World Religion

World Religions

Islam Islam Video

Countries with large Muslim Populations World Population 1.5 B (growing) World's Most Muslim Nations (95% +) Countries with large Muslim Populations Bahrain Comoros Kuwait Maldives Mauritania Mayotte Morocco Oman Qatar Somalia Saudi Arabia Tunisia United Arab Emirates Western Sahara Yemen Country Number of Muslims Indonesia 170,310,000 Pakistan 136,000,000 Bangladesh 106,050,000 India 103,000,000 Turkey 62,410,000 Iran 60,790,000 Egypt 53,730,000 Nigeria 47,720,000 China 37,108,000

Origins Developed on the Arabian Peninsula in the year 622 CE (AD), and quickly spread to other regions Islam is most dominant throughout the Middle East, including SW Asia and North Africa Islam, means "to submit to the will of Allah," youngest of the world's major religions. Worshippers of this monotheistic religion are known as Muslims, which means "one who submits to the will of Allah."  Islam is currently the second most practiced religion in the world, and experts predict that it will overtake Christianity as the most popular religion in the world sometime during the 21st century.

founder the prophet Mohammed. Mohammed received the word of God, or Allah, through the angel Gabriel while living in the city of Mecca. There were many prophets before Muhammad (pbuh) including: Adam, Noah, Abraham (Ibrahim), Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Job, Moses (Musa), Aaron, David, Solomon, Elias, Jonah, John the Baptist, and Jesus (Isa), peace be upon them. (peace be upon him - Muhammad is so revered that it is usual to make this statement every time his name is mentioned)

Abraham’s family tree

Jesus and Islam Christians and Muslims have certain beliefs in common concerning Jesus. They both accept that: Jesus' birth was miraculous. Jesus was the Messiah. He cured people of illness. He restored dead people to life. However, they differ in a number of major areas. Muslims do not believe: In original sin: that everyone inherits a sinful nature because of Adam and Eve's transgression. That Jesus was killed during his crucifixion. He narrowly escaped death, and later reappeared to his disciples. That Jesus was resurrected (or resurrected himself) circa 30 CE. Salvation is dependent either upon belief in the resurrection of Jesus or belief that Jesus is the Son of God

Sacred Texts The teachings of Islam are collected in the Qur'an Muslims believe that the Qur'an is the actual word of Allah and was dictated to Muhammad

Major Beliefs Belief in Allah as the one and only God Belief in angels Belief in the holy books Belief in the Prophets... e.g. Adam, Ibrahim (Abraham), Musa (Moses), Dawud (David), Isa (Jesus). Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the final prophet. Belief in the Day of Judgement... The day when the life of every human being will be assessed to decide whether they go to heaven or hell. Belief in Predestination... That Allah has already decided what will happen. Muslims believe that this doesn't stop human beings making free choices.

Everyday Practices The most important Muslim practices are the Five Pillars of Islam. They are the 5 obligations that every Muslim must satisfy in order to live a good and responsible life according to Islam. Confession of Faith: The belief that "there is no God but Allah, and Mohammed is His prophet." Prayer: Muslims must pray five times per day, facing towards Mecca. Charity: Muslims must give alms to the poor, and support the local Mosque by donating a portion of their income. Fasting: During the Ramadan, the ninth month of the Muslim calendar, all Muslims must fast during daylight hours, except the very young or sick. Pilgrimage: If possible financially, each Muslim must make a hajj, or holy pilgrimage, to the city of Mecca.

Everyday Practices abstinence from alcohol and gambling rejection of racism avoid the use of alcohol, other drugs, eating of pork, etc. avoid gambling

Muslilm Festivals Ramadan: a time when Muslims across the world will fast (do not eat) during the hours of daylight. Eid al Fitr: The festival for the first day after Ramadan Eid al Adha: The Festival of Sacrifice which occurs 70 days after Eid-al-Fitr. Eid al-Adha is the 2nd most important festival in the Muslim calendar. It is to remember the time when Abraham was going to sacrifice his own son to prove obedience to God and marks the end of the Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Makkah (Mecca). It takes place on the 10th day of Dhul-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar

Place & Language of worship Muslims may gather to worship in temples called Mosques Very often Mosques have a domed roof and a tall tower called a minaret. Muslims are called to prayer from the minaret There are no pictures or statues in a mosque. They are decorated with patterns and words from the Quran. There is also very little furniture inside because Muslims use prayer mats for prayer. The only authoritative version of the Qur'an is the one in the original Arabic.

Spiritual leader The Caliph, or successor to the Prophet Mohammed Imam, leader of prayers the Muezzin, or one who issues a call to prayer, causing the faithful to gather at the local Mosque..

Religious Divisions Sunni (90%) Shiite