As the world’s fastest-growing religion, Islam is gaining more followers every day. Learn more about Islam and how to talk to Muslim friends about Jesus.
Fast Facts
Population: 2 billion (25.6% of global population)
Growth Rate: The population is expected to increase by 70% by 2060.
Year Founded: A.D. 622
Founder: Muhammad
Holy Texts: Quran, Hadith, Sunnah, and Seerah
Major Branches: Sunni and Shiite
View of Jesus: A prophet
Where They Live
Muslims are found throughout the world with high concentrations of their population found in North Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. Indonesia has the largest percentage (11.8%) and largest population (239 million) of Muslims in the world, followed by Pakistan and India.
Major Beliefs
Islam is a monotheistic religion founded by the prophet Muhammad, who Muslims believe is the final prophet in a long line that includes Abraham, Moses, Elijah, John the Baptist, and Jesus. The Islamic god is known as Allah. Muslims believe Allah’s ultimate revelation was given to Muhammad through the angel Gabriel and is preserved in their holy book, the Quran, considered the direct word of Allah. The rules from the Quran and other holy texts are known collectively as Sharia.
The word “Islam” means “submission to God,” and Muslims seek to fully submit to Allah. The Five Pillars of Islam sum up the essentials to the Muslim faith:
- Shahada: the proclamation of faith in one god, Allah, and that Muhammad is his messenger
- Salat: the practice of praying five times a day
- Zakat: the practice of giving to the needy
- Sawm: the act of fasting from dawn to dusk during the month of Ramadan
- Hajj: the pilgrimage to the holy city Mecca at least once in a Muslim’s life, if possible
Islam can also be summed up in the Six Articles of Faith: belief in one God, angels and the unseen, the holy books, the prophets and messengers, the Day of Judgment and the afterlife, and predestination.
The two major branches of Islam—Sunni and Shiite—developed from a disagreement over who should succeed Muhammad after his death. Sunnis make up 90% of the global Muslim population and believe the first four leaders of the faith, or caliphs, were the true successors of Muhammad. Shiites mostly reside in Iran, Iraq, and Syria and believe only Ali, Muhammad’s son-in-law and the fourth caliph, was the true successor.
Conversation Bridges
Muslims believe in Jesus, but they deny His deity. The Quran even claims that God did not have a Son. However, the Quran does say Allah’s revelations are found in the Torah and the Gospels and that Jesus’ words should be believed.
Muslims also believe in Abraham and Moses. When having a conversation with Muslims friends, you could begin by talking about these Old Testament prophets and how they ultimately point to Jesus. Recall the stories of how God provided a ram to sacrifice instead of Isaac and how the Israelites used the blood of the Passover lamb to save them from God’s wrath. These are pictures of Jesus’ sacrifice for humanity. You can also share what Jesus says about Himself in the Gospels.
Remember that it may take time for Muslim friends to accept the gospel. Muslims may face persecution for leaving their faith, so building a relationship with them is important in witnessing.
Read this story of how a Muslim family came to know Christ.
As you engage in conversations with Muslims, pray that Muslims meet Jesus through dreams, visions, and miracles.
A Field Guide to Major World Religions
As followers of Jesus Christ, we are not ashamed of the gospel and its power. Yet we sometimes still find ourselves unsure of how to share our faith as we go about daily lives, especially with people of different religions and worldviews. This guide includes a summary of beliefs from the major world religions, stories of lives changed by Jesus, prayers, and tips for sharing the gospel to help you engage missionally with people from various faith backgrounds. Download your free copy today!
