1. Islamic Beliefs and Practices Ramadan, Prayer, Hijab, and Sharia

2. Objectives Recite the central teaching of the Qur’an. Explain how the Qur’an guides the daily lives of Muslims. Recall the Five Pillars of Islam. Explain what Muslims do during Ramadan and why. Give the name for Islamic law. Explain how Islamic law is different from law in the United States. Give possible reasons that opinions and writings about Islamic law have changed over the centuries.

3. The Five Pillars are basic goals of Muslims. Terms and People Jihad is war to conquer non- Muslims, but originally meant the inner struggle Muslims must go through. Sunnah is the way in which Muslims should live. Sharia Law is law based on the Koran and later teachings. Hijab is the modest covering worn by Islamic women.

4. The Central Teaching of the Koran: There is only one god and Mohammed is his prophet. This is what is written on the flag of Saudi Arabia.

5. RAMADAN

6. This traditional Ramadan meal would be eaten by Muslims after sunset. Ramadan is one of the most important celebrations of Islam. Ramadan comes in the early summer, the ninth month in the lunar calendar. During Ramadan, Muslims fast during daylight hours. It is traditional to eat a date first. What does it mean to fast?

7. alternates

8. The Koran or Qu’ran is the book sacred to Muslims.

9. The Koran gives Muslims rules for daily living. This includes prayer, diet, and bathing. Muslims do not drink alcohol or eat pork or shellfish.

10. PRAYER

11. When Muslims pray, they bow and face Mecca. Muslims pray five times a day: Dawn Noon Afternoon Sunset Night Many Muslims use a prayer rug.

13. HIJAB

14. "Hijab" is a veil that covers the head and chest worn by a Muslim female beyond the age of puberty in the presence of adult males outside of their immediate family. Hijab can also be used to refer to the separation of women from men in public life. The Qur'an instructs both Muslim men and women to dress in a modest way. It is worn by Muslim women as a symbol of modesty, privacy and morality.

16. SHARIA LAW

17. However, Sharia law can be quite harsh in countries like Afghanistan and Pakistan, where the court can ask for death or for amputation as a punishment. Sharia law does not consider women to be equal to men; a woman’s testimony in court is worth half that of a man’s. Sharia law tends to be less harsh in more modern Islamic countries like Tunisia, Lebanon, and Iran. Sharia law is sometimes being used in countries like Great Britain where there are many Islamic immigrants.

19. Please turn to page 358 in your textbook.