Is there one Islam or many Islams

The concept of Islam is fundamentally unified, as it refers to the submission to the will of Allah and adherence to the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. The Qur'an emphasizes this unity in belief. For instance, in Surah Aal-i-Imraan, it states, Say (O Muhammad): We believe in Allah and that which is revealed unto us and that which was revealed unto Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac and Jacob and the tribes, and that which was vouchsafed unto Moses and Jesus and the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and unto Him we have surrendered. 3:84 This verse highlights the belief in one God and the unity of the prophetic message across different times.

Furthermore, the Qur'an asserts that Islam is the religion that Allah has chosen for humanity. In Surah At-Tawba, it states, He it is Who hath sent His messenger with the guidance and the Religion of Truth, that He may cause it to prevail over all religion, however much the idolaters may be averse. 9:33 This reinforces that Islam, as a divine religion, is singular and aims for universality.

However, the interpretation and practice of Islam can vary among different communities and cultures, leading to what may seem like multiple expressions of Islam. These differences can arise from cultural practices, historical contexts, and different schools of thought within the religion. For example, Sunni and Shia Islam represent two significant branches that have distinct beliefs and practices but share core tenets of the faith.

Tafsir Ibn Kathir explains that the essence of Islam is the acknowledgment of Allah's oneness and the acceptance of His messengers, which is a common ground. Meanwhile, Majma al-Bayan notes that Islam was sent with clear evidence and guidance to manifest it over all religions, emphasizing its ultimate authority.

In summary, while there is one Islam in terms of its foundational beliefs and core teachings, the ways in which it is practiced and interpreted can lead to a variety of expressions within the broader framework of the faith.