The name of this religion, Islam, is derived from the Arabic word "salam,"
which is often interpreted as meaning "peace." However "submission" would
be a better translation. A Muslim is a follower of Islam. "Muslim" is an
Arabic word that refers to a person who submits themselves to the will of God.
Many Muslims are offended by the phrases "Islamic terrorist" or "Muslim terrorist,"
which have been observed so often in the media; they are viewed as oxymorons.

Most religious historians view Islam as having been founded in 622 CE by
Muhammad the
Prophet (peace be upon him).* He lived from about 570 to 632 CE).
The religion started in Mecca, when the angel Jibril (a.k.a. Jibreel; Gabriel
in English) read the first revelation to
Muhammad (pbuh). (Mohammed and Muhammed (pbuh) are
alternative spellings for his name.) Islam is the youngest of the world's very
large
religions -- those with over 300 million members -- which include Christianity,
Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism.

Followers of Islam are called Muslims. "Allah" is
an Arabic word which means "the One True God." An alternative spelling
for "Muslim" that is occasionally used is "Moslim"; it is not
recommended because it is often pronounced "mawzlem": which sounds like an
Arabic word for "oppressor". Some Western writers in the past have referred to
Islam as "Mohammedism"; this is deeply offensive to many Muslims, as its usage
can lead some to the concept that Muhammad the Prophet (pbuh) was in some way divine.