Islam

Islam is the second largest religion in India (150 million faithful approximately 13.7% of the population), and this is the third country with the highest number of Muslims in the world after Indonesia and Pakistan.

Islam reached India in the very early period and it is believed that one of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)'s companions Malik bin Deenar came to India's western coast in 7th century and a mosque was built there in 629 EC which still exists.

His prophet Muhammad was a statesman who built an empire. Islam was created as a religion, but also as a state with laws that organized a society, both politically, socially and economically. It has several spiritual obligations, among them we could highlight the following:

• Daily prayers to God looking towards Mecca.
• Do charity work (Zakah).
• Accept shahada or tithe.
• Fasting during the light hours of Ramadan  (Saum).
• A month that begins with the Hegira, the flight of Muhammad to Medina.
• Pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in life (Haji).

Facts about Islam:

Jihad ("make an effort"). It's a concept loaded with fundamentalist connotations. It is frequently translated as holy war, although many Muslims, the moderate Muslim community, interpret it as a struggle for faith, an inner struggle to reach purification by complying with Muslim religious standards.

Entry to many of the mosques in India is limited, especially for women. One of its most spectacular mosques is in Delhi, it's the Jama Masjid mosque.

Islam is a complete way of life that means "peace through submission to God". Demonstrate a clear understanding of personal relationship with God, the purpose of life, and the final destination.

This way of life promotes strong moral character, good relationships with people, and just and harmonious societies. Dedicating life to submission to God is the key to realizing peace because it balances spiritual needs with world affairs.