Islam
Overview: Islam is a monotheistic religion that originated from the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, having the same roots as Christianity and Judaism. Muslims believe that God is one and incomparable.
Geography: In the Gulf (Iraq, Iran, Syria, Jordan, Palestine, Yemen) North Africa (Egypt, Morocco, Mali, Sudan, Chad, Somalia, Burkino Faso, Mauritania) Europe (Turkey, Spain). It remains concentrated in the Middle East, North Africa and the Far East regions.
Diffusion: Islam was spread mostly through war and the conquering of other countries.
Universal or Ethnic: Ethnic
Monotheistic or Polytheistic: Monotheistic
Founder/Origins: The founder is Muhammad
Major Branches/Denominations: Sunni, Shi’a, Sufism & Ahmadiyya
Sacred Text: Qur’an (Koran): their sacred text & Hadith: a record of the prophet’s words, deeds, family, and friends
Doctrine: The ‘Five Pillars‘ of Islam are the foundation of Muslim life:
- Faith or belief in the Oneness of God and the finality of the prophethood of Muhammad;
- Establishment of the daily prayers;
- Concern for and almsgiving to the needy;
- Self-purification through fasting; and
- The pilgrimage to Makkah for those who are able.
Calendar: Lunar
Symbol: 
Holy Places: Mecca is the important because every muslim is required to make a pilgrimage there. They also pray five times a day facing Mecca. The other holy places are Medina, Jerusalem, Karbala, and Najaf.
Architecture: Islamic architecture encompasses a wide range of secular and religious styles of the foundation of Islam which influences the design of the buildings.
Fun Facts: 1)12 Imams (leadership positions)
2)113 books of the Qur’an
3)There are 5 pillars(faith, prayer, fasting, pilgrimage, and alms), which are the basis of their practices.
4)Their purpose is to submit to the will of Allah and get to paradise.
5) 6 major holidays
6)There are only 354 days of the Islamic year