Basic Facts of Islam Islam is the third in succession of the three great monotheistic faiths born in the Middle East (Judaism, Christianity, Islam) Islam

Basic Facts of Islam Islam is the third in succession of the three great monotheistic faiths born in the Middle East (Judaism, Christianity, Islam) Islam is the third in succession of the three great monotheistic faiths born in the Middle East (Judaism, Christianity, Islam) Islam is the second largest religion in world (1.2 billion adherents) Islam is the second largest religion in world (1.2 billion adherents) There is an estimated 650 000 Muslims living in Canada There is an estimated 650 000 Muslims living in Canada Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world

Islam Terms Islam: an Arabic word that means submitting to God and peace Islam: an Arabic word that means submitting to God and peace Muslim: a person who follows the teachings of Islam and submits to God and finds peace in Him. All creation is Muslim. Muslim: a person who follows the teachings of Islam and submits to God and finds peace in Him. All creation is Muslim. Shahadah: There is no god but God and Muhammad is the Messenger of God. Shahadah: There is no god but God and Muhammad is the Messenger of God. Allah: Arabic name for God. It is preferred over other names because it has no gender affiliation and does not have plurality Allah: Arabic name for God. It is preferred over other names because it has no gender affiliation and does not have plurality

Seven Basic Muslim Beliefs Along with a devotion to the five pillars of Islam, a Muslim has seven basic beliefs. These are: aa-man-tu bil-laa-hi wa ma-laa-i-ka-ti-hi wa ku- tu-bi-hi wa ru-su-li-hi wal-yaw-mil aakhi-ri wal- qad-ri khai-ri-ji wa shar-ri-hi minal-laa-hi ta'aa-la wal-ba'thi ba'dal mawt. Translation: I believe in Allah, His Angels, His Books, His Messengers, in the Day of Judgement, and that good and evil is ordained by Allah, and the life after death.

General Beliefs 1. Belief in only One God. He is defined as Eternal, Absolute, Infinite, Compassionate and Merciful, the sole Creator and Provider. 2. Engage only in Righteous Actions in all areas: spiritual, intellectual and physical activity. 3. All Gods creation is Muslim. Only humans are given CHOICE to submit (be Muslim) or reject submission to Gods will. 4. All children are born without sin and are Muslim. As they grow older, they make their religious CHOICE. 5. God created human beings with a body and soul. The body is a temporal host for this life, whereas the soul is eternal. It is the soul that will survive beyond death. 6. Universality of the call. All Muslims are brothers and equals without any distinction of class, race or tongue. Superiority is only based on the greater fear of God and greater piety.

Muhammad SEAL of the Prophets (last in a line of 28 Prophets who all preached the religion of Islam) SEAL of the Prophets (last in a line of 28 Prophets who all preached the religion of Islam) Born in 570 CE Born in 570 CE Each succeeding Prophet added or improved upon the cumulative message of Islam Each succeeding Prophet added or improved upon the cumulative message of Islam Through Muhammand (PBUH), the message of Islam was completed and is preserved intact in the Quran Through Muhammand (PBUH), the message of Islam was completed and is preserved intact in the Quran In 622 CE, hijrah (migration) where Muhammad moved from Mecca to Madinah (marks the beginning of the Muslim calendar) In 622 CE, hijrah (migration) where Muhammad moved from Mecca to Madinah (marks the beginning of the Muslim calendar) Islam spread to Arabia, Spain and as far East as China Islam spread to Arabia, Spain and as far East as China

Practices Prayer worshippers line up in rows and enact ritual in unison (prostration) worshippers line up in rows and enact ritual in unison (prostration) Friday midday prayers at mosque Friday midday prayers at mosqueFasting month of Ramadan (ninth month of lunar year) to test the spirit, discipline the will and remind of the hungry and poor month of Ramadan (ninth month of lunar year) to test the spirit, discipline the will and remind of the hungry and poor Numerous important events took place during Ramadan (first revelation in 610 CE, flight to Mecca in 622 CE, victory in 624 CE) Numerous important events took place during Ramadan (first revelation in 610 CE, flight to Mecca in 622 CE, victory in 624 CE) Ramadan ends with Eid al-Fitr (period of spiritual and moral renewal) Ramadan ends with Eid al-Fitr (period of spiritual and moral renewal)

