Muslims explained to kids

Islam is the second largest religion in the world after Christianity, with over 1.8 billion followers worldwide. Muslims make up about 24% of the world's population. Islam is a monotheistic religion, which means that Muslims believe in one God. The Arabic word for God is "Allah." Muslims believe that Allah revealed the Qur'an (Islamic holy book) to the Prophet Muhammad. Muhammad is considered to be the last prophet in a line of prophets that includes Adam, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus. Muslims believe that if they live a good life and do good deeds, they will go to paradise after they die. Islam is a religion that is based on peace and submission to God. The Arabic word "Islam" means "submission" or "surrender." Muslims follow the Five Pillars of Islam, which are: 1. Belief in one God (Allah) 2. Prayer five times a day 3. Giving charity (zakat) 4. Fasting during the month of Ramadan 5. Making a pilgrimage (hajj) to Mecca at least once in a lifetime Muslims are required to pray five times a day: 1. at dawn (fajr), 2. at noon (zuhr), 3. in the afternoon (asr), 4. at sunset (maghrib), and 5. at night (isha). Prayers are said in Arabic and are done facing Mecca, the holy city of Islam. Muslims believe that Mecca is the birthplace of Muhammad and the site of the first revelation of the Qur'an. Muslims are also required to give charity (zakat). This is usually 2.5% of a person's savings. Zakat is used to help the poor and needy. Fasting during the month of Ramadan is another pillar of Islam. Muslims fast from dawn to dusk during this month and do not eat or drink anything. Fasting is a way to become closer to Allah and to practice self-control. The hajj is a pilgrimage to Mecca that every Muslim must make at least once in their lifetime, if they are able. The hajj is a journey to the holiest city in Islam and is a way for Muslims to show their devotion to Allah.