The word islam, which means submission, was not at first the name of a religion founded by Muhammad. It referred, rather, to the original religion of all mankind - and even of the universe itselfThe first way that the faith-reason question may be understood involves the extent, if any, to which the unaided human intellect can discover the various claims of a religion, whether theological or ethical. In answer to this question, Muslim philosophers and theologians defended three major positions.
There are two basic groups of Islam: the Sunnis (about 80% of the world's Muslims) and the Shi'ites (about 20% of the world's Muslims). Although they share the same basic beliefs, they disagree on who was the rightful leader of Islam after Muhammad's death. What does Islam mean?
Its function is best described in the Prophet's own words, namely that the mosque should be a garden of paradise. Islam's greatest architect was Sinan, a 16th century Ottoman builder who was responsible for the Sulaimaniye mosque in Istanbul. Islamic is an adjective that modifies a non-human noun, as for example, "Islamic art," "Islamic architecture," "Islamic beliefs," etc. This term should not be used to refer to a person. A follower of Islam is called a Muslim, or "one who is in a state of peace by following God's guidance." Islam can best be described as A) a desert religion focused on Muhammad as the son of God. B) None of these answers are correct. C) a polytheistic nature religion with little ethical content. D) an urban religion that first flourished in an agricultural oasis.