Islam is one of the world's major religions and is considered to be the fastest growing religion in the world. It is based on the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who received the word of God, also known as the Quran, through the angel Gabriel. Islam is a religion that emphasizes the importance of submission to God, as well as the importance of compassion, mercy, and justice. In this article, we will explore the fundamentals of Islam, including its history, beliefs, practices, and contributions to the world. History of Islam: Islam began in the Arabian Peninsula in the 7th century, when the Prophet Muhammad received the first revelation from God at the age of 40. Muhammad preached the message of Islam to the people of Mecca, who initially rejected his teachings. Muhammad and his followers migrated to Medina in 622 CE, a journey known as the Hijra, which marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar. Muhammad's teachings attracted many followers in Medina, and he established the first Islamic community there. Over the next several years, Muhammad and his followers fought against the Meccans in a series of battles known as the Wars of the Prophet. Eventually, the Muslims were victorious, and Muhammad returned to Mecca as a conqueror in 630 CE. Beliefs of Islam: The central belief of Islam is that there is only one God, known as Allah, who is eternal and all-powerful. Muslims believe that God created the universe and everything in it, and that he is the ultimate judge of humanity. Islam also teaches that humans have free will and are responsible for their actions. In addition to belief in one God, Islam has five pillars, or fundamental practices, that all Muslims are expected to follow. These include:

1. Shahada: The declaration of faith, which states that there is no God but Allah and that Muhammad is his prophet.
2. Salat: The performance of five daily prayers.
3. Zakat: The giving of a portion of one's wealth to charity.
4. Sawm: Fasting during the month of Ramadan.
5. Hajj: The pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in a lifetime, if one is physically and financially able.

Practices of Islam: In addition to the five pillars, Islam also has a number of other practices that are important to the faith. These include:

1. Halal: The practice of only consuming food and drink that is considered permissible according to Islamic law.
2. Hajj: The practice of dressing modestly, which includes covering the head and body for both men and women.
3. Jihad: The practice of striving for the cause of God, which includes both inner struggle to overcome personal challenges and external efforts to promote good in the world.
4. Family life: The practice of placing a strong emphasis on family life, including marriage, parenting, and respect for elders.

Contributions of Islam: Islam has made many contributions to the world in the fields of art, science, and literature. During the Islamic Golden Age, which lasted from the 8th to the 14th centuries, Muslim scholars made significant advancements in mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and philosophy. Muslims also made important contributions to the field of architecture, including the construction of mosques and other religious buildings. Islamic art is known for its intricate geometric patterns and calligraphy, which is often used to decorate buildings and manuscripts. Conclusion: In conclusion, Islam is a religion that emphasizes the importance of submission to God and the practice of compassion, mercy, and justice. Its history is rich and complex, and its beliefs and practices are central to the lives of millions of people around the world.