The Islamic religion was founded by the prophet Muhammad in the seventh century. Since then, many different sects have emerged within the faith'Sunni and Shi'ite are the largest.
Sunni
The largest sect of Islam, commonly described as traditional or 'orthodox,' recognizes the first four caliphs'successors to Muhammad'as legitimate leaders of Islam. Includes five major pillars:
1. Shahadah (Faith in Allah):
Profession that there is no God but Allah, and that Muhammad is his messenger
2. Salat (Prayer):
Five daily prayers: early morning, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset, evening
3. Zakat (Giving alms):
Generally 2.5 percent of annual income, to be given to the poor in the Muslim community
4. Sawm (Fasting):
Practiced during the first month of Ramadan (the ninth month in the Islamic
lunar calendar), includes abstention from eating, drinking and sexual activity during daylight hours
5. Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca):
A journey to the most sacred city in Islam, the birthplace of the prophet Muhammad, to be completed by all Muslims economically and physically capable
Shi'ite
Islam's second-largest sect, which breaks with the Sunni tradition in their belief that the only legitimate successors to Muhammad were the heirs of the fourth caliph, Ali
Sufi
A more spiritual tradition within Islam, which follows mystical interpretations of the traditional doctrines and practices
Wahhabi
Strict traditionalists opposing all innovations within the faith
