When I need a prescription filled, I have my choice of pharmacies to fill it at--Meijer, CVS, Walgreens, Rite-Aid, or the local one around the corner. I know that wherever I go, the same dose will contain exactly the same amount of medicine, and 100mg at Walker Street Pharmacy will be the same weight as 100mg at Walgreens. Safeguards protect me from contaminated medicines.
All these aspects of modern pharmacies appear in Muslim cities such as Baghdad near the ninth century. During this time period, Saydalah, Islamic pharmacy, developed as a separate field from general medical studies, and cities began to have multiple privately-owned pharmacies. In addition to those open to the general public, hospitals had pharmacies attached to formulate the large amounts of medicine needed for their patients. Public health was protected by a Al-Mutasib, who inspected pharmacies to make sure they used standard weights and measures and to inspect the purity of their prescriptions, similar to the manner in which the Food and Drug Administration regulates the pharmaceutical industry in the modern United States. Would-be pharmacists had access to manuals on medical materials, instructions for remedies, and pharmacy management, while today aspiring pharmacists spend several years in college obtaining a degree.
The medical and chemical knowledge possessed today were not all available to the Muslim pharmacists; they built the foundation on which our knowledge is now built. Two important pharmacy scholars were Abu Hasan 'Ali Af-Taban and Hunayn bin Is'haaq. Af-Taban wrote several books and set examples for future pharmacists on using only the best samples, describing procedures precisely, and applying particular remedies to particular ailments rather than broadly. bin Is'haaq translated the works of Greek philosophers and scientists into Arabic and Syriac, making them available to pharmacists of the Islamic world. He also published ten books on the treatment of eyes and eye medication.
Although they didn't have all the advancements and innovations in pharmacy science that are available now, Muslim pharmacies in Baghdad and other cities had a wide base of knowledge and vigorous standards. We have learned much from them, and still imitate many of their inventions and discoveries.
Source: Muslims: Pioneers of Pharmacology
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Islam vs. Christianity
There are many differences between Christianity and Islam, however there are many similarities as well. Both are considered "salvation religions", meaning they offers believers and followers a light of salvation at the end of there lives. They offer an afterlife or redemption of sins. They are both monotheistic, meaning their followers believe in only one God. The other religions that are included in these salvation religions include; Buddhism and Hinduism.
Christianity was founded quite a long time before Islam and today has the leading number of followers of the two, however Islam is not to far behind them in numbers. Christianity believes in the holy trinity which includes, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, all making up one holy God and church. They follow the guidelines for life from the Holy Bible written by many prophets and is known as the words for God and Jesus. Christians believe that Jesus, Gods one and only son, came down from heaven and was born from a the Virgin Mary. They believe he came down to save people on Earth from sins and death. He was crucified under Pontius Pilot and on the third day rose and destroyed death for all mankind. The Christians have many guidelines to follow, such as the ten commandments and the words given from God in the Bible. Those that choose to believe in this religion many times will go to church, however, there are many Christian denominations such as Lutheran, Calvinist, and Anglican. These sects are similar in using the Bible and in many ways of following the Christian way of life. The reason for these sects in Christianity is the way of believing. Each has broken away from the Catholic church, starting with the Reformation as a way of practicing their faith differently. This religion accepts many and has many followers.
Islam, on the other hand, is similar in the ways of using a sacred text, called the Qu'ran, which written in Arabic has guidelines on how to be a faithful Muslim as well as stories and explanations of the faith. Because of this similarity, Christianity and Islam are known as the "People of the Book" religions. Islam unlike Christianity, started with the prophet Muhammad. He is there only prophet and is also known as the Seal of the Prophet because they found him to be the last prophet to reveal the messages of God. The Muslim's worship the God Allah and there is no other God besides him. Unlike Christianity, Muslims believe that there is only God. He had no sons or daughters, or family of any kind. They believe that there are five things that one must do to be a Muslim. These are called the 5 Pillars of Islam. They also believe in the Articles of Faith which are similar to the Ten Commandments in Christianity. Islam, unlike Christianity, spread very rapidly throughout much of Asia, Africa and southern Europe. Christianity was not accepted in the vast Roman Empire until Emperor Constantine and the Edict of Milan. Before that, many Christians were persecuted. Also, Islam was not just the religion of a vast area, it became the political structure. Christianity created the Holy Roman Empire however, it really had little political ties to government. It was more of what people grasped on to when their empire was collapsing.
