Islam

Islam is intimately connected with the Judeo-Christian tradition  Muslims are strictly monotheistic.  They believe in the Judeo-Christian God.  Muslims believe that the Torah and the Bible, like the Qur’an, is the word of God.  “Allah” is the Arabic word for God. Christian and Jewish Arabs use the same word to refer to God.  Muslims believe that people fall away from God and that He sends a new “rasul” or Messenger.  Muhammed was God’s final Messenger.

Muslims believe in all the Judeo- Christian prophets—But Muhammad is the Final Prophet  Belief in the prophets before Muhammad is a cornerstone of Islam.  Muslims believe in all the Judeo-Christian prophets and their respective stories. - Adam- Noah- Abraham - Ishmael- Isaac- Jacob - Joseph- Job- Moses - Aaron- David- Solomon - Jonah- John- Jesus

Core Concept of Islam  Islam means submission—submission to the will of Allah  Shari’ah or law of Islam expresses what these terms are (more below)  Although Islam has much in common with the Judeo-Christian tradition, key differences include the degree of God’s involvement in the world (he’s not directly), the role of reason in faith, and the idea that the world is to be enjoyed.

Muhammad and the Qur’an  Muhammad was born in 570 A.D. in Mecca  In 610, in the Cave of Hira, he received his first revelation from the angel Gabriel.  In 622, he left Mecca for Medina. This date marks the beginning of the Muslim calendar.  By the time he died in 632, Islam was a thriving religion.  The revelations he received were compiled into the Qur’an after his death.  Qur’an was copied down in an authoritative form about 20 years after Muhammad died.

The Five Pillars of Islam  Shahada – Testimony  Salat – Prayer  Zakat – Almsgiving  Sawm – Fasting  Hajj - Pilgrimage

Shahada “There is no god worthy of worship except God and Muhammad is His Messenger.” “La ilaha illa Allah; Muhammed rasul Allah.” This declaration of faith is a simple formula that all Muslims pronounce and accept.

Salat Salat is the name for the mandatory prayers that are performed five times a day. They are a direct link between the worshipper and God.

Muslims at Prayer

Zakat Muslims believe that all things belong to God, and that wealth is therefore held by people in trust. Zakat means both ‘purification’ and ‘growth’. Muslims purify their possessions by setting aside a portion for those in need. For the most part, this involves a payment of at least 2.5% of one’s capital every year. Giving more is highly recommended.

Sawm Every year during the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset. During this time, they refrain from both eating and drinking. Fasting is regarded principally as a method of self-purification. It helps make a person more sympathetic with those who go hungry and it allows for spiritual growth. The end of Ramadan is marked by a festival called Eid-ul-Fitr.

Hajj The Hajj is the annual pilgrimage to Mecca. Every Muslim who is physically and financially able is required to go at least once in his/her lifetime. 2-3 million people go every year. The close of Hajj is marked by a festival called Eid-ul- Adha. Above is the Kaaba.

Hajj Muslims performing the Hajj (a pilgrimage to Mecca). The simple white garments symbolize the equality of believers.

Muslim Mosque in Mecca

Kaaba, sacred shrine to Allah in Mecca

D144Kaaba