Islam.(Topical Resources for Curriculum Needs)

Islam is the second largest of the world's major religions, with more than one billion adherents-one-sixth of humankind. It is the second largest religion in many parts of Europe and the third largest in the United States. Muslims comprise the majority in 48 countries and a significant minority in many others. Western media often provides a skewed view of Islam; the images are frequently negative, focusing on violence and prejudice. A common misconception identifies Muslims as Arabs, but only 20 percent of Muslims live in the Middle East. The majority are from Africa and Asia, with the largest communities in Indonesia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, Central Asia, and Nigeria. The …