1. Islam www.mwlcanada.org/publications/Introdu cing_Islam.ppt

2. Scriptures: Quran / Koran God: Allah Authority: Muhammad Date founded: 622 CE Believers: 1,570 million (80% outside the Arab world. the fastest growing religion) Islam means submission to the will of God. A Muslim is one who submits. Man’s purpose is to serve the will of God. Introducing Islam

3. Tawhid – the oneness or unity Prophecy – Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus. Jesus was the second to last prophet, who foretold the coming of Muhammad. Revelation – God revealed scriptures to humanity as guidance for them. The Quran is the final word. Angelic Agency – Angels are everywhere; they come to people’s help in every thought and action. (Fisher and Luyster) Last Judgment and Afterlife – the pictures of Heaven and Hell. Five Pillars of Faith

4. Shahada—Declaring your faith 承认信仰 –“There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is the Prophet of Allah.” Salat—Five daily prayers and one communal on Friday 礼 拜 Zakat—Almsgiving 课功 Sawm—Fasting one month every year, the holy month of Ramadan 斋月 Hajj—Pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia once in a life time 麦加朝圣 Five Pillars of Practice

5. Two meanings: –Inner Jihad, the struggle with oneself, mastering one’s passions and leading to a virtuous life –Outer Jihad, all activities like defending Islamic faith or Muslim lands Jihad—Holy War

6. The Prophet His background An orphan of a noble, but not well-to-do, family that lived in Mecca. His father died before his birth. His mother died when he was six. His uncle raised him. He was known for being honest and truthful before prophethood. Worked as a shepherd and later as a trader Married his first wife Khadija, and the mother of his surviving children, when he was 25. She was 40.

7. The Prophet His prophethood In 610, he received his first revelation at 43. These revelations were compiled later into the Quran; the holy book of Muslims The nobles of Mecca refused his call, ostracized and persecuted him and his followers. After 12 difficult years, he immigrated in 622 to Medina whose people welcomed him. In Medina, he was a prophet and a statesman. In 633, he died at 63 His personality revolves around the traits of mercy, generosity and forgiveness.

8. The Prophet The message The oneness of God, the creator of the whole universe. Islam is the continuation of divine messages that God sent to humanity through prophets like Abraham, Isaac, Moses, and Jesus. The moral principles of the ten commandments are reflected in the message of Muhammad. It acknowledges the diversity of the human race and freedom of religions

9. The Quran The revelation of God to Muhammad It has been preserved as revealed 14 centuries ago. It consists of 114 chapters of various lengths. In Arabic, it numbers about 604 pages. The translation of its meaning is available in English, Chinese and most of the world’s languages

10. The Quran Appeals to the mind to reflect on creations and the creator Glad tidings for the believers Admonitions to the non- believers Stories of previous messengers of God such as Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Moses, Jesus, Mary, etc. Rulings on social and commercial issues.

11. What the Quran says about Moses: And we sent Moses with our signs; get your people from darkness to light and remind them of the miracles of Allah. For in it are signs for the thankful (14:5) Mary: The angels said. “O Mary! Allah has chosen, purified and chosen you among the women of this world. Mary, worship your Lord devoutly: Prostrate and bow with those who bow down.(3:42-43) Jesus: The angels said, “O Mary! Allah brings you good news; a word from Him whose name will be Christ Jesus, the son of Mary, held in honour in this world and the hereafter and of those nearest to Allah. (3:45-46)

12. The Muslim legal code “Shari’a” Consists of the following components: Rulings mentioned in the Quran Precedents in the life of Muhammad as it explains and complements the Quran in more details Opinions (fatwa) of Muhammad’s prominent companions. Opinions of previous jurisprudents Opinions of contemporary scholars Importance of majority and consensus

13. The Mosque The Muslim’s house of God, where they pray. The Imam (religious leader) leads the prayers and delivers sermons. Persons entering the mosque are supposed to have cleansed themselves. Non-Muslims should seek permission before entering the mosque. Islamic Foundation, Scarborough

14. Friday sermon & prayers

15. The Muslims of the world Sects: Sunni (the majority), Shia 7%, Ismaili 1%? Homogenous when it comes to core beliefs and essential practices of Islam like daily prayers, fasting, etc

16. The Muslim Women The first to accept Muhammad’s message was his wife Khadija. Many of his followers were women who embraced Islam before their spouses or fathers. Islam gave women the following rights, 1400 years ago: –The right to decide their future Muslim husbands. –The right to a definite share of the estate of a father, husband or children. A will cannot take away or abrogate this right. –The right to own property independently of their husbands or children. –The right to education. –The right to conduct their own commercial business. –The right to participate in politics.

17. Muslims take their religion, and its symbols, very seriously. Muslims invoke prayers frequently in their daily chores. Muslim women are required to dress modestly and not to show their beauty except to near family. Muslims are not supposed to sit or meet alone with members of the opposite sex. Muslims are respectful of elders, women and persons of authority. Out of respect they may not look you in the eye, not because they are avoiding you. Muslims have dietary restriction; mainly they are not allowed to eat pork, wild animals or animal slaughtered improperly. Islam forbids alcoholic beverages and drugs. Dealing with Muslims

18. Know them better; their religion and culture(s). Communicate with leaders and institutions to build trust and cooperation. Solicit advice from leaders on handling issues and situations. Show respect and understanding: soft approach works better than hard one. Winning the Muslims