The monotheistic religion founded by the Prophet Muhammad in the sixth century CE. A believer in Islam, which means ‘peace’, is a Muslim, ‘one who submits to God’ in Arabic. Islamic practices and beliefs are based on the Qu’ran and the hadiths or stories about the Prophet Muhammad. A diverse faith, most Muslim sects accept the Five Pillars of Islam:

• stating that Allah is the only god and Muhammad his prophet
• praying five times daily at fixed times
• giving to the poor and needy
• fasting
• making a pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca.