Pillars"--recitation of the credo in public "there is no God but Allah, and Mohammed is his Prophet," the duty to pray five times daily facing toward the Ka'bah in Mecca, observance of the fast during the holy month of Ramadan, paying the alms tax (zakat), and attempting to undertake the Hajj (the pilgrimage to Mecca). The Qu'ran, believed to have been revealed to Mohammed by the angel Gabriel, is the primary scripture-- the exegeses and interpretations of the Qu'ran led to the formation of a body of laws, the Shari'a. The primary schism within Islam is between Sunni and Shi'a Muslims: historically it dates from the 6th Century and revolves around the succession of Mohammed's nephew, Ali, to the Caliphate. Islam today is a global religion and has major populations in Malaysia, India, and many Middle-Eastern and North African countries.
Looks like a great intro to info on Islamic faith and culture…designed as an online course.
Islamic Studies, Arabic, and Religion Web Page
A somewhat simple site, the quality of some links questionable, but includes a listing of links on Islam organized by country and including issues such as women's rights.
Islamic Texts and Resources Metapage
A mix of academic links and insider sources, this site provides basic introductory information on Islam. Many articles.
A site organized for a Muslim audience, including and index of categories addressing specific issues in a question-answer format. A great place to start for a basic orientation to Islamic tenets.
A well-organized site from the Muslim Students Association at USC, providing many links to "fundamentals," special issues, and some comparative analyses.
Al-Muraja'at: A Shi'i-Sunni Dialogue
This seems to be an interseting site that highlights the differences between Shi'i and Sunni denominations.
Iraq Resource Information Site: The Shia and Sunni of Iraq
Although the objectivity of this overview is questionable, it provides a decent starting point for learning about the differences between Sunni and Shi'a denominations and about the relations between them.
Islam For Today: 'The Origins of the Sunni/Shia split in Islam
Another article-style source for an overview of Sunni-Shia relations.
A well-rounded introduction to Islam, created by a follower of the faith. Commercial pop-up windows, but a good introductory source including many recent articles. Also includes a section on women's rights.
A brief overview of Sunni Islam.
A brief overview of Shi'a Islam.
The official site of the Nation of Islam.
Extensive academic resource detailing the many different Sufi orders, their leaders and their beliefs and philosophies.