There are about one billion Muslims in the world, concentrated primarily in North Africa, the Middle East, and South and Southeast Asia. Islam teaches that Allah selected Muhammad, a merchant from Mecca, as the last of the prophets following Adam, Moses, Jesus, and others, to deliver God's message to mankind. Islam has a long and complicated history as do most established religions. Islam is in the focus of world attention because of the actions of Islamic extremists, such as Osama bin Laden. The terrorist attacks of 9/11 and numerous other attacks have drawn particular attention to Muslims and the Islamic faith. This book examines some of the different sects of Islam and how their practices fit within contemporary times.