Shiite (Shiah) and Sunni After Muhammads death Muslims could not agree on who should succeed Muhammad. As a result, very early on Islam split into two groups: Shiite and Sunni. Shiite: (Conservative) Muslims who believe that leadership of the Muslim community should be passed down through the direct descendants of the Prophet Mohammad. After Mohammads death his cousin Ali felt that he should be the new leader (caliph) From this point on the leadership of the Shiite is based on their blood relationship to Muhammad. Shiites form the majority of the population in Iraq and Iran (10% of Muslim population) Sunni: (Liberal) Muslims who believe that the community leaders do not have to be descended from the Prophet Mohammad. Instead the person best suited for a leadership position should lead the community. After Mohammads death their leader was Abu Bakr. Sunnis make up the majority of the worlds Muslim population (90%).

Kabah Kabah- cube shaped building that was built by Abraham to honour God Kabah- cube shaped building that was built by Abraham to honour God Viewed as Adams original place of worship Viewed as Adams original place of worship Was filled with idols as people in Arabia followed polytheism Was filled with idols as people in Arabia followed polytheism Muhammad- received revelations that led to Islam and monotheism (and removal of idols) Muhammad- received revelations that led to Islam and monotheism (and removal of idols) Site of hajj- pilgrimage to Mecca Site of hajj- pilgrimage to Mecca

Beliefs About Allah (the God) Allah is one. None is worthy of worship but Allah. He has no partner. He knows everything and nothing is hidden from Him. He is the Fountainhead of all strength and power. He has created the earth, the sky, the sun, the moon, the stars, the angels, human beings, jinns, and in fact created the whole universe out of nothingness. He is the Master of all. He creates and destroys. Everything in creation is born or brought to an end by His orders. He feeds all His creation. He neither eats, nor drinks, nor sleeps. He Himself exists from eternity and will exist to eternity. Nobody gave birth to Him. He has no father, no son, no daughter, nor has He any relations. He is free from all these relations. Everybody depends on Him. He does not depend upon anyone. Nor is he in need of anything. He is peerless. Nothing is like Him, nothing resembles Him. He is above all weaknesses and free from all defects and shortcomings. He has no hands, feet, nose, ears, or face like human beings. He has made angels to look after certain affairs of the world. He sent prophets for the guidance of His creatures. They taught them the true religion, instructed them in what is good, and tried to keep them away from evil.

Quran Holy book of Islam which means recitation Holy book of Islam which means recitation Records the revealed word of God that came through Angel Gabriel to Muhammad over 23 years Records the revealed word of God that came through Angel Gabriel to Muhammad over 23 years Muhammad dictated revelations to scribes and companions who memorized passages Muhammad dictated revelations to scribes and companions who memorized passages It is the only revealed book that has remained intact and unchanged since its revelation (oral tradition) It is the only revealed book that has remained intact and unchanged since its revelation (oral tradition) Principle source of Muslim faith and practice Principle source of Muslim faith and practice Children learn to memorize the Quran as a child Children learn to memorize the Quran as a child Divided into 114 suras (chapters); longest chapter has 286 verses, the shortest has 3 verses; approximately 78 000 words in length Divided into 114 suras (chapters); longest chapter has 286 verses, the shortest has 3 verses; approximately 78 000 words in length

al-Fatihah (The Opening) Quran 1: 1-7 In the name of Allah, Most Gracious Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the Worlds. Most Gracious, Most Merciful. Master of the Day of Judgment. Thee do we worship and Thine aid we seek: Show us the straight way. The way of those on whom Thou hast bestowed Thy Grace, those whose portion is not wrath and who go not astray.

