IslamIslam

By Vishnu MenonBy Vishnu Menon

IslamIslamVishnu Menon

English 2/Nowacky/3rd Block

March 4, 2012

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Islam's Origins:Islam's Origins:MuhammadMuhammad

● Islam originated in modern-day Saudi-Arabia, in 7Islam originated in modern-day Saudi-Arabia, in 7thth Century AD Century AD (Dolphin).(Dolphin).

● According to legend, the "angel Gabriel appeared to a man named According to legend, the "angel Gabriel appeared to a man named Muhammad in the city of Mecca" in around 610 AD (Clark).Muhammad in the city of Mecca" in around 610 AD (Clark).

● Muhammad was to be God's final prophet.Muhammad was to be God's final prophet.

● Islamic beliefs state that before Muhammad, God had chosen Islamic beliefs state that before Muhammad, God had chosen multiple other prophets, including Jesus, Moses, Abraham, and multiple other prophets, including Jesus, Moses, Abraham, and Noah (Dolphin).Noah (Dolphin).

● God revealed his will and various universal truths to Muhammad.God revealed his will and various universal truths to Muhammad.

● these teachings make up the holy book of Islam.these teachings make up the holy book of Islam.

● Muhammad tried, but mostly failed, to convince his polytheistic Muhammad tried, but mostly failed, to convince his polytheistic peers in Mecca to follow what he had learned from God. peers in Mecca to follow what he had learned from God.

● He then left Mecca, along with a few followers, and went to Yathrib He then left Mecca, along with a few followers, and went to Yathrib (now known as Medina) to start the first Islamic community (Clark). (now known as Medina) to start the first Islamic community (Clark).

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Islam's Origins:Islam's Origins:Muhammad's LegacyMuhammad's Legacy

● Over time, Muhammad and his followers Over time, Muhammad and his followers converted most of the Arab world to Islam, converted most of the Arab world to Islam, almost entirely by peaceful means.almost entirely by peaceful means.

● After the death of Muhammad, the Islamic After the death of Muhammad, the Islamic Empire was lead by a series of rulers known as Empire was lead by a series of rulers known as Caliphs.Caliphs.

● The First Four Caliphs are shown to the left.The First Four Caliphs are shown to the left.

● They spread Islam all the way "from the western They spread Islam all the way "from the western border regions of northeast India in the East to border regions of northeast India in the East to Spain in the West" (Clark).Spain in the West" (Clark).

● Islamic domain grew greatly over time, but Islamic domain grew greatly over time, but eventually was broken up by Mongol conquest.eventually was broken up by Mongol conquest.

● Since then, Islam has continued to spread as a Since then, Islam has continued to spread as a religion, becoming the national religion of many religion, becoming the national religion of many countries and a truly global faith (Clark).countries and a truly global faith (Clark).

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The Spread of IslamThe Spread of Islam

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Islam: BasicsIslam: Basics

● The word 'Islam' means "surrender" or "submission" to god.The word 'Islam' means "surrender" or "submission" to god.

● God in Islam is referred to as 'Allah'.God in Islam is referred to as 'Allah'.

● This refers to the same entity as the Judeo-Christian God.This refers to the same entity as the Judeo-Christian God.

● The holy book of Islam is the Qu'ran, and it is believed to be The holy book of Islam is the Qu'ran, and it is believed to be the verbatim word of Allah.the verbatim word of Allah.

● Islam is firmly monotheistic.Islam is firmly monotheistic.

● Every Muslim is obligated to obey the Five Pillars of Islam Every Muslim is obligated to obey the Five Pillars of Islam (Dolphin).(Dolphin).

● Every Muslim should believe in the Six Articles of Faith ("The Every Muslim should believe in the Six Articles of Faith ("The Six Articles of Faith").Six Articles of Faith").

● Islam follows the Islamic Calendar, which starts when Islam follows the Islamic Calendar, which starts when Muhammad left Mecca (Dolphin).Muhammad left Mecca (Dolphin).

