The five pillars are the Shahada (declaration of faith), Salah (five daily prayers), Zakat (obligatory charity), Sawm (fasting during Ramadan), and Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca). These pillars form the foundation of every Muslim's practice and worship.

Start with the core beliefs: belief in one God (Allah), His angels, His books, His messengers, the Day of Judgment, and divine decree. Reading a reliable translation of the Quran and learning the basics of the five pillars is the best way to begin.

The primary difference is over leadership succession after Prophet Muhammad. Sunnis follow the elected caliphs, while Shias believe leadership should have stayed within the Prophet's family. Both groups share the same Quran and core beliefs.

Yes. The word "Islam" itself derives from the Arabic root meaning peace and submission to God. The Quran states that killing one innocent person is like killing all of humanity (5:32), and the standard greeting among Muslims is "As-salamu alaykum" — peace be upon you.

Muslims revere Jesus (Isa) as one of the greatest prophets and messengers of God. They believe in his miraculous birth to the Virgin Mary, his miracles, and his return before the Day of Judgment. However, Muslims do not believe he is the son of God or part of a Trinity.