What is the meaning of the word ''Islam'' and what are its origins?

Islam is a monotheistic religion based on the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, which originated in the Arabian Peninsula in the early 7th century. The word Islam is derived from the Arabic word 'salaam', which means peace, purity, submission and obedience.

The followers of Islam are called Muslims, which means 'those who submit to the will of God'. Islam is based on the belief in one God, Allah, and the acceptance of Muhammad as his Prophet. The Holy Book of Islam is the Quran, which Muslims believe to be the word of God as revealed to Muhammad.

The origins of Islam can be traced back to the city of Mecca, where the Prophet Muhammad was born in 570 CE. At the age of 40, he received his first revelation from Allah through the Angel Gabriel, which marked the beginning of his mission as a prophet. Over the next 23 years, Muhammad received further revelations, which he recorded in the Quran.

Islam spread rapidly throughout the Arabian Peninsula and beyond during the lifetime of the Prophet Muhammad. After his death, the Islamic empire continued to expand, and today Islam is the second largest religion in the world, with over 1.8 billion followers.