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The Global Ummah

An academic exploration into the adherents of Islam, their beliefs, demographics, and cultural impact across the globe.

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Defining Muslim Identity

Adherents of Islam

Muslims are individuals who adhere to Islam, a monotheistic religion rooted in the Abrahamic tradition. Central to their faith is the belief that the Quran represents the verbatim word of God (Allah), as revealed to Muhammad, who is recognized as the final Islamic prophet.[24] This foundational text is complemented by a belief in earlier divine revelations, including the Tawrat (Torah), Zabur (Psalms), and Injeel (Gospel), which Muslims consider to be earlier iterations of the Islamic message.[25] The teachings and practices attributed to Muhammad, known as the Sunnah and documented in Hadith, also serve as crucial guidance for the majority of Muslims.[26]

Etymological Roots

The term "Muslim" originates from the Arabic word muslim, which is the active participle of the verb from which islฤm (submission) is derived. Both are based on the triliteral root S-L-M, signifying "to be whole, intact." Thus, a Muslim is fundamentally understood as one who "submits to God."[71] Historically, the term "muslim" held a broader, universal meaning in the Quran, encompassing anyone who submitted to God, including figures like Abraham and the disciples of Jesus.[82]

For much of the 20th century, "Moslem" was a common English spelling, but it has largely fallen out of use. Many Muslims opposed this spelling due to its phonetic resemblance to the Arabic word aแบ“-แบ“ฤlim, meaning "the oppressor." Major news outlets, such as the Associated Press, transitioned to "Muslim" in the early 1990s, solidifying its modern usage.[75] Older terms like "Mohammedans" or "Mahometans" are now considered offensive, as they incorrectly imply the worship of Muhammad rather than God.[78]

Core Beliefs & Divisions

Major Denominations

While Islam encompasses diverse schools and branches, two primary denominations account for the vast majority of Muslims globally:

  • Sunni Islam: Constituting 87โ€“90% of all Muslims, Sunnis follow the Sunnah (the practices and teachings of Prophet Muhammad) and generally adhere to one of four schools of Islamic law.[13]
  • Shia Islam: Comprising 10โ€“13% of Muslims, Shias believe in the spiritual and political leadership of Ali ibn Abi Talib and his descendants, known as Imams.[15]

Beyond these, smaller traditions such as Ahmadiyya, Ibadism, and Quranism collectively represent approximately 1% of the global Muslim population.[17] A notable number of Muslims, particularly in the Middle East, also identify as non-denominational.[110]

Theological Nuances

In Islamic theology, the majority of traditions assert that an individual's actions alone do not definitively determine their status as a Muslim; ultimately, only God possesses full knowledge of a person's true belief. Consequently, fellow Muslims can only accept a personal declaration of faith.[96]

A unique perspective was developed by the Khawฤrij, who posited that Muslim identity was primarily contingent upon strict adherence to liturgical and legal norms.[96] In contrast, the practice of Istitฬฃhฬฃnฤสพ, where one might say "in-sha'allah I am Muslim a believer" (God willing, I am Muslim), is recommended. This reflects a profound humility and an acknowledgment that only God knows one's ultimate spiritual state, a sentiment particularly emphasized among Asharites, who believe that a creature has no assurance of their state of belief until the end of life.[97][98]

Pillars of Practice

The Shahada: Declaration of Faith

To formally embrace Islam and become a Muslim, one must utter the Shahada (declaration of faith) in the presence of Muslim witnesses.[87] This declaration is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and professes belief in the oneness of God (Allah) and that Muhammad is His messenger.[88]

The standard Arabic recitation is: aล›hadu an-lฤ ilฤha illฤ-llฤhu wa aล›hadu anna muแธฅammadan rasลซlu-llฤh, meaning "I testify that there is no god [worthy of worship] except Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah."[89]

  • Sunni Islam: The Shahada consists of two parts: la ilaha illa'llah (there is no god but Allah) and Muhammadun rasul Allah (Muhammad is the messenger of God).[90]
  • Shia Islam: A third part is added: wa โ€˜alฤซyun walฤซyu-llฤh, translating to "Ali is the wali (guardian/friend) of God."[93]
  • Quranist Islam: The Shahada is solely the testimony that there is no god but Allah (la ilaha illa'llah).

The Five Pillars of Islam

The religious practices of Muslims are structured around the Five Pillars of Islam, which provide a framework for a life of devotion and community:[94]

  1. Shahadah (Declaration of Faith): The fundamental creed, as detailed above.
  2. Salah (Daily Prayers): Performing ritual prayers five times a day, facing the Kaaba in Mecca.
  3. Zakat (Almsgiving): Obligatory charity paid to the poor and needy, typically 2.5% of one's accumulated wealth.
  4. Sawm (Fasting): Abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn to dusk during the month of Ramadan.
  5. Hajj (Pilgrimage): A pilgrimage to Mecca, which every Muslim is expected to undertake at least once in their lifetime if they are physically and financially able.

