Islam, an Abrahamic monotheistic religion, originated in the 7th century on the Arabian Peninsula under the leadership of the Prophet Muhammad [1][4]. With around 1.8 billion followers in 2015, representing almost a quarter of the world’s population, Islam is the second most widespread religion after Christianity[2]. More than just a religion, Islam is a complete way of life that influences the spirituality, morals, culture and politics of its followers.
The Foundations of Islamic Faith
One God and Prophets
Islam is based on the fundamental principle of absolute monotheism, the oneness of God, called Allah in Arabic. Muslims believe that Allah is the creator of the universe, omnipotent, omniscient and merciful [2]. Islam sees itself as the continuation and culmination of earlier divine revelations, recognizing the prophets of the Jewish and Christian traditions, such as Abraham, Moses and Jesus [2]. Muhammad is considered the last of the prophets, the “seal of the prophets”, the one who received the final and complete revelation from God, recorded in the Quran [1][2].
The Quran: Divine Word and Guide to Life
The Quran, the sacred book of Islam, is considered the literal word of God, revealed to Muhammad through the angel Gabriel [2]. It consists of 114 chapters, known as suras, and is the primary source of Muslim faith and practice. The Quran covers a multitude of subjects, from theological principles and historical accounts to moral, social and legal laws. Muslims strive to memorize, recite and meditate on the verses of the Quran, drawing on them to guide their daily lives.
The Five Pillars: Foundations of Muslim Practice
The religious practice of Islam revolves around five fundamental obligations, known as the“pillars of Islam” [1][2][5]:
- Shahada (Profession of Faith): This is the affirmation of the oneness of God and the prophethood of Muhammad. It is formulated as follows: “I attest that there is no deity worthy of worship but Allah, and I attest that Muhammad is His messenger.” This declaration constitutes the act of entry into Islam, and must be pronounced with sincerity and conviction.
- Salat (ritual prayer): Muslims are required to perform five daily prayers at specific times of the day, facing the Kaaba, the cubic structure located in the Great Mosque of Mecca [5][6]. Prayers are a way of connecting with God, expressing gratitude and asking for his help. They are preceded by ritual ablutions, symbolizing the purification of body and spirit.
- Zakat (Legal Alms): Zakat is a form of obligatory almsgiving that every Muslim with a certain level of wealth must pay annually. It is intended to purify wealth and help the less fortunate [5]. Zakat is generally calculated as a percentage of accumulated wealth and is distributed to the poor, the needy, the indebted and other categories of beneficiaries defined by Islamic law.
- The Sawm (Ramadan Fast): During the lunar month of Ramadan, healthy adult Muslims must abstain from eating, drinking, smoking and sexual relations from sunrise to sunset [5][6]. Fasting is an act of devotion, purification and solidarity with the poor. It aims to develop patience, self-control and God-consciousness.
- Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca): The Hajj is the pilgrimage to Mecca that every Muslim must perform at least once in their lifetime, if they have the physical and financial means to do so [5]. The Hajj takes place during the month of Dhul-Hijja, the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar, and comprises a series of rites and rituals, such as circumambulation of the Kaaba and the station on Mount Arafat. The Hajj symbolizes the unity of Muslims the world over and their submission to God.
A History of Expansion and Diversity
From Arabia to the World
Islam was born in Arabia in the 7th century, against a backdrop of polytheism and tribal divisions [4]. After the death of the Prophet Mohammed in 632, the Muslim community underwent dazzling expansion, both religiously and territorially [4]. In less than a century, the Islamic empire stretched from the Iberian peninsula in the west to the borders of India in the east, encompassing much of North Africa and the Middle East [4].
Dynasties and the Golden Age
While the political unity of the original Islamic empire did not endure, the Muslim world continued to develop and prosper under different dynasties, such as the Umayyads, Abbasids, Fatimids and Ottomans [4]. These empires contributed to the flourishing of a brilliant civilization, marked by significant advances in science, art, philosophy, literature and architecture. This period, often referred to as the “Golden Age of Islam”, had a lasting influence on the development of human civilization.
Islamic currents
From the earliest decades of Islam, theological and political differences gave rise to various currents [1][2]. The main ones are :
- Sunnism: Representing around 90% of Muslims, Sunnis refer to the Sunna, the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad, in addition to the Quran, as their source of religious authority [2]. They recognize the legitimacy of the first four caliphs, considered to be Muhammad’s legitimate successors.
- Shi’ism: The Shi’is, who are in the majority in Iran, Iraq and parts of Lebanon and Yemen, consider Ali, Muhammad’s cousin and son-in-law, to be his legitimate successor [2]. They attach particular importance to the lineage of Ali’s descendants, the Imams, whom they regard as infallible guides.
