1. RELIGIONS OF THE MIDDLE EAST
ISLAM

2. ISLAM - GOD ALLAH It is just the Arabic word for God
Literally translated, Islam means “to submit”
Followers of Islam are called Muslims
Muslims too, believe in the same God of the Jews and Christians, Abraham

3. HOLY BOOK THE QU’RAN/KORAN
Much of it is taken from Jewish and Christian beliefs
This was written after the death of Muhammad in 632 AD, the founder of Islam
The words of God were spoken to Muhammad by the angel Gabriel for over 23 years
Muhammad would go fast in a cave while Gabriel spoke the word of God to Muhammad
He had to memorize everything Gabriel told him

4. KEY BELIEFS
Muslims believe in the prophets of the Hebrews, Jesus and Moses
The difference is that Muslims believe that Muhammad was the last prophet of God
Jesus was a prophet but he was not divine
Mecca, where Muhammad was born became the holiest city for Muslims (Medina)
Live life according to God’s guidance, then you will find yourself in paradise

5. KEY BELIEFS CONTINUED…
Jihad – the holy war called on by Muslims today to justify terrorism
Chapter 2 Verse 191
“Fight in the cause of Allah against those who fight against you, but transgress not. Surely, Allah loves not the transgressors. Once they start fighting, kill them wherever you meet them, and drive them out from where they have driven you out; for aggression is more heinous than killing…if they desist, surely Allah is Most Forgiving…no retaliation is permissible except against the aggressors.”
Chapter 4 Verses 73 – 77
“Let those then fight in the cause of Allah who would exchange the present life with the Hereafter. Whoso fights in the cause of Allah, be he slain or be he victorious, We shall soon give him a great reward…Fight ye then against the friends of Satan.”
Context and interpretation
What is actually being said here?
What context is this used in?
Islamic fundamentalists use it to get followers to martyr themselves for Allah

6. PRACTICES AND RITUALS There are 5 pillars in Islam
Shahada – There is no other God but Allah
Salat – prayer, this is done 5 times a day and must always face towards Mecca (story)
Zakat – give alms or a portion of your wealth to those less fortunate (tithe)
Siyam – fasting, this goes on during Ramadan, where Muslims do not eat, drink or get it on from sunrise to sunset for 30 days
Hajj – this is the pilgrimage every Muslim must make once in their lifetime

9. WORSHIP SERVICES Muslims worship in a mosque
The spiritual leader of Islam is called imam
Imam is not any closer to God than any other Muslim
Jerusalem it the home to the holiest mosque in Islam, Dome of the Rock

10. SECTS Muslims were split more along political than religious lines
Who would lead the religion after the death of the prophet?
Sunni – they believe that the person should be selected among an elite group
Shi’a – believe that the imam/caliph of Islam should be a descendant of Muhammad