ARABIC 241 ISLAM

Why study Islam?  All Muslims share the same essential beliefs, values, and God-centered approach to the world. They look to the Qur’an, lifestyle and the traditions of the Prophet Muhammad for guidance in their daily affairs. Since they try to implement Qur’anic and prophetic guidance, it may be said that Muslims share a common Islamic culture. Therefore, a background about Islam will help in understanding Arabic culture and Arabs’ behavior.

What is Islam?  The term islam derives from the root s-l-m (submission, peace, commitment, surrender)  Islam: Monotheistic religion revealed to Muhammad ibn Abdullah ( C.E.). The name Islam was instituted by the Qur’an, sacred scripture revealed to Muhammad.  Islam is not a new religion. It is the last reiteration of the primordial message of God’s Oneness, a theme found in earlier monotheistic religious traditions.

What does the term “ Allah ”mean?  Allah = al + ilah = God  Allah is the proper name for the Creator as found in the Qur’an.  Eloh, Dios, Dieu

Who are Muslims?  Muslim is one who willfully submits to God. In Islam, everything in creation ) microbes, plants, animals, mountains, human beings, rivers…( is “Muslim,” testifying to the majesty of the Creator and submitting or committing to His divine laws.  Commonly, the term Muslim refers to one who believes in the “ Shahadah ”, and embraces a lifestyle in accordance with the Islamic principles and values.

What is “Shahadah”?  Shahadah: Witnessing that “There is no deity but Allah, and Muhammad is his Messenger.”

The Five Pillars of Islam  Shahadah - Declaration of Faith  Salah - Prayer  Sawm - Fasting  Zakat - Mandatory Almsgiving Tax  Hajj – Pilgrimage to Mecca

Basic Beliefs of Muslims Muslims believe in…  Allah -The one God  Angels- (and the world of the unseen)  Prophets - (and Muhammad as the last prophet)  Divine Scriptures (and the Qur’an as the final scripture)  Day of judgment – (reward and punishment)  Belief in Al-Qadar

 Muslims believe in Al-Qadar, which is Divine Predestination, but this belief in Divine Predestination does not mean that human beings do not have freewill. Rather, Muslims believe that God has given human beings freewill. This means that they can choose right or wrong and that they are responsible for their choices.

The belief in Divine Predestination includes belief in four things:  God knows everything. He knows what has happened and what will happen.  God has recorded all that has happened and all that will happen.  Whatever God wills to happen happens, and whatever He wills not to happen does not happen.  God is the Creator of everything.

What is the difference between the following?  Islam  Islamic  Muslim

 Mecca: A trading, cultural, religious center (Ka’aba- Al-Lat, Al-Uzza)  Medina = Yathrib  Jerusalem (Al-Isra, Al-Mi’raj)  Hijra  Hajiri calendar = (C.E. – 622) x 33/32

Portfolio Question  Compare Islam to any religion or belief of your choice.