Because of there similarities and differences, each religion has been accepted in different parts of the world. It is interesting to learn about each and its great impact on the history of the world.
Christianity was founded quite a long time before Islam and today has the leading number of followers of the two, however Islam is not to far behind them in numbers. Christianity believes in the holy trinity which includes, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, all making up one holy God and church. They follow the guidelines for life from the Holy Bible written by many prophets and is known as the words for God and Jesus. Christians believe that Jesus, Gods one and only son, came down from heaven and was born from a the Virgin Mary. They believe he came down to save people on Earth from sins and death. He was crucified under Pontius Pilot and on the third day rose and destroyed death for all mankind. The Christians have many guidelines to follow, such as the ten commandments and the words given from God in the Bible. Those that choose to believe in this religion many times will go to church, however, there are many Christian denominations such as Lutheran, Calvinist, and Anglican. These sects are similar in using the Bible and in many ways of following the Christian way of life. The reason for these sects in Christianity is the way of believing. Each has broken away from the Catholic church, starting with the Reformation as a way of practicing their faith differently. This religion accepts many and has many followers.
Islam, on the other hand, is similar in the ways of using a sacred text, called the Qu'ran, which written in Arabic has guidelines on how to be a faithful Muslim as well as stories and explanations of the faith. Because of this similarity, Christianity and Islam are known as the "People of the Book" religions. Islam unlike Christianity, started with the prophet Muhammad. He is there only prophet and is also known as the Seal of the Prophet because they found him to be the last prophet to reveal the messages of God. The Muslim's worship the God Allah and there is no other God besides him. Unlike Christianity, Muslims believe that there is only God. He had no sons or daughters, or family of any kind. They believe that there are five things that one must do to be a Muslim. These are called the 5 Pillars of Islam. They also believe in the Articles of Faith which are similar to the Ten Commandments in Christianity. Islam, unlike Christianity, spread very rapidly throughout much of Asia, Africa and southern Europe. Christianity was not accepted in the vast Roman Empire until Emperor Constantine and the Edict of Milan. Before that, many Christians were persecuted. Also, Islam was not just the religion of a vast area, it became the political structure. Christianity created the Holy Roman Empire however, it really had little political ties to government. It was more of what people grasped on to when their empire was collapsing.
Because of there similarities and differences, each religion has been accepted in different parts of the world. It is interesting to learn about each and its great impact on the history of the world.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
The History of the Qu'ran
Islamic belief is strongly centered in its scriptural writings of the Holy Qu'ran. The Qu'ran is a text of religious guidance and direction for mankind. This important collection of writings is as important to Islamic faith, as the Bible is to Christians. But how did such an important book become what it is today? How did it come together centuries ago and survive throughout centuries of war and religious struggle?
The Qu'ran began with the prophet Muhammad who received it from an angel during a revelation. His followers were the ones who copied down his visions, although during this time, writing was not one of the main sources at their disposal. Much of the Qu'ran was passed down orally until the correct means for writing were available. However, even when writings were completed, they were not bound together into one cohesive book, but separated and individual. It was because of the lack of binding, that forced many followers to memorize the ancient text and continue to pass down the teachings orally.
Under the order of Uthman, the Qu'ran was collected together and competed to create a single formal text. As the years passed and the spread of Islam grew, so did other cultures and languages. With the invention of paper and the growing intellectual society, translations of the Qu'ran were made for several other regions and countries. Since then, millions of copies of the Qu'ran have been made and have become the guiding symbol of the Islamic faith. Memorizing the Qu'ran is still a wide spread custom among them, continuing the tradition of how the Qu'ran was originally passed down.
Video notes
Friday, November 20, 2009
Muhammad Ibd Abdullah
Perhaps the best-known figure in Islamic history is Muhammad Ibd Abdullah. He was a powerful inspirational leader, who many consider to be the founder of Islamic religion.
Muhammad was born in 570 C.E. in the Arab city of Mecca. Mecca was an extremely important city, both during the time leading up to and following Muhammad’s lifetime. It was the place where the largest Arabic religious shrine, Kaaba, was located, and was home to a variety of different people, numerous fugitives, exiles, refugees, and merchants.