Other Prophets and Stories These Prophets are regarded as most significant: Muhammad, Moses, Abraham, Noah, Adam and Eve These Prophets are regarded as most significant: Muhammad, Moses, Abraham, Noah, Adam and Eve Jesus is also highly respected and considered as a great prophet by Muslims Jesus is also highly respected and considered as a great prophet by Muslims

Jesus Birth The Quran confirms his virgin birth, and a chapter of the Quran is entitled Maryam (Mary). The Quran describes the birth of Jesus as follows: The Quran confirms his virgin birth, and a chapter of the Quran is entitled Maryam (Mary). The Quran describes the birth of Jesus as follows: (Remember) when the angels said, O Mary, God gives you good news of a word from Him (God), whose name is the Messiah Jesus, son of Mary, revered in this world and the Hereafter, and one of those brought near (to God). He will speak to the people from his cradle and as a man, and he is of the righteous. She said, My Lord, how can I have a child when no mortal has touched me? He said, So (it will be). God creates what He wills. If He decrees a thing, He says to it only, Be! and it is. (Quran, 3:45-47) (Remember) when the angels said, O Mary, God gives you good news of a word from Him (God), whose name is the Messiah Jesus, son of Mary, revered in this world and the Hereafter, and one of those brought near (to God). He will speak to the people from his cradle and as a man, and he is of the righteous. She said, My Lord, how can I have a child when no mortal has touched me? He said, So (it will be). God creates what He wills. If He decrees a thing, He says to it only, Be! and it is. (Quran, 3:45-47)

Jesus Birth Jesus was born miraculously by the command of God, the same command that had brought Adam into being with neither a father nor a mother. God has said: Jesus was born miraculously by the command of God, the same command that had brought Adam into being with neither a father nor a mother. God has said: The case of Jesus with God is like the case of Adam. He created him from dust, and then He said to him, Be! and he came into being. (Quran, 3:59) The case of Jesus with God is like the case of Adam. He created him from dust, and then He said to him, Be! and he came into being. (Quran, 3:59)

Jesus Life During his prophetic mission, Jesus performed many miracles. God tells us that Jesus said: During his prophetic mission, Jesus performed many miracles. God tells us that Jesus said: I have come to you with a sign from your Lord. I make for you the shape of a bird out of clay, I breathe into it, and it becomes a bird by Gods permission. I heal the blind from birth and the leper. And I bring the dead to life by Gods permission. And I tell you what you eat and what you store in your houses.... (Quran, 3:49) I have come to you with a sign from your Lord. I make for you the shape of a bird out of clay, I breathe into it, and it becomes a bird by Gods permission. I heal the blind from birth and the leper. And I bring the dead to life by Gods permission. And I tell you what you eat and what you store in your houses.... (Quran, 3:49)

Jesus Death Depending on the interpretation of the following verse, Muslim scholars have abstracted different opinions. Depending on the interpretation of the following verse, Muslim scholars have abstracted different opinions. 1. Some believe that in the Biblical account, Jesus' crucifixion did not last long enough for him to die (minority view, held mainly by Ahmadiyya) Ahmadiyya 2. Others believe that God gave someone Jesus' appearance, causing everyone to believe that Jesus was crucified (majority view). 3. A third explanation could be that Jesus was nailed to a cross, but as his body is immortal he did not "die" or was not "crucified" [to death]; it only appeared so. 4. In opposition to the second and third foregoing proposals, yet others maintain that God does not use deceit and therefore they contend that crucifixion just did not occur.

Day of Judgment All humans will be bodily resurrected and assembled for final accounting of deeds All humans will be bodily resurrected and assembled for final accounting of deeds Soul will move on to afterlife Soul will move on to afterlife Upon the Final Judgment = world will end and we will stand before God to confront our own life and actions Upon the Final Judgment = world will end and we will stand before God to confront our own life and actions Desire for purified soul= heaven (eternal abode of beauty and majesty) Desire for purified soul= heaven (eternal abode of beauty and majesty) Disbelievers and unpure soul= hell (abode of great torment and anguish) Disbelievers and unpure soul= hell (abode of great torment and anguish) Jesus will be present upon the Day of Judgement. Jesus will be present upon the Day of Judgement.

