Whereas this resolution may be cited as the Original Resolution Recognizing Islam as One of the Great Religions of the World ; Whereas the word Islam means submission to the will of God and peace ; Whereas the primary scripture of Islam is the Holy Quran, which has over 6,000 verses, or 114 chapters; Whereas Muslims consider the Holy Quran to be the book of divine guidance; Whereas Muslims frame their way of life around the Hadith, a collection of traditions and quotes of the Prophet Muhammad (may peace be upon him); Whereas, although its roots go back further, the religion began to spread rapidly in A.D. 622 when the Prophet Muhammad (may peace be upon him) began his travels from Mecca to Medina, the first day of which began the Islamic calendar; Whereas the Quran states that the ink of the scholar is more holy than the blood of the martyr , leading to a focus on science, astronomy, chemistry, mathematics, medicine, and philosophy throughout Islamic culture; Whereas Islam is the second largest and fastest growing religion of the world; Whereas it is estimated that there are approximately 2,000,000,000 Muslims worldwide; Whereas there are approximately 3,500,000 Muslims in the United States, ranging from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds; Whereas American Muslims make significant contributions to the Nation’s economy, diversity, philanthropic efforts, medical and scientific research, civic engagement, and more; Whereas the first substantial population of Muslims in the United States were enslaved Africans, many of whom were forced to abandon their faith by slave owners; and Whereas Islam is a monotheistic religion, and Allah (meaning God in Arabic) is the central deity; Whereas Islam teaches that Allah has 99 names, with each one representing His characteristics, such as The Merciful or The Provider; Whereas Islam is a complete system of strong moral convictions that promotes peace, equality, and social justice