Islam

Islam: Introduction  Over 1300 yrs old –Considered “Western” religion Youngest of the “Western” religions  Began in Arabia in 7th CE Spread rapidly through Middle East. Revealed to humanity by Prophet Muhammad Islam means surrender to God

Islam: Founder  The Prophet Muhammad –Name followed by “pbuh” P eace B e U pon H im –Born in Mecca, Saudi Arabia (570 C.E.) –Deeply spiritual man Meditation = key –Great revelation (610 C.E.) Meditating, hears whispers, repeats words –Words = God Recorded words, serve as Qu’ran

Islam: Sacred Text, Preaching  The Qu’ran (Koran) –Muslim sacred text  Preaching God revealed message of Islam –No God but Allah –Life = complete submission to the will of Allah People flocked to hear message

Islam: Hijrah  Hijrah = Islamic New Year –Muhammad's popularity = threatened leaders in Mecca –Muhammad & followers = escape from Mecca to Medina in 622. Hijrah (migration) 622 = Islamic calendar begins.

Islam: 6 Main Beliefs  The Big Six –Allah is one and only God. –Angels –Holy books –Prophets e.g. Adam, Abraham, Moses, David, Jesus, Muhammad. –Day of Judgment Everyone = assessed: heaven or hell. –Predestination Allah decided what will happen. Doesn't stop free will

Islam: Allah  Allah is the only God  Created and rules everything  Central pt to religion is obedience to Allah's will  Allah has always existed and will always exist.  Allah knows everything that can be known.

Islam: Allah  Allah can do anything that can be done  Allah has no shape or form  Allah can't be seen/heard.  Allah is neither male nor female.  Allah rewards/punishes fairly  Allah is merciful.  Approach Allah by praying, and by reciting the Qur'an.

Islam: Place of Worship  Worship in Mosque  Vary in size, shape –First built by Muhammad & friends in Medina  Traditionally very plain –No statues, paintings Humans cannot imitate Allah –Decoration only to teach Mosque: Dubai

Mosque in Mecca

Islam: Prayer  Pray 5 times/day –Face Mecca –Not req’d to do it in mosque or w/ others  Great opportunity, not burden

Islam: The Five Pillars  The Five Pillars of Islam help Muslims put faith into action. –Requirements = satisfy to live good/responsible Islamic life Declaration of faith Ritual prayer 5 times a day Giving a fixed proportion to charity Fasting Pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj)

Islam: The Hajj  One of 5 pillars –Required if financially & physically able Often over 2 million show up per year –Based on Muhammad’s own travels to Mecca

Islam: Holy Days  Ramadan –27 Days-do not eat, drink, or smoke during the entire day –The festival celebrates first time Qur’an revealed Muhammed  Dhul-Hijja –End of Hajj or holy pilgrimage

Islam: Sunnis & Shiites  Sunnis –Vast majority in world –“Traditional” followers –Islam remains entirely correct  Shiites –Minority of Muslims –Broke from mainstream Islam (657 CE)