The name of the religion is Islam, which comes from an Arabic root word meaning "peace" and "submission." Islam teaches that one can only find peace in one's life by submitting to Almighty God (Allah) in heart, soul and deed.Muslims believe Islam was revealed to humanity in the 7th Century, when the Angel Gabriel appeared to the Prophet Muhammad to reveal verses sent by Allah. The words are believed to have been written down during Muhammad's life, forming the Muslim holy book the Quran.

"The messenger of Allah said: "Islam is to testify that there is no god but Allah and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah, to perform the prayers, to pay the zakat, to fast in Ramadhan, and to make the pilgrimage to the House if you are able to do so." He said: “You have spoken rightly", Jebreel (Gabriel) from Number 2 of "Al-Nawawi's Forty Hadiths."

The total number of Muslims range from 0.7 to 1.2 billion worldwide (1/5 of the world population) and 1.1 to 7 million in the U.S.   About 21% of all people on Earth follow Islam. It is considered one of the Abrahamic, monotheistic faiths, along with Judaism and Christianity. Although usually associated with the Arabs of the Middle East, less than 10% of Muslims are in fact Arab. Muslims are found all over the world, of every nation, colour and race. The religion is currently in a period of rapid growth.