A tremendously influential religious experience caused Muhammad to believe that he was a messenger sent by Allah to speak to and guide the Arabs. Muhammad’s religious encounters with Allah over the next 22 years were documented in a book known as the Quran, which is observed to be the religious scripture of Islam, even to this day. Through the Quran, Muhammad demanded his followers to take on a monotheistic view, with Allah being the one and only god. He stressed social justice and moral values such as solidarity, equality, and generosity.
Muhammad’s revelations and teachings attracted a few important Meccan leaders, as well as free slaves and several from lower and poorer classes. However he also drew the attention of some of Mecca’s elite families, who were opposed to his strong testaments. Eventually, these oppositions drove Muhammad and his followers out of Mecca and to the town of Yathrib, later known as Medina. This migration marked the beginning of the new Islamic calendar.
Unlike the religious figures from the other Universal Faiths (Jesus and the Buddha), Muhammad was a political and military leader as well as a religious one. Muslims drew no line to separate the church from the state in regards to laws or leadership. Muhammad led them in religious practices and into battle until his death in 632 C.E.
Reference:
Robert Strayer, Ways of the World, a Brief Global History - Volume I: to 1500. pgs 303-308.
Muhammad was born in 570 C.E. in the Arab city of Mecca. Mecca was an extremely important city, both during the time leading up to and following Muhammad’s lifetime. It was the place where the largest Arabic religious shrine, Kaaba, was located, and was home to a variety of different people, numerous fugitives, exiles, refugees, and merchants.
A tremendously influential religious experience caused Muhammad to believe that he was a messenger sent by Allah to speak to and guide the Arabs. Muhammad’s religious encounters with Allah over the next 22 years were documented in a book known as the Quran, which is observed to be the religious scripture of Islam, even to this day. Through the Quran, Muhammad demanded his followers to take on a monotheistic view, with Allah being the one and only god. He stressed social justice and moral values such as solidarity, equality, and generosity.
Muhammad’s revelations and teachings attracted a few important Meccan leaders, as well as free slaves and several from lower and poorer classes. However he also drew the attention of some of Mecca’s elite families, who were opposed to his strong testaments. Eventually, these oppositions drove Muhammad and his followers out of Mecca and to the town of Yathrib, later known as Medina. This migration marked the beginning of the new Islamic calendar.
Unlike the religious figures from the other Universal Faiths (Jesus and the Buddha), Muhammad was a political and military leader as well as a religious one. Muslims drew no line to separate the church from the state in regards to laws or leadership. Muhammad led them in religious practices and into battle until his death in 632 C.E.
Reference:
Robert Strayer, Ways of the World, a Brief Global History - Volume I: to 1500. pgs 303-308.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Taking a Deeper Look at the Five Pillars of Islam
The Five Pillars of Islam, or أركان الإسلا in Arabic, is the term given to the five particular duties one must take on to practice the Islamic religion. These particular duties are the foundation and framework of Muslim life, and must be performed. The pillars make up the core belief of the Islamic faith, and are the most important qualities in ones life. To a Muslim, they hold the same sacred aspect as the Ten Commandments to a Christian. The Ten Commandments and the five pillars both hold the key to living a better, religious life. The difference between the two is that the Ten Commandments state what one shall not do, and the five pillars state what one must do. The five pillars were created by God (Allah) and were then revealed through Quranic revelations and prophets. The five pillars are a priority in the Islamic Faith, and serve as the foundation of the religion. We all learned what the five pillars of Islam are in class, but in this post I will go deeper into why each is important, and what exactly happens with each.
The first of the five pillars of Islam is the testimony of faith, or Shahadah. One must publicly speak out about their Belief in one God, Allah. They must state, " Ashadu alla ilaha illa Allah, wa ashadu anna Muhammed ar-rasool Allah." This literally means, "I bear witness that there is no God but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is his messenger." The reason for this statement is for Muslims to indicate they worship no other deities but Allah, and that Muhammad was chosen by him to send his message of Islam. They believe that Islam reached its definitive form through Muhammad. When the religion first originated, many polytheistic religions and practices still existed, and through this pillar, Muslims state their monotheistic belief in one God, Allah.