Five Pillars of IslamFive Pillars of Islam

1.1.ShahadaShahada – Profession of Belief – Profession of Belief• "There is no god but God; Muhammad is the prophet of "There is no god but God; Muhammad is the prophet of

God" (Shown below in Arabic).God" (Shown below in Arabic).

2.2.SalahSalah – 5 daily prayers – 5 daily prayers

3.3.ZakātZakāt – Giving a fixed portion of your wealth as a tax – Giving a fixed portion of your wealth as a tax (almsgiving, redistributes wealth)(almsgiving, redistributes wealth)

4.4.SawmSawm – Fasting daily during the month of Ramadan – Fasting daily during the month of Ramadan

5.5.HajjHajj – traveling (on a pilgrimage) to Mecca at least – traveling (on a pilgrimage) to Mecca at least once (Dolphin)once (Dolphin)

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Six Articles Of FaithSix Articles Of Faith

1.1.Belief in GodBelief in God

2.2.Belief in His angelsBelief in His angels

3.3.Belief in His booksBelief in His books

4.4.Belief in His prophets and messengersBelief in His prophets and messengers

5.5.Belief in the Day of JudgementBelief in the Day of Judgement

6.6.Belief in His Divine Decree (destiny) ("The Six Belief in His Divine Decree (destiny) ("The Six Articles Of Faith")Articles Of Faith")

Positive Ideas of IslamPositive Ideas of Islam● Islam promotes temperance.Islam promotes temperance.

● Intoxicants and other harmful substances are strictly prohibited.Intoxicants and other harmful substances are strictly prohibited.

● Pork is also abstained from, since it is thought to be unhygienicPork is also abstained from, since it is thought to be unhygienic

● Islam works towards an equal society, with little/no class conflict.Islam works towards an equal society, with little/no class conflict.

● "Islam lays down the principle that wealth should not be allowed to circulate among the wealthy only" ("What is "Islam lays down the principle that wealth should not be allowed to circulate among the wealthy only" ("What is Islam").Islam").

● Islam teaches equality between genders.Islam teaches equality between genders.

● Both men and women are from the same source, and have the same status.Both men and women are from the same source, and have the same status.

● Women can get divorces if there are irreconcilable differences in their marriage.Women can get divorces if there are irreconcilable differences in their marriage.

● Islam emphasizes beauty and the appreciation of lifeIslam emphasizes beauty and the appreciation of life

● "Allah … is Beautiful and loves what is beautiful" ("What is Islam")."Allah … is Beautiful and loves what is beautiful" ("What is Islam").

● This has lead to the creation of a treasure trove of religious artwork, such as this beautiful calligraphy.This has lead to the creation of a treasure trove of religious artwork, such as this beautiful calligraphy.

● Islam promotes the sciences.Islam promotes the sciences.

● Islamic scholars discovered many of the underpinnings of modern science and mathematics, such as algebra Islamic scholars discovered many of the underpinnings of modern science and mathematics, such as algebra and trigonometry ("What is Islam").and trigonometry ("What is Islam").

● "Although there is not a single aspect of European growth in which the decisive influence of Islamic culture is not "Although there is not a single aspect of European growth in which the decisive influence of Islamic culture is not traceable, nowhere is it so clear and momentous as in the genesis of that power which constitutes the traceable, nowhere is it so clear and momentous as in the genesis of that power which constitutes the permanent distinctive force of the modern world and the supreme source of its victory – natural science and the permanent distinctive force of the modern world and the supreme source of its victory – natural science and the scientific spirit" (Briffault).scientific spirit" (Briffault).

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Islamic Art & ArchitectureIslamic Art & Architecture

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Islam Geography: Major LandmarksIslam Geography: Major Landmarks

● MeccaMecca – Muhammad's hometown, where he recorded – Muhammad's hometown, where he recorded the Qur'an. Islam originated at Mecca.the Qur'an. Islam originated at Mecca.

