1. I SLAM Jastocia Sexton Jasmine Smith Kowsar Ahamed

2. O RIGINS O F I SLAM The origin of Islam can be traced back to 7th century Saudi Arabia. Islam is thus the youngest of the great world religions. The prophet Muhammad (circa 570-632 A.D.) introduced Islam in 610 A.D. after experiencing what he claimed to be an angelic visitation. The origin of Islam is generally accredited to the prophet Muhammad but to the devout Muslim, Islam began long before Muhammad ever walked the earth. The Qur'an was dictated by Muhammad but, according to the Qur'an, it did not originate with Muhammad. The Qur'an testifies of itself that it was given by God through the angel Gabriel to the prophet Muhammad. According to Secular History According to Islam

3. T HE O RIGIN OF I SLAM : T HE "P REVIOUS S CRIPTURES " The origin of Islam is controversial. The "previous scriptures" mentioned above are the Hebrew Torah, the Psalms of David, and the Gospels of Jesus Christ (Sura 4:163; 5:44-48). The problem is that the Qur'an thoroughly contradicts the Torah, the Psalms, and the Gospels. For example, the Qur'an explicitly denies Jesus Christ's crucifixion (Sura 4:157-158) while all four Gospel accounts clearly portray Jesus Christ as crucified and resurrected.

4. I SLAMIC BELIEFS Muslims believe in one, unique, incomparable god, who has no son or partner and that none has the right to be worshipped but Him alone. Muslims believe in the existence of the angels and that they are honored creatures. The angels worship God alone, obey Him, and act only by His command Belief in Angels:Belief in God:

5. I SLAMIC BELIEFS [ CONTINUED ] Muslims believe that god revealed books to his messengers as proof for mankind and as guidance for them. Muslims believe in the prophets and messengers of God, starting with Adam, including Noah, Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, and Jesus (peace be upon them). Belief in God’s Revealed Books: Belief in the Prophets and Messengers of God:

6. I SLAM ’ S RELIGION ORIGINALLY PRACTICED To recite at least once during their lifetime the shahadah (the creed: " There is no God but God and Muhammad is his Prophet "). Most Muslims repeat it at least daily. To perform the salat (prayer) 5 times a day, if possible. This is recited while orienting one's body with qibia. To donate regularly to charity through zakat. This is a 2.5% charity tax on the income and property of middle and upper class Muslims. Believers are urged to make additional donations to the needy as they feel moved. to fast during the lunar month of Ramadan. This is believed to be the month that Muhammad (pbuh) received the first revelation of the Qur'an from God. if economically and physically able, to make at least one hajj (pilgrimage) to Mecca.

7. M AIN BELIEFS THAT CAN BE TRACED TO ORIGINAL SCRIPTURES AND TEXT AT THE RELIGIONS INCEPTION. Scriptures refer to believing in all four books the Torah, the Psalms, the Gospel, and the Quran. Muslims believe that Quran is the only book which can never be distorted as god has himself taking the responsibility of its protection. ScripturesIslamic scripture

8. M AIN BELIEFS THAT CAN BE TRACED TO ORIGINAL SCRIPTURES AND TEXT AT THE RELIGIONS INCEPTION [ CONTINUED ]. Islam’s origins and beliefs can be traced back to Islam’s sacred text, Qur'an. TextIslamic text

9. I SLAM ’ S MAJOR TURNING POINTS It was the birth of Prophet Mohammad in 570 A.D in the city of Makkah which brought a revolution to the entire fate of the nomadic Arabs. He became famous among the people of Makkah at a very early age because of his allegiance and reliability. In 622 A.D., due to worsening living conditions and social isolation, Prophet Mohammad migrated to Medina along with his followers.

10. I SLAM ’ S MAJOR TURNING POINTS [ CONTINUED ] Mohmmad died in 632 A.D, at the age of 63 in the city of Medina. Mohammad's death brought a huge catastrophe among Muslims. People could not believe that Mohammad had left them forever. Many of the followers were perplexed and distraught, and claimed him to be still living. Abu Bakr was chosen as the first Caliph (leader). Before his death in 634 A.D., Umar ibn ul Khattab was appointed as his successor. He was devoted and committed to his people and established an empire of peace, justice and dignity. The teachings of Islam started to spread through love. The principle of equality among all the people irrespective of race, color, caste, and creed won the hearts of the people. Within a few years, a lot of people accepted the message of Islam. By the tenth century, Islam dominated the half of the world known at that time.

11. I SLAM RELIGION PRACTICED TODAY Around the world Muslims mark the holiest month of the Islamic calendar as they begin the fast of Ramadan. Beginning November 17 Muslims are expected to abstain all food, drink, and conjugal relations from the first light of dawn until sundown

12. I SLAM RELIGION PRACTICED TODAY [ CONTINUED ] Ramadan is also traditionally a time to extend forgiveness and to reach out with charitable acts. The month will end Dec. 16 with communal prayers and one of the two cherished Islamic holidays - the feast of Eid al-Fitr.

13. I SLAM ’ S RELIGION TODAY [ CONTINUED ] T HE F IVE P ILLARS In Islam, practice is of greater importance than doctrine, and the "five pillars" represent the framework for a responsible and good life. 1. The declaration of faith - the shahada : "There is no god but God, and Muhammad is the messenger of God." 2. Prayer ( salat ). Muslims are to perform formal prayers five times a day, involving verses in Arabic from the Koran, thus structuring their lives around God. 3. Almsgiving ( zakat ). A principle of Islam is that everything belongs to God, and wealth is held by people in trust. Muslims also have a responsibility to care for the less fortunate. 4. Fasting during Ramadan 5. Pilgrimage (the hajj). The pilgimage to Mecca is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for every Muslim able to do so.

14. F IVE ARTICLES OF FAITH 1. One unique, infinite, all- powerful and merciful God (Allah) is the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. 2. The angels of God play an active part in human life. 3. God's revelations have been sent to humankind through prophets and messengers. 4. God has spoken His eternal message through holy books, to Jews and Christians as well as Muslims. 5. With the Day of Resurrection and Judgment, God will hold every individual accountable for his or her actions.

15. C URRENT STATE OF RELIGION The Islamic religion is practiced all over the world. In fact the Islamic religion the second largest religion in the world and arguably the fastest growing religions in the world. The current state of Islamic religion is

16. W OULD THE ORIGINAL FOUNDER OF THE RELIGION RECOGNIZE IT AS IT IS PRACTICED TODAY ? I would say yes that the original founder of the Islamic religion would recognize the religion how it’s practiced today because the Islamic religion still uses the five pillars and the six basic beliefs shared by all Muslims are still the same which are Belief in God, the one and only one worthy of all worship. Belief in the Angels. Belief in the Book (al-Quran / Koran) (sent by God). Belief in all the Prophets and Messengers (sent by God). Belief in the Day of Judgment (Qiyamah) and in the Resurrection. Belief in Fate (Qadar)

17. W EBSITES http://www.butler.edu/faith-vocation/explore- indy-religion/islam http://www.csmonitor.com/2001/1115/p18s1- lire.html http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/cultural/religion/ islam/history.html http://www.thereligionislam.com/ http://www.allaahuakbar.net/current_state_of_th e_muslim_world.htm