The Teachings of Islam

Chapter 9

A little background Islam began in the Arabian

Peninsula and quickly spread throughout the Middle East, across North Africa, to Spain, and across central Asia

The Islamic community blended many peoples and cultures

Islam now has more followers than any religion except Christianity

1/5 of the world’s population is Muslim

The Koran The foundation of Islam

Describes Allah’s laws and moral teachings, the straight path

It contains passages that Muhammad is believed to have received from the angel Gabriel

Muhammad could apparently not read or write, he memorized the passages and his followers later wrote them down into the Koran

In 651, Caliph Uthman established an official edition of the Koran that is still used today

Muslims honor the Koran by not letting copies of the book tough the ground or get dirty

The Sunnah and the Hadith

The other foundation of Islam

The Sunnah means “practice”

This is the example that Muhammad set for Muslims during his lifetime of how to lead a Muslim life and follow the Koran

The Hadith, tradition, is a collection of written accounts of Muhammad’s Sunnah as seen in his words and deeds

Shahadah: The 1st Pillar of Faith

Shahadah means the declaration of faith and shows one’s belief in one God and Muhammad as his prophet.

Muslims proclaim the words, “There is no god but God, and Muhammad is the messenger of God” often throughout their days

People must not only declare that they believe in God (Allah), but also must pledge their submission to him

Muslims also believe that all souls will face a day of judgment when all of their actions will be weighed, allowing souls to enter paradise or fall into hell

Salat: The 2nd Pillar of Faith

Salat means daily ritual prayer

It emphasizes religious discipline, spirituality, and closeness to God

Muslims are called to prayer 5 times per day: dawn, noon, midday, sunset, and after nightfall

The muezzin (a crier) chants the call to prayer from the minaret (tower of the mosque)

Muslims must wash hands, feet, and face before praying

The imam is the prayer leader and worshipers face in the direction of Mecca

Muslims may worship anywhere in groups or alone

Muslims do not observe a sabbath, however on Fridays, Muslims gather at a mosque for midday prayer, listen to the imam’s sermon and to the Koran being read

Zakat: The 3rd Pillar of Faith

Zakat means almsgiving or giving to the poor

Muslims are commanded to give at least 2.5% of their wealth

They do this in order to purify their wealth and also to control greed

Zakat provides many needs including public fountains with clean water, hospitals, schools, soup kitchens, and orphanages, and shelter for the poor

Other religions, such as Christianity (tithe) and Judaism (tzedaka) also emphasize helping the poor through charity

Siyam: The 4th Pillar of Faith Siyam means fasting, going without food

Performed during Ramadan (the 9th month of the Muslim calendar), Muslims fast during the daylight hours

Not ALL Muslims have to fast

Break the fast with traditional foods before the sunset prayer

By the end of Ramadan, Muslims have read the entire Koran

Fasting teaches Muslims self control and makes them realize what it would be like to be poor and hungry

Muslims try to avoid arguments and bad deeds and try to forgive people

The end of Ramadan is celebrated with Eid al-Fitr

Hajj: The 5th Pillar of Faith Hajj is a pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca

All adults are expected to make a Hajj one time in their life

Promotes equality and fellowship

This is done in the Islamic year’s 12th month

During Hajj, pilgrims follow the footsteps of Abraham and Muhammad in order to draw themselves closer to God

The farewell day is celebrated by all Muslims around the world, called Eid al-Adha

Jihad Jihad means “to strive”- it represents the human

struggle to overcome challenges and do things that would be pleasing to Allah

Example: Muslims might work to become better people, reform society, or correct injustice

Early Muslims claimed Jihad in their efforts to protect their territory

However, Muslims are forbidden from forcing others to convert- Muhammad also set other rules for war- not to mutilate dead bodies, harm women children, old people, or civilians, and to not destroy property.

Lesser Jihad- external struggle against oppression

Greater Jihad- internal struggle against evil within oneself (working hard for a goal, giving up a bad habit, getting an education, obeying your parents, etc.)

Shari’ah: Islamic Law Shari’ah is the collection of all Islamic

law and means “path to be followed”

It promotes obedience to the Koran and respect for others

It places actions into 5 categories: forbidden, discouraged, allowed, recommended, and obligatory (required)

In a Shari’ah court, a qadi (judge) hears cases and makes rulings. Sometimes a mufti (scholar of law) is consulted.

Today most Muslim countries apply some parts of Shari’ah and use other laws as well to respond to modern ways of life.