Islam is the proper name to use when referring to the religion practiced by Muslims. It is an Arabic word that means two things: to surrender to God and to acquire peace in your soul. A Muslim is a follower of Islam. Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world outpacing Christianity , Buddhism and all other belief systems through a mixture of conversion and natural increase.
There are two sects of Sunni and Shi'a in Islam. Sunnis are estimated to make up 85% of the world's Muslim population. There is only one Shi' a dominated country, Iran with significant Shi's minorities found in Iraq, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and India. Shï'a is an Arabic word meaning party or faction. It has now become synonymous with a community.
The Quran which is often spelled Koran in English is believed by Muslims to be the literal speech of God as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. The word Quran means "The Reading".
Fight for the sake of God those that fight against you, but do not attack first. God does not love the aggressors. Slay them whenever you find them. Drive them pout of the places from which they drove you. Idolatry is worse than carnage. But do not fight them within the precincts of the Holy Mosque unless they attack you there; if they attack you put them to the sword. Thus shall the unbeliever be rewarded: but if they mend their ways, know that god is forgiving and merciful.
The Qur'an forbids forcing someone to convert to the faith: 2:256 " There shall be no compulsion in religion. True guidance is now distinct from error. He that renounces idol-worship and puts his faith in god shall grasp a firm handle that will never break. God hears and knows all."
6:151 Come, I will tell what your lord has made binding on you....and that you shall not kill- for that is forbidden by God-except for a just cause. Thus God exhorts you, that you may grow in wisdom.
Belief in God's many prophets.
Life in the Womb: Physical life begins at conception, the Shari'ah (Islamic Law) states the fetus has rights. No one has the right to kill a baby in the womb. Abortion is quite forbidden.