Islam

Islam is one of the three great monotheistic world religions, along with Judaism and Christianity. Islam began in the 7th century when Mohammed, an Arab merchant living in Mecca, began to experience a series of prophetic visions in which the angel Gabriel proclaimed Mohammed the "Messenger of God". Mohammed's visions continued for nearly twenty years. His followers memorized and later recorded his visions, and the collected work constitutes the Qur'an, the Islamic holy book.

Islam is characterized by five practices known as the Pillars of Islam.

Much of the Qur'an, and many Islamic practices reflect Mohammed's exposure to Christianity and Judaism. Islam is, like Judaism, based on Law. Those who follow the laws of Islam as given in the Qur'an can hope that their good deeds will earn God's mercy on the day of judgement.

Islam teaches that Jesus was a great prophet, who foretold the coming of Mohammed and Islam. Islam teaches that Jesus did not die on the cross and was not the Son of God. Muslims do believe in Jesus' virgin birth, his sinlessness, and that he will return on the day of judgement as judge.