Islam Notes

Islam Background Birthplace: Mecca (Makkah)- a city in Saudi Arabia Prophet/Founder: Muhammad (Caravan Manager) Receieved a Message from God given by an Angel Named Gabriel Message: Allah was revealed in 3 parts – 1. through Moses (Judaisim & Hebrew Traditions) 2. through Jesus ( Christianity & Christian traditions) 3. that the last revelations of Allah were being given to Muhammad now Founded: July 16th 622 C.E. (year of the Hijrah) Islam Means: “Submission” (Submission to the Will of God)

Background Continued Holy Book: The Qur’an or Quran (Koran) Islam is the Religion – Muslim is the person who practices Islam The Muslim House of Worship is called a Mosque 2 important Cities Mecca –Where Islam was founded Medina (City of the Prophet) place where Hijrah occurred

Islam is not Just a religion but a way of Life Main Beliefs of Islam Islam is not Just a religion but a way of Life They follow certain guidelines 5 Pillars of Islam (Holy Guidelines) 5 things that all Muslims must do to get to paradise (To Be A Good Muslim) Shariah – Islamic Law Based on interpretations of the Quran by Religious scholars & applies teachings of the Quran to daily life

1st Pillar- Belief (Shahaadatayn) Main Beliefs of Islam 1st Pillar- Belief (Shahaadatayn) There is only one god (Allah) & Muhammad is his messenger

Main Beliefs of Islam 2nd Pillar – Prayer (Salaah) All Muslims must face Mecca and Pray 5 times a day (Certain prayers at certain times of the Day)

3rd Pillar- Charity (Zakaah) Main Beliefs of Islam 3rd Pillar- Charity (Zakaah) Give part of one’s wealth to the poor (Giving Alms)

Main Beliefs of Islam 4th Pillar - Fasting (Siyaam) Refrain from food/drink from Dawn to Sunset (Daytime) through the month of Ramadan

Main Beliefs of Islam 5th Pillar - Pilgrimage (Hajj) Make at least 1 trip to Mecca in your lifetime

Shari’ah -Islamic Law It Regulates all aspects of Muslim life Family Life Business Practices Government Moral conduct It Does not separate religious matters from civil or political law Muslims must practice Honesty & Justice when dealing with others Forbidden: To Gamble, Eat Pork, Drink Alcoholic Beverages, or Engage in Dishonest Behavior Family life is based on Marriage

Other Facts Muslims believe in Angels Muslims believe they will be judged (by Allah) to determine where they go in their afterlife (Goal= paradise) Muslims believe in Predestination= People’s lives have been predetermined by Allah BUT people still have free will to make decisions

Other Facts Continued The sacred language was/Arabic Muslims attend worship services on Fridays The Iman leads the prayer service Men and women are separated during services Muslims believed in many other prophets aside from Muhammad (Moses, Jesus, Abraham, etc) There were two main branches of Muslims: Shiite & Sunni The sacred language was/Arabic Jerusalem is considered to be a Holy Place

Islamic Clothes Women can wear a head scarf/ hajib/ Burka Cultural traditions (by Country/Family/or Sect) dictate what type of clothes people wear (& color) Women can wear a head scarf/ hajib/ Burka Men can wear a  Kalansuwa/Turbin/Kaffiyeh