Islam

noun

Is·​lam is-ˈläm 

iz-,

-ˈlam 

ˈis-ˌläm,

ˈiz-,

-ˌlam

1

: the religious faith of Muslims including belief in Allah as the sole deity and in Muhammad as his prophet

2

a

: the civilization erected upon Islamic faith

b

: the group of modern nations in which Islam is the dominant religion

Islamic

is-ˈlä-mik 

iz-

-ˈla-

adjective

Islamics

is-ˈlä-miks 

iz-

-ˈla-

noun, plural in form but singular or plural in construction

Examples of Islam in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In the main event contest, UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev puts his title on the line against Arman Tsarukyan in a rematch. —Trent Reinsmith, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024

Before the revolution, in an infamous 1963 sermon that precipitated his expulsion from Iran, Khomeini inveighed against Israel as the enemy of Islam and the religious class in Iran. —Suzanne Maloney, Foreign Affairs, 10 Dec. 2024

The Assad family are Alawites, a religious sect of Islam, and many Alawites served in his government. —Carol E. Lee, NBC News, 9 Dec. 2024

Make note of Ramadan restrictions Ramadan is a holy month of fasting in Islam that typically falls during the end of winter and beginning of spring. —Joe Niehaus, Travel + Leisure, 9 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Arabic islām submission (to the will of God)

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

Islam

noun

Is·​lam is-ˈläm  iz- 

-ˈlam;

ˈis-ˌläm,

ˈiz-ˌläm,

-ˌlam

1

: a religion marked by belief in Allah as the sole deity, in Muhammad as his prophet, and in the Koran

2

a

: the civilization erected upon Islamic faith

b

: the modern nations in which Islam is the dominant religion

Islamic

is-ˈläm-ik 

iz-

-ˈlam-

adjective