Islam

noun

Is·​lam is-ˈläm How to pronounce Islam (audio)
iz-,
-ˈlam How to pronounce Islam (audio)
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 How to pronounce Islam (audio)
iz-
-ˈla-
adjective
Islamics
is-ˈlä-miks How to pronounce Islam (audio)
iz-
-ˈla-
noun, plural in form but singular or plural in construction

Examples of Islam in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Volkanovski came off the couch to face UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev in a rematch at UFC 294. Trent Reinsmith, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 Al-Aqsa is the third-holiest site in Islam and is typically packed with worshippers during Ramadan. NBC News, 28 Feb. 2024 Farrakhan, 90, who leads the Nation of Islam, a religious group founded in Detroit in 1930, spoke for three and half hours to a crowd in the main hall at Huntington Place that appeared to be mostly filled. Niraj Warikoo, Detroit Free Press, 26 Feb. 2024 In court, Halim confessed to the crime but maintained that neither Aziz nor Islam were involved. Marc Ramirez, USA TODAY, 22 Feb. 2024 Their relationship deepened Clay’s commitment to Islam. C. Isaiah Smalls Ii, Miami Herald, 22 Feb. 2024 Particularly in later episodes, when the dynamic between Malcolm X and his mentor sours and the civil rights leader eventually steps down from the Nation of Islam amid nasty accusations, Jones shows a treacherous side which audiences haven’t seen from him before. Jack Smart, Peoplemag, 21 Feb. 2024 Originating in Egypt in the 11th century, the religious sect is an offshoot of Islam which permits no converts – either to or from the religion – and no intermarriage. Lianne Kolirin, CNN, 21 Feb. 2024 Hinduism does not have the singular structure of Abrahamic religions such as Christianity or Islam. Ramachandra Guha, Foreign Affairs, 20 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'Islam.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Arabic islām submission (to the will of God)

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Islam was in 1817

Dictionary Entries Near Islam

Cite this Entry

“Islam.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Islam. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

Islam

noun
Is·​lam is-ˈläm How to pronounce Islam (audio) iz- How to pronounce Islam (audio)
-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 How to pronounce Islam (audio)
iz-
-ˈlam-
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on Islam

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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