To learn more about the first pillar of Islam, visit this site:
http://www.islamreligion.com/articles/193/
The second pillar of Islam is Salat, or ritual prayer. Muslims must pray at least five times a day facing the holy city of Mecca. If they miss a prayer, it must be made up at another time. The Salat is a very physical act of worship, using words and actions to signify their submission to Allah. They must confess their sins through each prayer. The first prayer is said at sun up, another at noon, the next at mid afternoon, another at sunset, and the last at sun down. Muslims believe that constant prayer is needed to keep their lives in perspective.
To learn more about the Salat, visit this site:
http://www.islamreligion.com/articles/9/
The third pillar of Islam is Zakat, or charity. Muslims must give money and food to the less fortunate as an act of worship. Two and a half percent of all income and holding must be given, although they are more than welcome to go above and beyond the minimum limit. Muslims believe that all things belong to God, and that he trusts them to share their wealth. The poor are obviously excluded from the charity, but middle and upper class Muslims must practice this pillar.
To learn more about the third pillar of Islam, Zakat, visit this site:
http://www.islamreligion.com/articles/46/
The forth pillar of Islam is Saum, or fasting. Ramadan is the name given to the holy month in the Islamic calendar. During this month, all Muslims who are able are obligated to fast from sun up to sun down. The fasting requires refraining from eating, drinking, smoking, or sexual intercourse. The reason for this is to practice discipline, unselfishness, devotion, and love to God, and shows compassion to those who are unable to eat. This must only be practiced by adults who are physically and mentally able to do so. It excludes young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people who are seriously ill.
To learn more about the forth pillar of Islam, Saum, visit this site:
http://www.islamreligion.com/articles/47/
The fifth, and last pillar of Islam is the Hajj, or pilgrimage. Mecca is the holy city of Islam, and each Muslim must make a pilgrimage to this site at least one time during their lifetime. Mecca unites Muslims from all over the world sharing the same beliefs. They take this journey to Mecca to worship and glorify their God, Allah. This pilgrimage is also seen as a spiritual journey, following in the steps of Muhammad. The pilgrimate serves as the ultimate forgiveness of sins, devotion, and intense spirituality.
To learn more about the fifth pillar of Islam, the Hajj, visit the following site:
http://www.islamreligion.com/articles/184/
The five pillars of Islam are the foundation to the religion and the Muslim way of life. It is through these five obligations that Muslims prove their faith in their God, Allah. They shape the importance of the religion, and are the five tasks that must be accomplished to fulfill their lives as Muslims practicing the Islamic religion. Each religion is based on foundations, and have aspects that must be accomplished in order to practice that particular faith. It is important that we recognize religions other than our own and understand what is believed in around the world.
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-the-five-pillars-of-islam.htm
http://www.themodernreligion.com/basic/islam_pillars.htm
http://www.allaboutreligion.org/five-pillars-of-islam-faq.htm
http://www.carm.org/five-pillars-of-islam
The first of the five pillars of Islam is the testimony of faith, or Shahadah. One must publicly speak out about their Belief in one God, Allah. They must state, " Ashadu alla ilaha illa Allah, wa ashadu anna Muhammed ar-rasool Allah." This literally means, "I bear witness that there is no God but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is his messenger." The reason for this statement is for Muslims to indicate they worship no other deities but Allah, and that Muhammad was chosen by him to send his message of Islam. They believe that Islam reached its definitive form through Muhammad. When the religion first originated, many polytheistic religions and practices still existed, and through this pillar, Muslims state their monotheistic belief in one God, Allah.
To learn more about the first pillar of Islam, visit this site:
http://www.islamreligion.com/articles/193/
The second pillar of Islam is Salat, or ritual prayer. Muslims must pray at least five times a day facing the holy city of Mecca. If they miss a prayer, it must be made up at another time. The Salat is a very physical act of worship, using words and actions to signify their submission to Allah. They must confess their sins through each prayer. The first prayer is said at sun up, another at noon, the next at mid afternoon, another at sunset, and the last at sun down. Muslims believe that constant prayer is needed to keep their lives in perspective.
To learn more about the Salat, visit this site:
http://www.islamreligion.com/articles/9/
The third pillar of Islam is Zakat, or charity. Muslims must give money and food to the less fortunate as an act of worship. Two and a half percent of all income and holding must be given, although they are more than welcome to go above and beyond the minimum limit. Muslims believe that all things belong to God, and that he trusts them to share their wealth. The poor are obviously excluded from the charity, but middle and upper class Muslims must practice this pillar.