Universalism in Theology

Prophets as Muslims

In Islamic theology, the Quran describes numerous prophets and messengers from Judaism and Christianity, along with their followers, as "Muslims." This universal application of the term signifies their submission to God's will and message. Figures such as Adam, Noah, Abraham, Ishmael, Jacob, Moses, and Jesus, including his apostles, are all regarded as Muslims in the Quran.[99]

The Quran emphasizes that these prophets were Muslims because they submitted to God, propagated His message, and upheld His divine values, which included practices like prayer, charity, fasting, and pilgrimage. For instance, in Surah 3:52, Jesus' disciples declare, "We believe in God; and you be our witness that we are Muslims."[84]

Divine Revelations

According to Islamic belief, prior to the Quran, God delivered other sacred texts to various prophets. The Tawrat (Torah) was given to the prophets and messengers among the Children of Israel,[100] the Zabur (Psalms) to David, and the Injil (Gospel) to Jesus. All these figures are revered as significant Muslim prophets within the Islamic tradition.[101] This perspective highlights a continuity of divine guidance, with Islam seen as the final and complete revelation.

Global Muslim Demographics

Population Overview and Growth

As of 2020, Muslims constitute approximately 25.6% of the global population, totaling nearly 2 billion individuals.[1] Islam is recognized as the world's fastest-growing religion, a trend primarily driven by a younger average age among Muslims and higher birth rates, which are key factors in natural population increase.[102] Religious conversion, while present, has a minimal net impact on the overall Muslim population, as the number of individuals embracing Islam is roughly balanced by those who leave the faith.[115]

Geographical Distribution

The global Muslim population is widely distributed across continents and regions:

  • Continental Share: Africa (45%), Asia and Oceania (25% collectively), Europe (6%), and the Americas (1%).[28]
  • Regional Concentrations: The Middle Eastโ€“North Africa region accounts for 91% of its population being Muslim, Central Asia 90%, the Caucasus 65%, Southeast Asia 42%, South Asia 32%, and sub-Saharan Africa 42%.[35]

In 2010, 49 countries had Muslim majorities. While 79% of Muslims live in Muslim-majority countries, a significant 21% reside in countries where they are a minority.[116]

Key Populations and Ethnicities

Indonesia stands as the most populous Muslim-majority country, home to 12.7% of the world's Muslims, followed closely by Pakistan (11.0%), Bangladesh (9.2%), Nigeria (5.3%), and Egypt (4.9%).[57] Outside of Muslim-majority nations, India hosts the world's largest Muslim-minority population (10.9% of global Muslims), with China holding the second-largest (2%).[60] Ethnically, Arab Muslims constitute the largest group globally, followed by Bengalis and Punjabis.[105]

Socio-Educational Landscape

A 2016 Pew study highlighted that Muslims have the highest proportion of adherents under 15 years old (34%) and the smallest percentage aged 60+ (7%) among major religions.[117] They also exhibit the highest fertility rates (3.1 compared to the global average of 2.5).[117] In terms of education, Muslims, alongside Hindus, have historically had the lowest average years of schooling (5.6 years). However, both groups have demonstrated the most significant advancements in educational attainment in recent decades. Despite this progress, approximately 36% of all Muslims lack formal schooling, and only 8% hold graduate or post-graduate degrees, representing the lowest average levels of higher education among major religious groups.[117]

Rich Cultural Heritage

Evolution of Islamic Culture

Muslim culture, often referred to as Islamic culture, encompasses the diverse practices and traditions shared by Muslims and historically Islamic societies. The nascent forms of Muslim culture, emerging from the Rashidun Caliphate through the early Umayyad period, were profoundly shaped by Arab, Byzantine, Persian, and Levantine influences. This foundational blend laid the groundwork for a rich and multifaceted cultural identity that would continue to evolve.[118]

Global Assimilation and Influence

With the rapid expansion of Arab Islamic empires, Muslim culture demonstrated a remarkable capacity for assimilation and influence, integrating elements from a vast array of global cultures. This dynamic interaction led to the incorporation of traditions from Afghan, Indonesian, Pakistani (including Punjabi, Muhajir, Sindhi), Hindustani, Bangladeshi, Nigerian, Egyptian, Persian, Turkic, Caucasian, Malay, Somali, Berber, and Moro peoples. The result is a vibrant and diverse cultural tapestry that reflects centuries of exchange and adaptation across continents, manifesting in unique artistic expressions, architectural styles, culinary traditions, and social customs.[118]

Challenges and Persecution

Experiences of Persecution

Throughout history and in contemporary times, Muslims have faced varying degrees of persecution. These challenges have been particularly pronounced in certain regions, including China, India, various parts of Africa, and Southeast Asia.[66] Such experiences highlight the complex socio-political landscapes in which Muslim communities exist, often navigating issues of religious freedom, cultural identity, and societal integration.

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References

References

  1.  Seyyed Hossein Nasr (2015), The Study Quran, HarperCollins, footnote p. 146
  2.  Galonnier, Juliette. "Moving In or Moving Toward? Reconceptualizing Conversion to Islam as a Liminal Process1." Moving in and out of Islam. University of Texas Press, 2018. 44-66.
  3.  The Later Mughals by William Irvine p.ย 130
  4.  Johansen, Baber. Contingency in a sacred law: legal and ethical norms in the Muslim fiqh. Vol. 7. Brill, 1999.
A full list of references for this article are available at the Muslims Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not religious guidance or definitive interpretation. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for consulting with qualified religious scholars, imams, or official Islamic institutions for matters of faith, practice, or theological understanding. Always refer to authoritative religious texts and seek guidance from knowledgeable individuals for personal religious inquiries. Never disregard professional religious advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

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