ISLAM Teachings and History of the Religion

The Beginning Muhammad Born in Mecca in 570 AD Often meditated in the hills near the city One day, the angel Gabriel came to him and spoke, giving him teachings The Qur’an: the words the angel Gabriel spoke to Muhammad, the holy book of Islam Muhammad began to preach about Allah. His wife Kadijah 2

The Beginning 6/6/2016 3

The Beginning Muhammad was forced to leave in 622 AD for his teachings Went to Yathrib (Medina today) Hegira: Muhammad’s migration from Mecca to Medina, marked the beginning of the expansion of Islam Gathered an army in Medina He returned to Mecca in 630 and took over the city 6/6/2016 4

Teachings of Islam The Five Pillars of Islam 1. Proclaim belief in one God, Allah, and his prophet Muhammad 2. Pray 5 times a day, facing Mecca 3. Charity to the poor and elderly 4. Fast during the month of Ramadan (holy month) 5. Hajj: pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in life 6/6/2016 5

Teachings of Islam The 6 th pillar? Jihad: has at least two meanings 1. An inner battle to achieve peace 2. An outer battle to defend Islam 6/6/2016 6

Teachings of Islam The Qur’an and its teachings The book must be handled carefully People of the Book: Jews and Christians Muslims are required to treat them with tolerance Share all the Jewish prophets Muslims believe Jesus was a prophet, but is the messiah Muhammad is the last prophet, and all that he said was fully correct 6/6/2016 7

Teachings of Islam The Qur’an and its teachings Muslims must live lawful, moral lives Everyone is equal Islam borrows much from Judaism and Christianity, while adding its own elements 6/6/2016 8

History of Islam Caliph: leader of Islam Politics and religion are one in Islam Sunnis and Shia These two sects stem from a disagreement about the caliph Who should become caliph after Muhammad? 6/6/2016 9

History of Islam Sunnis and Shia Shia: Believed Muhammad’s son-in-law, Ali, was the successor Only descendants of Ali could be caliph Sunnis: Believe any true Muslim can be caliph 6/6/

Sunni & Shia  The majority of Muslims are Sunni.  They follow the established custom, or sunnah, meaning the Sunnah of the prophet, Muhammad.  Shia believes in Imams. They are religious leaders who are direct descendants of Muhammad.  Iran and Iraq are Shi’ites. 6/6/

Sunni & Shia Most important revolt was led by Husayn, grandson of Ali. Upset because Yazid (not related to Ali) was chosen as caliph. Most of his followers defected and he fought 10,000 soldiers with 72….All died. He was said to have been shot with his infant son in his arms – became a martyr – strengthened the divide between the groups 6/6/

History of Islam Early Islamic dynasties sent armies throughout the Middle East, converting along the way 6/6/

History of Islam Umayyad Dynasty A period of cultural discrimination Capital was Damascus, Syria Arab culture flourished Religion and arts encouraged 6/6/

History of Islam Abbassid Dynasty Religious and cultural tolerance Capital at Baghdad peace 6/6/

History of Islam Throughout history, a respect for learning allowed Islamic civilization to grow and prosper Islam was the major rival to Western Civilization by the time of imperialism 6/6/

Spread of Islam 6/6/

Sufis 3 rd Group in Islam Seek a mystical, personal connection with God Use a range of practices, including breath control and meditation, in their rituals 6/6/

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