To learn more about the third pillar of Islam, Zakat, visit this site:
http://www.islamreligion.com/articles/46/
The forth pillar of Islam is Saum, or fasting. Ramadan is the name given to the holy month in the Islamic calendar. During this month, all Muslims who are able are obligated to fast from sun up to sun down. The fasting requires refraining from eating, drinking, smoking, or sexual intercourse. The reason for this is to practice discipline, unselfishness, devotion, and love to God, and shows compassion to those who are unable to eat. This must only be practiced by adults who are physically and mentally able to do so. It excludes young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people who are seriously ill.
To learn more about the forth pillar of Islam, Saum, visit this site:
http://www.islamreligion.com/articles/47/
The fifth, and last pillar of Islam is the Hajj, or pilgrimage. Mecca is the holy city of Islam, and each Muslim must make a pilgrimage to this site at least one time during their lifetime. Mecca unites Muslims from all over the world sharing the same beliefs. They take this journey to Mecca to worship and glorify their God, Allah. This pilgrimage is also seen as a spiritual journey, following in the steps of Muhammad. The pilgrimate serves as the ultimate forgiveness of sins, devotion, and intense spirituality.
To learn more about the fifth pillar of Islam, the Hajj, visit the following site:
http://www.islamreligion.com/articles/184/
The five pillars of Islam are the foundation to the religion and the Muslim way of life. It is through these five obligations that Muslims prove their faith in their God, Allah. They shape the importance of the religion, and are the five tasks that must be accomplished to fulfill their lives as Muslims practicing the Islamic religion. Each religion is based on foundations, and have aspects that must be accomplished in order to practice that particular faith. It is important that we recognize religions other than our own and understand what is believed in around the world.
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-the-five-pillars-of-islam.htm
http://www.themodernreligion.com/basic/islam_pillars.htm
http://www.allaboutreligion.org/five-pillars-of-islam-faq.htm
http://www.carm.org/five-pillars-of-islam
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Islamic Symbols
In most religions, there is an iconic symbol that is affiliated with the religion in question. The symbol serves as a banner or an image of hope. In Christianity, there are multiple iconic symbols, but the most recognizable symbol is Jesus on the cross. This is an image of suffering and sacrifice for the greater good of the people. In Buddhism, the iconic symbol is the "Budduh." This jolly-looking figure is an overweight bald man sitting with his legs crossed and has an inviting smile on his face.
In Islam however, there is no official or direct symbol that represents the religion. Over the years, the most common symbol became the star and the cresent symbol. This image is represented on the flags of many countries of islamic faith, such as Turkey and Pakistan. Surprisingly, the symbol is not Muslim in origin. Rather, it was a polytheistic icon adopted during the spread of Islam, and its use today is sometimes controversial in the Muslim world.
It is important to keep in mind that Islam has few traditional symbols, and the crescent moon and star are not ones that are recognized by as traditional symbols by Muslims. The symbol is due to cultral diffusion and the spread of Islam to the Ottoman turks who ruled a large area and also put the crescent moon and star symbol on their flag.
In Islam however, there is no official or direct symbol that represents the religion. Over the years, the most common symbol became the star and the cresent symbol. This image is represented on the flags of many countries of islamic faith, such as Turkey and Pakistan. Surprisingly, the symbol is not Muslim in origin. Rather, it was a polytheistic icon adopted during the spread of Islam, and its use today is sometimes controversial in the Muslim world.
It is important to keep in mind that Islam has few traditional symbols, and the crescent moon and star are not ones that are recognized by as traditional symbols by Muslims. The symbol is due to cultral diffusion and the spread of Islam to the Ottoman turks who ruled a large area and also put the crescent moon and star symbol on their flag.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
What is Islam?
Islam is the youngest of the Universal religions. Islam is an Arabic word which means "Submission" and derives from a word meaning peace. Muslim is the title of the people who believe in the Islamic religion. There are many aspects of the Islamic religion.
