Islam

Islam: Introduction Over 1300 yrs old

– Considered “Western” religion

• Youngest of the “Western” religions Began in Arabia in 7th CE

• Spread rapidly through Middle East.

• Revealed to humanity by Prophet Muhammad

• Islam means surrender to God

Islam: Founder The Prophet Muhammad

– Name followed by “pbuh”• Peace Be Upon Him

– Born in Mecca, Saudi Arabia (570 C.E.)– Deeply spiritual man

• Meditation = key

– Great revelation (610 C.E.)• Meditating, hears whispers, repeats words

– Words = God

• Recorded words, serve as Qu’ran

Islam: Sacred Text, Preaching The Qu’ran (Koran)

– Muslim sacred text Preaching

• God revealed message of Islam– No God but Allah– Life = complete submission to the will of Allah

• People flocked to hear message

Islam: Hijrah Hijrah = Islamic New Year

– Muhammad's popularity = threatened leaders in Mecca

– Muhammad & followers = escape from Mecca to Medina in 622.

• Hijrah (migration)

• 622 = Islamic calendar begins.

Islam: 6 Main Beliefs The Big Six

– Allah is one and only God.– Angels– Holy books– Prophets

• e.g. Adam, Abraham, Moses, David, Jesus, Muhammad.

– Day of Judgment • Everyone = assessed: heaven or hell.

– Predestination • Allah decided what will happen.• Doesn't stop free will

Islam: Allah Allah is the only God Created and rules

everything Central pt to religion is

obedience to Allah's will Allah has always existed

and will always exist. Allah knows everything that

can be known.

Islam: Allah Allah can do anything that can be done

Allah has no shape or form Allah can't be seen/heard. Allah is neither male nor

female. Allah rewards/punishes fairly Allah is merciful. Approach Allah by praying,

and by reciting the Qur'an.

Islam: Place of Worship Worship in Mosque Vary in size, shape

– First built by Muhammad & friends in Medina

Traditionally very plain– No statues, paintings

• Humans cannot imitate Allah

– Decoration only to teach

Mosque: Dubai

Mosque in Mecca

Islam: Prayer

Pray 5 times/day– Face Mecca

– Not req’d to do it in mosque or w/ others

Great opportunity, not burden

Islam: The Five Pillars The Five Pillars of Islam help Muslims put

faith into action.– Requirements = satisfy to live good/responsible

Islamic life• Declaration of faith

• Ritual prayer 5 times a day

• Giving a fixed proportion to charity

• Fasting

• Pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj)

Islam: The Hajj One of 5 pillars

– Required if financially & physically able• Often over 2 million show up per year

– Based on Muhammad’s own travels to Mecca

Islam: Holy Days Ramadan

– 27 Days-do not eat, drink, or smoke during the entire day

– The festival celebrates first time Qur’an revealed Muhammed

Dhul-Hijja– End of Hajj or holy pilgrimage

Islam: Sunnis & Shiites Sunnis

– Vast majority in world

– “Traditional” followers

– Islam remains entirely correct

Shiites

– Minority of Muslims

– Broke from mainstream Islam (657 CE)