● Location of the Sacred Mosque and Ka'ba, a shrine that Location of the Sacred Mosque and Ka'ba, a shrine that predates even Muhammad.predates even Muhammad.

● All Muslims are supposed to make a pilgrimage to here.All Muslims are supposed to make a pilgrimage to here.

● Medina –Medina – Where Muhammad lived for the last 10 years Where Muhammad lived for the last 10 years of his life. of his life.

● Location of Muhammad's house and tomb, and the first Location of Muhammad's house and tomb, and the first mosque of Islam.mosque of Islam.

● Jerusalem –Jerusalem – location of al-Aqsa mosque and the Dome location of al-Aqsa mosque and the Dome of the Rock, a shrine "built to commemorate of the Rock, a shrine "built to commemorate Muhammad's ascent to heaven" (Kaltner).Muhammad's ascent to heaven" (Kaltner).

Mecca, Medina, & JerusalemMecca, Medina, & Jerusalem

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Common Islamic PhrasesCommon Islamic Phrases

● Mashallah – Mashallah – "What Allah wishes""What Allah wishes"● Bismillah – Bismillah – "In the name of Allah""In the name of Allah"● Inshallah – Inshallah – "If Allah wills""If Allah wills"● Rahimakallah – Rahimakallah – "May Allah bless you""May Allah bless you"● Assalamu Alaikom – "Peace be upon you"

(Used as a common greeting) ("Islamic Expressions")

Islam TodayIslam Today

● 22.74% of the World is currently Muslim.22.74% of the World is currently Muslim.● Islam is the second largest religion in the world.Islam is the second largest religion in the world.● Today it is split into multiple factions/sects Today it is split into multiple factions/sects

("World").("World").● Due to the actions of certain groups that identify Due to the actions of certain groups that identify

themselves as Muslim, modern Islam has a themselves as Muslim, modern Islam has a reputation for violence and intolerance ("Islam: reputation for violence and intolerance ("Islam: The Religion of Peace").The Religion of Peace").

Where is Islam? Where is Islam?

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Denominations of Islam: Denominations of Islam: Sunni & Shi'aSunni & Shi'a

● Two main sects: Sunni and Shi'a.Two main sects: Sunni and Shi'a.

● Sunni:Sunni:

● 90% of Muslims.90% of Muslims.

● Believe in being ruled by elected leaders (Imams).Believe in being ruled by elected leaders (Imams).

● Name means "Tradition".Name means "Tradition".

● Shi'aShi'a

● 10% of Muslims.10% of Muslims.

● Concentrated mostly in Iran, Iraq, and Yemen.Concentrated mostly in Iran, Iraq, and Yemen.

● Believe in being ruled by descendants of Muhammad.Believe in being ruled by descendants of Muhammad.

● Name means "Party of Ali", after a close relative of Muhammad Name means "Party of Ali", after a close relative of Muhammad whom they believed to be his successor ("Comparison of Sunni whom they believed to be his successor ("Comparison of Sunni and Shi'a Islam").and Shi'a Islam").

Denominations: SufiDenominations: Sufi

● Sufism is not a sect of Islam.Sufism is not a sect of Islam.

● A person who follows the Sufi path is known as a A person who follows the Sufi path is known as a Dervish.Dervish.

● It is a "mystical branch" of Islam that focuses on the It is a "mystical branch" of Islam that focuses on the "inwardness of Islam", known as Tasawwuf."inwardness of Islam", known as Tasawwuf.

● Within Sufism there are both Shia and Suni Muslims Within Sufism there are both Shia and Suni Muslims (Fattani).(Fattani).

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Left: Worshiping Dervishes.

Right: Dervishes participating in a traditional Sufi Dance

Afghanistan's Early Political History & IslamAfghanistan's Early Political History & Islam

● Between 637 and 737 AD, Afghans were conquered by the Arab Muslims, Between 637 and 737 AD, Afghans were conquered by the Arab Muslims, and Afghanistan became a part of the Islamic empire.and Afghanistan became a part of the Islamic empire.

