Arabia in the 6th century was a land where traders and raiders lived. Mecca was a city in which many religions were practiced.

As Muhammad began telling others about his revelations, he was forced to flee Mecca and went to Medina. After he consolidated his power and influence he returned to Mecca.

The Qur'an has passages that teach about both practical and spiritual aspects of daily life. The world was created in six days and there will be a culmination of events at the end of the age.

Almsgiving (Zakat) and fasting (Sawm) are the third and fourth pillars of the Islamic faith.

Da'wah and jihad are two methods that the Qur'an describes for Muslims to approach infidels.

The split between the Sunni and Shi'a groups began when there was a disagreement over who should succeed Muhammad after he died. Sufi Islam is the mystical expression of Islam and could be compared to the monastic movement in Christianity.

Sharia is Islamic religious law which regulates both public and private aspects of life.

Sufi Muslims are more contemplative, mystical, individualistic, syncretistic, and non-legalistic than someone who is an orthodox Muslim.

Folk Islam is a popular expression of Islam which has synthesized indigenous beliefs and customs into the religion. Two expressions of this in Nigeria are the Yoruba and Maguzawa.

The description in the Qur'an of Jesus' death, resurrection and deity are different than that of the Bible.

Islam has clear teachings in cultural areas such as the significance of beards, acceptable types of clothing, behavior and acceptable clothing for females, and food and dietary restrictions.