- Kharidjism: This minority current is characterized by a rigorist interpretation of Islam and an insistence on the equality of all Muslims, whatever their origin [2].
Islam in Daily Life: Practices and Lifestyle
Prayer: A Constant Link with God
Prayer occupies a central place in the daily lives of Muslims [5][6]. The five daily prayers punctuate the day, reconnecting us with God and renewing our spiritual commitment. The Friday prayer, performed in congregation at the mosque, is of particular importance and is often accompanied by a sermon delivered by the imam [6].
Ramadan: A Month of Fasting and Spirituality
Fasting during the month of Ramadan is a fundamental pillar of Islam [5][6]. During this holy month, Muslims abstain from eating, drinking and sexual relations from sunrise to sunset. Ramadan is a period of intense devotion, prayer, reading of the Quran and charity. It is seen as a means of purifying oneself, developing self-control and drawing closer to God.
Food Rules: Halal and Haram
Islam prescribes dietary rules that define what is permitted (halal) and what is forbidden (haram) [3]. The consumption of pork and alcohol is strictly forbidden. Animals must be slaughtered according to a specific ritual to be considered halal.
A profound cultural and civilizational impact
Islam has profoundly influenced the history, culture and civilization of vast regions of the world [1]. Islamic civilization has made major contributions in various fields, such as :
- Sciences: Muslim scholars have played a crucial role in the preservation and development of scientific knowledge, particularly in mathematics, astronomy, medicine and chemistry.
- The arts: Islamic art stands out for its richness and diversity, with remarkable achievements in architecture, calligraphy, ceramics and textiles.
- Philosophy: Muslim philosophers such as Avicenna (Ibn Sina) and Averroes (Ibn Rushd) played an important role in the transmission of Greek philosophy and the development of Islamic thought.
- Architecture: Islamic architecture is characterized by the use of arches, domes and minarets. Notable examples include the Great Mosque of Cordoba in Spain and the Taj Mahal in India.
The Contemporary Challenges of Islam
Islam today faces a series of challenges in an ever-changing world:
- Interpreting the Sacred Texts : One of the major challenges is the interpretation of the sacred texts, the Quran and the Sunna, in the contemporary context. Debates exist on how to adapt religious teachings to modern realities, particularly with regard to social, ethical and political issues.
- Coexistence and Interfaith Dialogue: In an increasingly globalized and multicultural world, peaceful coexistence and dialogue between Islam and other religions and cultures are essential.
- Combating extremism and radicalization: Islam, like other religions, faces the challenge of religious extremism and radicalization. Promoting a tolerant and peaceful understanding of Islam is crucial to counter violent and distorted interpretations of the faith.
- Women’s rights: The question of women’s rights and their place in society is a subject of debate within the Muslim world. Efforts are being made to promote an interpretation of Islam that guarantees equal rights and opportunities for women.
- Geopolitical issues: Muslim-majority countries are often at the heart of complex geopolitical issues, linked to regional conflicts, natural resources and power rivalries.
Conclusion
Islam is a rich and complex religion, with a thousand-year history and a profound influence on the world. It is a faith that guides the lives of over a billion people across the globe, providing a spiritual, moral and social framework. Islam carries a message of peace, justice and mercy, and Muslims are called to live in accordance with these values. In the face of contemporary challenges, Islam, like all great religious traditions, is called upon to reinvent itself and reaffirm its universal message in a constantly changing world. Promoting a nuanced and respectful understanding of Islam is essential to fostering interfaith dialogue and peaceful coexistence in an increasingly interconnected world.
References :
[1] https://www.larousse.fr/encyclopedie/divers/islam/184605
[2] https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islam
[3] http://www.dourouss-abdelmalik.com/articles/Cours_de_bases_Sur_la_religion_-_Version_2.pdf
[4] https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Histoire_de_l%27islam
[5] https://www.lumni.fr/article/les-cinq-piliers-de-l-islam
[6] https://almouassa.com/books/french/2%20l%27islam%20et%20ses%20pillers.pdf
[7] https://fr.vikidia.org/wiki/Islam
[8] http://essentiels.bnf.fr/fr/societe/spiritualites/c9241816-9f5b-43fc-a253-ec6aea668db4-islam/article/a1f27784-9eb8-4b49-a907-228ed5250bec-croyances-lislam
[9] https://www.imarabe.org/fr/religion
[10] https://www.kartable.fr/ressources/histoire/cours/les-debuts-de-lislam/5023
[11] https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/fr/article/islam