Islam is one of the three major world religions, along with Judaism and Christianity, that professes monotheism, or the belief in a single God. The Arabic name for God, Allah, refers to the same God worshiped by Jews and Christians. 
    Within two centuries after its rise in the 7th century, Islam spread from its original home in Arabia into Syria, Egypt, North Africa, and Spain to the west into Persia, India, and by the end of the 10th century, beyond to the east.
    In the following centuries, Islam also spread into Balkans to the north, and sub-Saharan Africa to the south.  The most populous Muslim country is Indonesia, followed by Pakistan and Bangladesh. Beyond the Middle East, large numbers of Muslims live in India, Nigeria, the former republics of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), and China.
   One of the reasons for the growth of the Muslim community has been its openness to new members. Children born to Muslim parents are automatically considered Muslim. At any time, a non-Muslim can convert to Islam by declaring himself or herself to be a Muslim. A person's declaration of faith is sufficient evidence of conversion to Islam and needs not be confirmed by others or by religious authorities.
    The Islam religion believes that Jesus was a prophet equal to the likes of Moses, Abraham or Adam.  Failure to do Allah's will or their religious duties is sin to the Islam religion.  Salvation is earned by man paying for his own sins in some way.