socially experience this worldview?
They experience it as submission to Allah bringing peace, brotherhood, love, fear and hope between believers.
What major branches, denominations, or schools exist within it?
The Qur'an calls Muslims one ummah and forbids splitting into hostile sects, without naming later historical branches.
How do cultural factors shape how the worldview is practiced?
It recognizes many peoples and languages, while uniting them in one faith and law centered on obedience to Allah.
What internal disagreements or debates exist among its followers?
The Qur'an notes that some believers dispute and warns that disagreement and disobedience weaken them.
What stereotypes or misunderstandings do outsiders commonly have about it?
It records that some outsiders accused the message and messenger of madness, sorcery, lies and invented stories.
How does this worldview influence community life, identity, or social behavior?
It shapes a community defined by faith, commanding right, forbidding wrong, cooperation in righteousness and mutual protection.
How do followers integrate this worldview with modern life, science, and society?
The Qur'an presents its guidance as timeless and encourages seeking knowledge, using what Allah has subjected in creation for benefit.