To become a Muslim and to convert to Islam, it is essential to say the Shahada in front of Muslim witnesses, [81] one of the Five Pillars of Islam, a declaration of faith and trust that professes that there is only one God (Allah) and that Muhammad is God's messenger. [82]
The faith of Islam helped various Muslim peoples in their struggle to gain political freedom in the mid-20th century, and the unity of Islam contributed to later political solidarity.
While the majority of Muslims are Sunnis, estimated to constitute 75-90% of the global Muslim population, the Shi’a community, making up about 10-20%, experiences different socio-political dynamics and sometimes discrimination from other Muslim groups.
A series of Muslim leaders, known as caliphs, became successors to Muhammad as spiritual and civil heads. This system of leadership became known as a caliphate.
Understanding the origins of Islam, from the life of Prophet Muhammad to the early expansion of the Muslim community, is crucial to comprehending the depth and breadth of the Muslim religion.
More commonly, the term Muslim refers to one who believes in the Shahadah (the declaration of faith containing the basic creed of Islam) and embraces a lifestyle in accord with Islamic principles and values. Anybody may be or become a Muslim, regardless of gender, race, nationality, color, or social or economic status.
The global Muslim population is a diverse and vibrant group that plays a significant role in the world today. Despite the challenges they face, Muslims continue to make significant contributions to their communities and to the world at large.
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