Islam 101 An Introduction to the world’s second largest religion

Outline Islamic Theology – Basic Beliefs Muslim Non-Muslim Relations Quotations From Quran and Hadith

No Compulsion Let there be no compulsion in religion. Truth stands out clear from Error. Whoever rejects evil and believes in God has grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold, that never breaks. And God hears and knows all things. (The Holy Quran, 2.256)

World Muslims 1.2 billion, Muslims represent between 19.2% and 22% of the world's population. One of every five persons in the world is a Muslim Second largest religion in the world

World Distribution of Muslims Africa308,660, % Asia778,362, % Europe32,032,0002.8% Latin America1,356,0000.1% North America5,530,0000.5% World1,126,325,000100% Source: Britannica Yearbook

American Muslims The are no solid figures for the US Muslim population: – Range = 2-7 million About 40% African-American Not all Muslims are Arabs, Not all Arabs are Muslims

The Basics of Faith Belief in One God (Allah) Belief in Prophets of God (Abraham, Moses, Muhammad, etc.) All the Divine Books as revealed by God to various prophets (primarily Bible and Koran) Angels, Jinns (Demons), Life after Death and the Day of Judgment, Heaven and Hell

Allah – the One God Allah is the Arabic name for God used by Muslims of the world as well as Arab Christians. Say: He is God, the One and Only; God, the Eternal, Absolute; He begets not, nor is He begotten; And there is none like Him. (The Quran, Chapter 112)

Allah: name in the Bible "ELOI, ELOI, LAMA SABACHTHANI? which is, My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?" (Mark 15:34). HALLELUIA = Hallel + Yahweh = Praise! Allah Elohim =Eloh +im (plural), translated to Allah in the Arabic Bible.

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

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

Quran: The Holy Book of Islam Original is said to be intact as given by the Prophet in Arabic 23 Years of Revelations – ( AD) 114 Chapters; \ One Chapter = Multiple Revelations Chapter (Surah) names Historic Context matters Verses Explain Verses Commentary needed in the light of Arabic, History, and Sunnah

Quran: Verse 8: But if your enemy inclines towards peace, you also shall incline towards peace, and trust in God: for He is the One that hears and knows all things God does not forbid you, with regard to those who fight against you or your Faith, nor those who drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them: for God loves those who are just God only forbids you, with regard to those who fight against you or your Faith, nor those who drive you out of your homes, and support others in driving you out, from turning to them for friendship and protection. It is such as turn to them in these circumstances, that do wrong.

Worship and Obedience Prayers (Salah) Charity (Zakat) Fasting ( Ramadan) Pilgrimage (Hajj) Any act done according to Quran and Sunnah to please God

Prayers (Salah) Five Daily Prayers from Dawn to Late Evening regulate a Muslim’s day Prayers involve: – Ablution (ritual cleaning) – standing – bowing – prostrating (kneeling w/ forehead on ground) – sitting Face Kabah, pray in Arabic as taught by the Prophet. Additional Prayers optional

Charity (Zakat) So establish regular Prayer and give regular Charity; and obey the Apostle; that you may receive mercy. (The Quran) Required 2.5% charity on yearly savings A Muslim must be a charitable person – Removing a stone from the road is charity – Greeting with a smile is a charity

Fasting O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you may learn self-restraint. (The Quran) Ramadan is 9th month in Islamic Lunar calendar Daily dawn to sunset fast for 29/30 days (no food or drink) Eidul-Fitr Holiday at the end

Hajj (Pilgrimage) Pilgrimage to Mecca once in life time for able Muslims About 2-3 million Muslims perform Hajj each year from all over the world. Eidul-Adha: the biggest Muslim Holiday

Food O you who believe! Eat of the good things that We have provided for you, and be grateful to God, if it is Him that you worship. Forbidden: Meat of animals found dead blood the flesh of swine (pigs) Alcoholic beverages (such as beer and wine) and intoxicants Permitted: food of the People of the Book - Kosher

Human Equality in Islam Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: "No Arab has any superiority over a non- Arab, nor does a non-Arab have any superiority over an Arab. Nor does a white man have any superiority over a black man, or the black man any superiority over the white man. You are all the children of Adam, and Adam was created from clay"

Justice in Islam "Do not let your hatred of a people incite you to aggression." (Quran 5:2) "And do not let ill-will towards any people incite you so that you swerve from dealing with them justly. Be just; that is nearest to obedience." (Quran 5:8) ‘Oh you who believe, stand up firmly for justice, as witnesses to God, even if it is against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, and whether it be against rich or poor; for God can best protect both. Do not follow any passion, lest you not be just. And if you distort or decline to do justice, verily God is well- acquainted with all that you do.’” (Quran 4:135)

Repel Evil with Goodness Nor can goodness and Evil be equal. Repel Evil with what is better: Then, between the two who you who had hatred between them, they will become as it were your friend and intimate! Those who spend freely, whether in prosperity, or in adversity; who restrain anger, and forgive all men; for God loves those who do good.

Suicide is a Grave Sin O you who believe! Do not devour your property among yourselves in useless pursuits: But let there be amongst you traffic and trade by mutual good-will: Nor should you kill or destroy yourselves: for truly God has been to you Most Merciful! (Quran, 4:29)

Concluding Remarks Contrary to much of what is portrayed in the media, the Quran calls for all Muslims to strive for peace and justice for all. All religions and political movements have their extreme fringe elements. We need to learn to see past the hype and wisely discern what the true core is, then we can identify the extremists.