What is Islam in simple terms that even a child can understand?

In a Nutshell: Islam is a monotheistic way of life (approximating to a religion) that holds there is only one God (Allah in Arabic) and that Muhammad is his final prophet and messenger. Muslims believe that God revealed his message to Muhammad through the angel Gabriel and that these revelations were later recorded in the Qur'an, the sacred text of Islam. The central teachings of Islam are based on the belief in one God and the importance of submitting to his will. Muslims also believe in the existence of angels, the day of judgment, and the concept of predestination (the belief that everything has been predetermined by God). Islam has Five Pillars, which are the five fundamental acts of worship that are required of all Muslims. These include the shahadah (profession of faith), salat (daily prayers), zakat (charity), sawm (fasting during the month of Ramadan), and hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca). The Five Pillars provide a framework for the daily spiritual and practical lives of Muslims and are an essential part of Islamic belief and practice. Islam also has a rich tradition of legal, philosophical, and mystical practices. The legal tradition, known as fiqh, is based on the Qur'an and the Hadith (sayings and actions of Muhammad) and covers a wide range of issues including civil, criminal, and family law. The philosophical tradition, known as kalam, emerged in the 8th and 9th centuries and focused on the nature of God, the Qur'an, and other metaphysical questions. The mystical tradition, known as Sufism, emerged in the 9th and 10th centuries and emphasized the inner spiritual dimensions of Islam. Islam has a global presence, with followers in many different countries and cultures around the world. Muslims come from a wide range of ethnicities and nationalities, and there is a great deal of diversity within the Muslim world. However, all Muslims are united by their belief in one God and their commitment to the Five Pillars. Islam also has a long and rich history, with roots going back to the 7th century in the Arabian Peninsula. The prophet Muhammad played a key role in the early development of Islam, and after his death, the leadership of the Islamic community (umma) passed to a series of caliphs (successors). The Islamic empire expanded rapidly in the 7th and 8th centuries, and Islam spread throughout the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of Europe and Asia. Over time, the Islamic empire split into various dynasties and factions, and the central authority of the caliphs waned. However, Islam continued to spread and thrive, and today it is the second largest religion in the world with over 1.8 billion followers. Islam has also had a significant impact on world history and culture, and its teachings and practices continue to shape the lives of Muslims around the world. Islamic art, architecture, and literature have all been influenced by the teachings of Islam, and Muslims have made significant contributions to the fields of science, mathematics, and philosophy. In more recent times, Islam has interacted with modernity and globalization, and this has led to a wide range of debates and discussions within the Muslim world about how to balance tradition and innovation. Despite the challenges and controversies that have faced the Muslim world in recent years, Islam remains an important and influential force in the world today. References: "Islam." Encyclopedia Britannica. "A Brief Illustrated Guide to Understanding Islam." Islamic Supreme Council of America. "Muhammad." Encyclopedia Britannica. "Caliph." Encyclopedia Britannica. "The Five Pillars of Islam." Islamic Supreme Council of America. "Islamic Legal Traditions."