First, in the religion, they believe in one God, Allah, which is the Arabic word for God. Tawhid is the most important Islamic beleif. It is the belief in Allah with all his power. Tawhid indicates that Allah is the sustainer of the universe and the soul source of guidance. The first step to becoming adopting the Islamic faith is the belief that there is no god but Allah and Mohammed is his prophet.
http://www.ethikana.com/islam/allah_swt.htm
Also, Muslims believe in prophets, and Muhammad was the most well known and important. When Muhammad was forty years old, he was meditation and received his first revelation from God through the angel Gabriel. Muhammad began preaching what he heard from the angel and was persecuted for doing so. Because of the harsh treatment, he emigrated from Makkah for Madinah. This migration was known as the Hijra. After many years, Muhammad and his followers forgave their enemies and returned to Makkah. When Muhammad passed away, most of Arabia became Muslim, and it continued to spread.
http://www.zajel.org/article_view.asp?newsID=3218&cat=9
The Muslim Holy book is the Qur'an. It is the primary doctrinal source of Islam. It is the product of Allah's revelations to Muhammad over a period of twenty three years. It is divided into thirty sections with 114 chapters, 7 stops, 16 prostrations, and 6,666 verses. Many verses are very poetic, while others are just written normally.
http://www.ethikana.com/islam/about_quran.htm
Another aspect of Islam is the five pillars. They are the foundations of Muslim life. The first pillar is faith; the belief in Allah and that Muhammad is his prophet. The second pillar is prayer; Muslims are to pray daily. The third pillar is helping the needy. The fourth pillar is fasting; during the month of Ramadan each year, Muslims fast from first light to sun down. The last and fifth pillar is the pilgrimage to Makkah or "Mecca." It is known as the Hajj in Arabic.
http://www.zajel.org/article_view.asp?newsID=3216&cat=9
Islam, like all religions, has many parts to it. It is not just the faith in Allah, but the dedication to the Qur'an and practicing the five pillars. Although Islam is the youngest of the universal religions, it spread just as far and is practiced by just as many as the other religions. Today, Islam is the second largest religion in the world behind Christianity. 1.2 billion people practice this religion and they represent 22% of the entire world's population.
http://www.religioustolerance.org/isl_numb.htm
First, in the religion, they believe in one God, Allah, which is the Arabic word for God. Tawhid is the most important Islamic beleif. It is the belief in Allah with all his power. Tawhid indicates that Allah is the sustainer of the universe and the soul source of guidance. The first step to becoming adopting the Islamic faith is the belief that there is no god but Allah and Mohammed is his prophet.
http://www.ethikana.com/islam/allah_swt.htm
Also, Muslims believe in prophets, and Muhammad was the most well known and important. When Muhammad was forty years old, he was meditation and received his first revelation from God through the angel Gabriel. Muhammad began preaching what he heard from the angel and was persecuted for doing so. Because of the harsh treatment, he emigrated from Makkah for Madinah. This migration was known as the Hijra. After many years, Muhammad and his followers forgave their enemies and returned to Makkah. When Muhammad passed away, most of Arabia became Muslim, and it continued to spread.
http://www.zajel.org/article_view.asp?newsID=3218&cat=9
The Muslim Holy book is the Qur'an. It is the primary doctrinal source of Islam. It is the product of Allah's revelations to Muhammad over a period of twenty three years. It is divided into thirty sections with 114 chapters, 7 stops, 16 prostrations, and 6,666 verses. Many verses are very poetic, while others are just written normally.
http://www.ethikana.com/islam/about_quran.htm
Another aspect of Islam is the five pillars. They are the foundations of Muslim life. The first pillar is faith; the belief in Allah and that Muhammad is his prophet. The second pillar is prayer; Muslims are to pray daily. The third pillar is helping the needy. The fourth pillar is fasting; during the month of Ramadan each year, Muslims fast from first light to sun down. The last and fifth pillar is the pilgrimage to Makkah or "Mecca." It is known as the Hajj in Arabic.
http://www.zajel.org/article_view.asp?newsID=3216&cat=9
Islam, like all religions, has many parts to it. It is not just the faith in Allah, but the dedication to the Qur'an and practicing the five pillars. Although Islam is the youngest of the universal religions, it spread just as far and is practiced by just as many as the other religions. Today, Islam is the second largest religion in the world behind Christianity. 1.2 billion people practice this religion and they represent 22% of the entire world's population.
http://www.religioustolerance.org/isl_numb.htm
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