Bell Work List 5 things that you know (or think you know) about the religion of Islam, Islamic culture and history.

Arab? Islam? Muslim? Islamic? Arab – someone who speaks Arabic Islam – the faith founded by Muhammad Muslim – someone who practices the religion of Islam Islamic – describing an object (ie. Islamic country, Islamic calendar, Islamic law)

The Arab World

Islam - religion started by Muhammad and his teachings/revelations from Allah  Means “submission” –people must throw themselves upon the mercy of God (submit) in order to be saved  “Muslim” – people who practice the religion of Islam

Arabia Before Muhammad Bedouin tribes – nomadic animal herders o Worshipped pagan gods o Constantly at war (scarcity of water, resources) Mecca o Popular because location of the Kaaba (alter of Abraham) o Prosperous – Kaaba made it a center of trade

Muhammad born in Mecca 570 A.D. “revelation” from God in a cave preached MONOTHEISM (one God)

Why didn’t Arabs like Muhammad's message? Threatened their gods/way of life o monotheism, non-violence Threatened their power and wealth o Kaaba brought trade and prosperity o Rich had to give to poor

622-The Hijra Muhammad forced out of Mecca and went to Medina (city of the prophet) began the religion of Islam Year 1 on Muslim calendar

Prophet’s Mosque-Medina

630 Muhammad returns to Mecca captures the city Died in 632

Kaaba Before Muhammad: “black stone” worshipped, along with pagan gods After Muhammad: re-dedicated to one God (Allah) 1 st mosque (Muslim house of worship) Sight of the hajj

Why does Islam spread? Social justice message – non-violence, equality Strength of Muhammad’s forces o New power in Arabia o People converted to Islam

Muhammad’s Teachings Allah was the one and only God and all should submit and be thankful to Him All believers in Allah were equal under Him

Christians and Jews “people of the book” required to treat them with tolerance

How have religions spread??

Faith Daily prayer Almsgiving Fast Pilgrimage to Mecca (hajj) Five Pillars of Islam

Testament of Faith There is ONE God, Allah, and Muhammad is his prophet

Daily Prayer Pray five times a day facing Mecca In Arabic

Almsgiving Charity to the poor and aged 2.5% of possessions

Fast during the month of Ramadan NO food – sunrise to sunset Refrain from violence, harsh language, gossip, etc.

Dates – used to break fasts by many Muslims (Kuwait)

Haji “pilgrimage” to Mecca All Muslims who are able must make the journey

The Koran Sacred book Muhammad’s miracle God’s final message to his people Final authority for Muslims, on: religion, politics, law, economic, and social life Islamic Law – Sharia

Islam: After Muhammad's Death AD 632 – Muhammad dies Abu Bakr takes over as caliph (successor to the prophet; political leader of Islam) AD 661 – Ali, the 4th caliph (relative of Muhammad) is murdered Dispute over who will be the next successor erupts!!!

Sunnis/Shiites: SIMILARITIES Monotheistic (believe in one God = Allah) Muhammad = prophet Koran – unchanging EXACT word of God Hadith/Sunnah Sharia (Islamic law) Worship in mosques Mecca = holy city 5 Pillars = responsibilities as Muslims

Islam Splits SUNNISM Traditional Islam Any devout Muslim can be caliph Emphasis on Koran, Hadith and Sunnah Scholars interpret Koran Don’t recognize imams/ayatollahs No clergymen 85-90% SHIISM “Ali’s Party” Caliph must be direct descendant of Muhammad Believe Muhammad chose first imam (Ali) Imam – leader – interprets Koran/Hadith Ayatollahs issue decrees on Islamic law 10-15%

Pre Class Which difference between Sunnis and Shiites do you believe is the most significant? Why?

Islam’s Zenith

Expansion of Islam Spread beliefs and gain riches Arab armies launched Jihad (holy war) o To defend Islam o “Struggle within” 732 Arabs conquer empire from Indus river, to Atlantic Ocean Tolerance/ taxes on non-believers