Islam

The Middle East Arabia is mostly desert. The city of Mecca was a trading center and is the place where Islam began.

Islam is the faith and way of life of over a billion people. People who follow the faith of Islam are known as Muslims. What is Islam?

Islam  An Abrahamic Religion  Muslims are strict monotheists.  They believe in the Judeo- Christian God, which they call Allah.( God in Arabic)  Muslims believe that the Torah and the Bible, like the Qur’an, is the word of God. Peoples of the Book

Abraham’s Genealogy ABRAHAM SARAH HAGAR Isaac Esau Jacob 12 Tribes of Israel Ishmael 12 Arabian Tribes

The Prophetic Tradition Adam Noah Abraham Moses Jesus Muhammad

The founder of Islam is Muhammad. He lived in Mecca and had a vision where an angel appeared and told him that he was a prophet. His followers wrote down the messages Muhammad received and this became the Qur’an, the holy book of Islam. Islam spread in Arabia after being rejected at first.

Islamic Beliefs Muslims believe in two sacred books. The Qur’an guides Muslims’ lives. The Sunnah tells Muslims of important duties expected of them. Did you know? Islam is a monotheistic religion, just like Judaism and Christianity. That means it is based on a belief in only one God.

The Origins of the Qur’an  Muhammad received his first revelation from the angel Gabriel in the Cave of Hira in 610.  622  Hijrah  Muhammed flees Mecca for Medina. * The beginning of the Muslim calendar (1 A.H.)  Muhammad’s revelations were compiled into the Qur’an after his death.

The Qur’an  Muslims believe it contains the word of God.  114 suras (chapters).  In the name of Allah, the compassionate, the merciful.  Written in Arabic.

What does the Qur’an do? The Qur’an teaches Muslims how to worship. It teaches Muslims how to live good lives. It also teaches Muslims how to treat other people.

Everyday Life The Qur’an is an essential part of everyday life at home and in the Mosque. It is read and recited through daily prayers, and at times of need when someone is ill or unhappy. The Qur’an tells people to dress modestly. Many Muslim women wear long clothing and veils over their heads to cover as much of their body as possible. Men and boys should not wear silk or gold jewellery.

Muslims follow the Five Pillars of Islam. They follow these five rules as they live their daily lives. day.

1. The Shahada 1 1  The testimony.  The declaration of faith: There is no god worthy of worship except God, and Muhammad is His Messenger [or Prophet]. There is no god worthy of worship except God, and Muhammad is His Messenger [or Prophet].

2. The Salat 2 2  The mandatory prayers performed 5 times a day: * dawn * noon * late afternoon * sunset * before going to bed  Wash before praying.  Face Mecca and use a prayer rug.

2. The Salat 2 2  The call to prayer by the muezzin in the minaret.  Pray in the mosque on Friday.

3. The Zakat 3 3  Almsgiving (charitable donations).  Muslims believe that all things belong to God.  Zakat means both “purification” and “growth.”  About 2.5% of your income.

4. The Sawm 4 4  Fasting during the holy month of Ramadan.  Considered a method of self- purification.  No eating or drinking from sunrise to sunset during Ramadan.

5. The Hajj 5 5  The pilgrimage to Mecca.  Must be done at least once in a Muslim’s lifetime.  2-3 million Muslims make the pilgrimage every year.

5. The Hajj 5 5  Those who complete the pilgrimage can add the title hajji to their name.

The Mosque  The Muslim place of worship.

The Dome of the Rock Mosque in Jerusalem Mount Moriah Rock where Muhammad ascended into heaven.

Other Islamic Religious Practices  Up to four wives allowed at once if they can afford to take care of them.  No alcohol or pork.  No gambling.  Sharia  body of Islamic law to regulate daily living.  Three holiest cities in Islam: * Mecca, Medina, Jerusalem.

Essential Question: Why was Islam able to spread so quickly and convert so many to the new religion?

The Spread of Islam  Easy to learn and practice.  No priesthood.  Teaches equality.  Non-Muslims, who were “Peoples of the Book,” were allowed religious freedom, but paid additional taxes.  Easily “portable”  nomads & trade routes.  Jihad (“Holy War”) against pagans and other non-believers (“infidels”).

Expansion of Islam After Muhammad’s death, other Muslim leaders worked to spread Islam. When their armies conquered lands, Islam spread through the Middle East and into Africa, Asia, and Spain.

Muslims in the World Today

Countries with the Largest Muslim Population 1.Indonesia183,000,0006.Iran62,000,000 2.Pakistan134,000,0007.Egypt59,000,000 3.India121,000,0008.Nigeria53,000,000 4.Bangladesh114,000,0009.Algeria31,000,000 5.Turkey66,000,00010.Morocco29,000,000 * Arabs make up only 20% of the total Muslim population of the world.

Muslims in America

Muslim Culture in NYC The Islamic Center, New York City

Muslim Cultural Achievements Scholars translated many ancient writings in astronomy, geography, math, and science from Greeks and Romans into Arabic. Then they improved upon what they learned. Astrolabe Arab scholars improved upon this invention to figure out their location on the earth. Astronomy Muslim scientists made remarkable advances in astronomy. Geography Muslim geographers made more accurate maps than were available before. They also developed better ways of calculating distances. Medicine Muslim doctors developed better ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat many diseases.

Math Muslim scholars laid the foundation for Algebra by combining two systems of mathematics from Indian and Greek systems. Philosophy Muslim philosophy led to the development of Sufism. Sufis celebrated their love of God through music and dance. Literature Poetry and short stories influenced by Islam were popular in the Muslim world. Art Muslim artists did not include people or animals in art, so they turned calligraphy, or decorative writing, into an art form. They used calligraphy to make sayings from the Qur’an into great works of art that they could use to decorate mosques. More Muslim Contributions

Practice Test Question Copy the question and write the correct answer Muslim scholars and artists did all of the following except a. Preserve ancient Greek writings. b. Create unique Islamic works of art. c. Preserve written Roman laws. d. Make important advances in astronomy and geography. The correct answer is C.

Practice Test Question Copy the question and write the correct answer What is one way Islam is like Judaism and Christianity? a. It is also a monotheistic religion. b. It was also founded by Muhammad. c. It also arose in the desert country of Arabia. d. It also uses the New and Old Testaments. The correct answer is A.

Practice Test Question Copy the question and write the correct answer Which statement does NOT describe the geography of Arabia? a. There is little water or rainfall. b. It is mostly a hot, dry, desert. c. Mountains border the coasts. d. Rivers and lakes exist in the north. The correct answer is D.

Practice Test Question Copy the question and write the correct answer Which of the following is NOT one of Muhammad’s teachings? a. There is only one God, Allah. b. The rich should help the poor. c. All people are equal. d. It is right to worship many gods. The correct answer is D.

Practice Test Question Copy the question and write the correct answer Fertile areas in deserts are called a. Trade centers. b. Dunes. c. Oases. d. Sand lakes. The correct answer is C.