Islam (/ˈɪslɑːm/;[a] Arabic: اَلْإِسْلَامُ, romanized: al-’Islām, [ɪsˈlaːm] (audio speaker iconlisten)) is an Abrahamic, monotheistic, and universal religion teaching that Muhammad is a messenger of God.[1][2] It is the world's second-largest religion with 1.9 billion followers or 24.9% of the world's population,[3][4] known as Muslims.[5] Islam teaches that God is merciful, all-powerful, and unique,[6] and has guided humanity through prophets, revealed scriptures, and natural signs.[2][7] The primary scriptures of Islam are the Quran, believed to be the verbatim word of God, as well as the teachings and practices (sunnah), in traditional accounts (hadith) of Muhammad (c. 570 – 632 CE).[8]