ISLAM

1.2 billion Muslims today 7 th century Monotheistic 2 nd largest religion in the world Sunni & Shiite Arabic

ALLAH Allah Arabic word for God

MUHAMMAD Last prophet of God Unified Arabia under Islam

 Muhammad  Born in Mecca-market town ~570 AD  Pilgrimage site, Kaaba, Pagan temple  Shepard, at 25 he married Khadijah (wealthy caravan business owner)  At 40, while meditating he heard the voice of Gabriel, an angel  He was being called to be the messenger of God  Islam- Arabic for “to submit to God”  Monotheistic- One true God, Allah

 622 Muhammad was threatened with murder so he & his followers left Mecca and went to Medina.(journey known as hijra)  Arabs in Medina converted to Islam, called Muslims, followers of Islam  Muhammad returned to Mecca in 630 and destroyed all Arab idols in the Kaaba, temple that he believed Abraham built to worship the one true God.  Kaaba is the holiest place in Islam 622 = First year of Muslim calendar

TEACHINGS OF ISLAM  Monotheistic-belief in one God  Prophets-Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Mohammed was the last and greatest  Quran-sacred text  Arabic-shared language unites Muslims around the world  Teaches God’s will and is a guide to life  Emphasize honesty, generosity, and social justice  Harsh penalties for stealing or murder  Judgment Day: Eternal punishment in hell or eternal bliss in paradise

1. Shahadah - profession of faith 2. Salah - ritual prayer 3. Zakah - alms tax 4. Sawm fasting during Ramadan 5. Hajj - pilgrimage to Mecca 5 PILLARS ● Muslim duties 307

THE FIVE PILLARS OF ISLAM  Declaration of faith  “There is no god but God, Muhammad is the messenger of God”  Pray five times a day  Ritual washing, face toward the city of Mecca  Pray at home or in mosque, house of worship  Give to charity or to the poor  Fast during Ramadan  Sunrise to sunset during the month when Muhammad received his revelations  Hajj  Pilgrimage to Mecca if a person is physically and financially able

 Jihad  Struggle in God’s service  Personal duty for Muslims  Holy war to defend Islam and the Muslim community  “People of the Book”  Jews and Christians- All three worship the same God

ISLAMIC WAY OF LIFE ● Islamic law governs daily life ● Traditions determine behaviors & relations Hijab Sharia: Body of law Interpretation of Quran Applies religion to legal codes

 Women  Arab women could not inherit property, had to obey male guardians, some unwanted daughters were killed at birth  Muslim women  Quran prohibited killing of daughters, granted women inheritance, they were able to reject a marriage offer  Women should dress modestly  Not completely equal to men  Less inheritance, harder to get a divorce