Mosque Muslim place of worship Muslims come together in a mosque for prayers at midday on Friday (Muslim Holy Day) Muslim place of worship Muslims come together in a mosque for prayers at midday on Friday (Muslim Holy Day) MIHRAB= small arch or hole in wall indicates the direction of the Kabah in Mecca MIHRAB= small arch or hole in wall indicates the direction of the Kabah in Mecca MINARET= high tower or dome from which a muezzin calls the faithful to prayer MINARET= high tower or dome from which a muezzin calls the faithful to prayer WUDU= cleansing process before prayer (water) WUDU= cleansing process before prayer (water) IMAM= chief officer in the mosque who leads prayers IMAM= chief officer in the mosque who leads prayers

PROPHETS MOSQUE in Madinah: the first mosque in Islam

Islam and War Like Christianity, Islam permits fighting in self defense, in defense of religion, or on the part of those who have been expelled forcibly from their homes Like Christianity, Islam permits fighting in self defense, in defense of religion, or on the part of those who have been expelled forcibly from their homes Strict rules for combat, which includes prohibitions against harming civilians and against destroying crops, trees and livestock Strict rules for combat, which includes prohibitions against harming civilians and against destroying crops, trees and livestock Fight in the cause of God against those who fight you, but do not transgress limits. God does not love transgressors (Quran 2:190) Fight in the cause of God against those who fight you, but do not transgress limits. God does not love transgressors (Quran 2:190) And fight them unitl persecution is no more, and religion is for God. But if they desist, then let there be no hosility excpet against wrongdoers (Quran 2:193) And fight them unitl persecution is no more, and religion is for God. But if they desist, then let there be no hosility excpet against wrongdoers (Quran 2:193)

Jihad Jihad does not mean holy war Jihad does not mean holy war Literally, jihad means to strive, struggle and exert effort. Literally, jihad means to strive, struggle and exert effort. Concept includes struggle against evil inclinations within oneself, struggle to improve quality of life in society, struggle in the battlefield for self defense or fighting against tyranny or oppression Concept includes struggle against evil inclinations within oneself, struggle to improve quality of life in society, struggle in the battlefield for self defense or fighting against tyranny or oppression There is no such thing as holy war in Islam, but it is the frequent repetition in the West that many people accept it as if it were a fact There is no such thing as holy war in Islam, but it is the frequent repetition in the West that many people accept it as if it were a fact

Understanding Islam Islam is a rational religion: The vilest of creatures are those who choose to be deaf and dumb and do not use their reason. (Quran 8:2) Islam is a rational religion: The vilest of creatures are those who choose to be deaf and dumb and do not use their reason. (Quran 8:2) Muhammad reminded his followers that The first thing God created was reason. Therefore, believers must take personal responsibility for ones actions and faith. Muhammad reminded his followers that The first thing God created was reason. Therefore, believers must take personal responsibility for ones actions and faith.

Freedom of Conscience There is no compulsion in religion. Truth stands out clearly from falsehood; whoever rejects evil and believes in God has grasped the strongest rope that never breaks. And God is All Hearing and All Knowing There is no compulsion in religion. Truth stands out clearly from falsehood; whoever rejects evil and believes in God has grasped the strongest rope that never breaks. And God is All Hearing and All Knowing Quran 2:256

Womens Rights According to Quran, men and women are equal before God According to Quran, men and women are equal before God Under Islamic law, women have the right to own property, receive an education and take part in community life Under Islamic law, women have the right to own property, receive an education and take part in community life Islamic rules for simple, modest and dignified dress applies to women and men equally Islamic rules for simple, modest and dignified dress applies to women and men equally In many Muslim countries there are cultural practices that are inconsistent and contrary to the authentic teachings of Islam In many Muslim countries there are cultural practices that are inconsistent and contrary to the authentic teachings of Islam

Human Equality O humankind! You were created from a single soul, male and female, and made you into peoples and tribes. So that you may know one another. Truly, the most honoured of you in Gods sight is the greatest of you in piety. God is All Knowing, All Aware O humankind! You were created from a single soul, male and female, and made you into peoples and tribes. So that you may know one another. Truly, the most honoured of you in Gods sight is the greatest of you in piety. God is All Knowing, All Aware (Quran 49:13)

Islam: Controversial Issues Polygamy Polygamy Jihad vs. Holy War Jihad vs. Holy War Hijab : liberation or suppression Hijab : liberation or suppression Muhammad Cartoons: freedom of speech vs freedom of religion Muhammad Cartoons: freedom of speech vs freedom of religion Appeal of Suicide Bombers Appeal of Suicide Bombers Afghanistan's Taliban Afghanistan's Taliban War on Islam War on Islam

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Basic Facts of Islam Islam is the third in succession of the three great monotheistic faiths born in the Middle East (Judaism, Christianity, Islam) Islam