● After a long period of Islamic control, Afghaistan came into the domain of After a long period of Islamic control, Afghaistan came into the domain of the Mongol Empire in the 1380s, and remained Mongol-controlled until the the Mongol Empire in the 1380s, and remained Mongol-controlled until the 1616thth Century. Century.

● In 1504, Afghanist once more became Islamic when it fell to the Mughal In 1504, Afghanist once more became Islamic when it fell to the Mughal Empire.Empire.

● From 1747 to 1978, Afghanistan was ruled at least partially by some From 1747 to 1978, Afghanistan was ruled at least partially by some member of one of the indigenous Pasthun tribes, and remained Islamic.member of one of the indigenous Pasthun tribes, and remained Islamic.

● Pashtun rule was interrupted in this period for short amounts of time by both Pashtun rule was interrupted in this period for short amounts of time by both Russian and British forces, who were vying for control of the region.Russian and British forces, who were vying for control of the region.

● Throughout this history, the Afghan people had been torn between a Throughout this history, the Afghan people had been torn between a national identity and tribal loyalties, and Afghanistan was often a fractured national identity and tribal loyalties, and Afghanistan was often a fractured nation (COUNTRY PROFILE: AFGHANISTAN).nation (COUNTRY PROFILE: AFGHANISTAN).

Modern Political HistoryModern Political History● In 1978, communist factions overthrew the government and took control.In 1978, communist factions overthrew the government and took control.

● In 1979, Afghanistan was invaded by Soviet troops intending to uphold In 1979, Afghanistan was invaded by Soviet troops intending to uphold the new communist government (COUNTRY PROFILE: the new communist government (COUNTRY PROFILE: AFGHANISTAN).AFGHANISTAN).

● They were driven out over the course of 10 years by the Mujahideen, a They were driven out over the course of 10 years by the Mujahideen, a group of Afghan and Arab Islamic guerrilla fighters supported by Saudi group of Afghan and Arab Islamic guerrilla fighters supported by Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and the US.Arabia, Pakistan and the US.

● After driving out the Soviets, the Mujahideen continued fighting and After driving out the Soviets, the Mujahideen continued fighting and attempted to overthrow the communist government in place and realize attempted to overthrow the communist government in place and realize their goal of a strictly Islamic state.their goal of a strictly Islamic state.

● Though the Mujahideen did eventually manage to take Kabul, the Though the Mujahideen did eventually manage to take Kabul, the capital, they couldn't hold power for long.capital, they couldn't hold power for long.

● Afghan soon spiraled into a civil war between different factions who Afghan soon spiraled into a civil war between different factions who wished to rule (Devichand).wished to rule (Devichand).

Mujahideen Fighters in AfghanistanMujahideen Fighters in Afghanistan

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Modern Political History (Cont.)Modern Political History (Cont.)

● There was also conflict within the Mujahideen about how they would go about continuing their There was also conflict within the Mujahideen about how they would go about continuing their jihad (the Muslim concept of the "holy struggle" for Islam, both internal and external) in the rest jihad (the Muslim concept of the "holy struggle" for Islam, both internal and external) in the rest of the world.of the world.

● Osama Bin Laden was the leader of the group of Mujahideen who favored violence as a Osama Bin Laden was the leader of the group of Mujahideen who favored violence as a method.method.

– He went on to become leader of al-Quaeda, a terrorist jihadi group (Devichand).He went on to become leader of al-Quaeda, a terrorist jihadi group (Devichand).

● In 1996, after the fierce civil war, an Islamic fundamentalist group called the Taliban gained In 1996, after the fierce civil war, an Islamic fundamentalist group called the Taliban gained control of most of the country.control of most of the country.

● The Taliban collaborated with Islamic terrorist organizations such as al-Qaeda, and enforced The Taliban collaborated with Islamic terrorist organizations such as al-Qaeda, and enforced extremely strict religious laws.extremely strict religious laws.

● The Taliban government was overthrown by American forces (along with allies) in 2001.The Taliban government was overthrown by American forces (along with allies) in 2001.

