1. ISLAM An Introduction to Islam

2. Osama bin Laden’s Fatwa What is the role of Islam in this piece How does reading this piece explain the thesis” America’s national security depends, at least in part, upon what we know or do not know about Islam.”

3. What does Islam mean? In Arabic, Salaam = Peace ISLAM = “Willful Surrender” “Willful Submission” MUSLIM = “One who submits to Allah”

4. Abraham Abraham: Patriarch of the BIG THREE: J, C, I! Recognizes only one god: monotheism God makes covenant with Abraham – Promises great things to A’s descendants, including Land of Canaan

5. Abraham’s two sons Sarah – Originally “barren” Hagar—Egyptian slave – Son=Ishmael Miracle! – Sarah pregnant! – Son is Isaac Which son? Who gets Canaan? – OT says it’s Isaac-claimed by Jews – Qur’an says it is Ishmael (claimed by Muslims)

6. Prophet Muhammad Descendant of Ishmael, the first son of Abraham. Born in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, 570 AD Received first revelation at the age 40 through angel Gabriel. Died in the year 632 AD, after preaching Islam for 23 years.

7. Qur’an القرآن The Holy Book “The Recitation” Original message is intact, as given by the Prophet in Arabic 23 Years of Revelations (610 - 632 C.E.) 114 Chapters (Suras) – Each begins with the phrase: “In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful.” بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم Islam maintains the integrity of original language (Arabic) Muslims of all language backgrounds recite Islamic verses in Arabic

8. Prophets and Scriptures SOME PROPHETS: Adam, Noah, Abraham, Ishmael, Ishaq, Jacob (Israel), Joseph, Benjamin, Moses, Aaron, David, Solomon, Zakareya, John, Jesus, Muhammad DIVINE BOOKS: Torah, Zabur (Psalms), Injeel (Gospel), Qur’an Belief in ALL prophets of God Source of All Books is God Main Message of all Prophets: Islam

9. Muslims respect, love and honor Jesus Jesus is considered a great messenger/ prophet Jesus was born from the ‘virgin’ Mary Jesus is a ‘word’ from God Jesus is mentioned in 25 places in the Qur’an with names of respect and honor However, Muslims do not consider Jesus to be of divine nature What Muslims believe about Jesus

10. “We believe in Allah (God) and that which was revealed to us, and that which was revealed to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob and the tribes and that which was given to Moses, Jesus and to the Prophets from their Lord; We make NO distinction between any of them, and to Him (God) we submit.” (Qur’an, 3:83) What the Qur’an says about Jesus

11. Declaration of Faith (Shahadah) To say, believe and testify that… “La ilaha illa Allah” “There is no true deity, but Allah (God).” لا إله إلا الله

12. Sects within Islam There are divisions within Islam – just as in Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism and Buddhism Two primary sects: Sunni & Shi’a – Sunni: ~85-90% – Shi’a: ~10-15% including parts of Iran, Iraq, Bahrain, Yemen, Lebanon, Syria, Afghanistan Third (Minor) sect: Sufism – Mystical order – May include Sunni and Shi'a followers

13. Sects within Islam Sunni & Shi’a Muslims share the most fundamental Islamic beliefs and articles of faith. Nature of the two divisions: 1)Political Succession of the Prophet (Political Leadership) 2)Spiritual Veneration/worship of Imams (Spiritual Leadership)

14. Sects within Islam “Sunni” (“Sunnah” root): “one who follows the traditions of the Prophet” -- “well-trodden path” -- “tradition” 1) Successor to the Prophet should have been the most capable leader, NOT based upon bloodlines. This is what occurred. 2) Spiritual leadership is NOT a birthright, born of community trust and respect Approximately 85-90% of Muslims are from the Sunni branch

15. Sects within Islam Shi’a is from: “Shi’a-t-Ali” -- “partisans” – “Party of Ali” 1) Successor to the Prophet should have been through bloodlines: – First, Ali (son-in-law and cousin of Muhammad) – Then, through Fatima’s (Ali’s wife and Muhammad’s daughter) children. 2) Spiritual leadership is anointed directly from Allah (God). – Imam is sinless and infallible by nature.

16. Sects within Islam Sunni and Shi’a also differ in lesser ways: Sunni believe the al-Mahdi (vice-regent of Allah) will arrive at/on Judgment Day Shi’a believe al-Mahdi is on earth, “Hidden” and will emerge at/on Judgment Day Subgroups/”schools” of Sunni: Maliki, Shafi’i, Hanafi, Hanbali Subgroups/”schools” of Shi’a: Ithna ‘Ashariyah, Isma'iliyah and Zaydiyah