● After some turmoil, Hamid Karzai was elected president of the Islamic Republic of Islam, a post After some turmoil, Hamid Karzai was elected president of the Islamic Republic of Islam, a post which he still holds today.which he still holds today.

● Karzai eased many of the harsh laws that stemmed from the Taliban's interpretation of Islam.Karzai eased many of the harsh laws that stemmed from the Taliban's interpretation of Islam.

● However, he does not have control over some regional warlords, and is having difficulty However, he does not have control over some regional warlords, and is having difficulty rebuilding the country (COUNTRY PROFILE: AFGHANISTAN).rebuilding the country (COUNTRY PROFILE: AFGHANISTAN).

Islam in Afghan Life TodayIslam in Afghan Life Today

● Islam is Afghanistan's official state religion.Islam is Afghanistan's official state religion.

● "Virtually the entire population [of Afghanistan] is Muslim"."Virtually the entire population [of Afghanistan] is Muslim".

● 80-85% of the population is Sunni.80-85% of the population is Sunni.

● The Shi'a (15-19% of the population) are often discriminated against.The Shi'a (15-19% of the population) are often discriminated against.

● Mostly from the Hazara ethnic group (COUNTRY PROFILE: Mostly from the Hazara ethnic group (COUNTRY PROFILE: AFGHANISTAN).AFGHANISTAN).

● Islamic holidays, such as Mawlud-un Nabi, Eid, and Lailat-ul Qadr are Islamic holidays, such as Mawlud-un Nabi, Eid, and Lailat-ul Qadr are celebrated nationally.celebrated nationally.

● Pork is rarely eaten in Afghanistan, since it is against Islamic Pork is rarely eaten in Afghanistan, since it is against Islamic teachings ("Culture of Afghanistan").teachings ("Culture of Afghanistan").

● Most towns in Afghanistan have Mullahs (men who can recite the Most towns in Afghanistan have Mullahs (men who can recite the Qu'ran from memory), who teach Islamic laws and traditions, preside Qu'ran from memory), who teach Islamic laws and traditions, preside over prayers and occasions, and arbitrate local disputes and issues over prayers and occasions, and arbitrate local disputes and issues ("Religion in Afghanistan").("Religion in Afghanistan").

Islam in Afghan Life (Cont.)Islam in Afghan Life (Cont.)● Under the Mujahideen, alcohol was banned and women had to wear veils Under the Mujahideen, alcohol was banned and women had to wear veils

when in public.when in public.

● Under Taliban rule, Islamic extremism lead to far harsher living conditions.Under Taliban rule, Islamic extremism lead to far harsher living conditions.

● Television and most entertainment was banned.Television and most entertainment was banned.

● Men without beards were fined or jailed, since "full beardedness [was] Men without beards were fined or jailed, since "full beardedness [was] perceived by extremists as the mark of a Muslim" ("Afghanistan").perceived by extremists as the mark of a Muslim" ("Afghanistan").

● Before Taliban rule, women had been able to get educations and jobs.Before Taliban rule, women had been able to get educations and jobs.

● The Taliban shut down girls schools and forced them to leave their jobs.The Taliban shut down girls schools and forced them to leave their jobs.

● Women found without the proper Islamic garments (shown to the right) Women found without the proper Islamic garments (shown to the right) or in the company of men to whom they were not related were or in the company of men to whom they were not related were punished.punished.

● Today, after Taliban rule's ending, these strict rules have been reformed.Today, after Taliban rule's ending, these strict rules have been reformed.

● Women are no longer subjugated, and can once again get educations Women are no longer subjugated, and can once again get educations and work.and work.

● Entertainment is not restricted.Entertainment is not restricted.

● However, women still wear the traditional headdress that was However, women still wear the traditional headdress that was mandated by the Taliban. mandated by the Taliban.

● The nation is still damaged by and recuperating from its many wars The nation is still damaged by and recuperating from its many wars and invasions ("Afghanistan").and invasions ("Afghanistan").

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