5 Pillars and Islam Wrap Up Thurs. Jan. 5, 2012 Paulson Bible

Spark Write “5 Pillars” in sparks Get with your groups Finalize your presentation Write stuff (key terms, ideas, names) on the board please!!!

Agenda Spark Business Items Presentations on 5 Pillars Wrap Up Review Questions How are your B.P.’s coming along??? Presentations on 5 Pillars Wrap Up Vid. Clip?

5 Pillars – The Essence of Islam Islam = submission – to God and to the law Revealed in the Koran and Sunna (Muhammads example) Central concept not “faith,” or “enlightenment,” but SUBMISSION to sharia Simplicity in belief, complexity in law Law can be summed up in 5 pillars

5 pillars 5 groups – First Pillar – p. 192 Second Pillar – p. 195 Third Pillar – p. 197 Fourth Pillar – p. 198 Fifth Pillar – p. 199 Your group needs to: Read, figure out what it’s all about (history, essence, how to do it, any interesting facts) Tell us about it: Use the board to write KEY TERMS etc. Everyone needs to have all filled in the end Turn in at end of presentations

1st Pillar – Declaration of Faith “Shahada” “There is no god but Allah; Muhammad is the Prophet of Allah.” Monotheism – contradicts both pagan and Christian beliefs (Jesus IS GOD and MAN) Koran accuses Christians of believing in 3 gods Commitment to the example (sunna) of the Prophet Believe Allah did reveal himself to Jews and Christians but that revelation is obscured Muhammad is final and authoritative messenger of God

2nd Pillar: Daily Prayer “Salat” More formal, fixed, communal (can be alone, can be spontaneous too) 5 times/day – dependent on Allah for all Times and body movements described/lived by Muhammad Symbolic washing of face, hands, and feet before prayer Prostrate, facing Mecca Muezzin – official at Mosque – calls to prayer Friday afternoon is most important and only designated community prayer time – Imam gives sermon Men and women worship together but in separate rooms (modesty not segregation) Concludes with shahada

3rd Pillar: Tax for the Poor “zakat” Act of worship toeard God and act of kindness towards fellow muslims Calculated as annual tax of about 2.5% of income and possessions Saudi Arabia – state monitored and strict Western countries – voluntary and conscience based Sharia law states zakat used for Relief of poor and orphans Reward for volunteers in jihad-war Spread of Islam around world Justice and charity very important in Islam

4th Pillar: Fast of Ramadan “sawm” Month-long fast during 9th month of lunar calendar (when Muhammad received first revelation) Praising Allah for his mercy in giving man guidance Begins when official announces sighting of full moom Every muslim abstains from food, drink, and sexual activity during DAYLIGHT hours Fast ends with Feast of the “Breaking of the Fast” A bit like Christmas – presents, food, joy

5th Pillar: Pilgrimage to Mecca “hajj” All who are able physically and financially Consider it a great privilege Worship where Abraham worshipped Imitate the example of M the Prophet 2 million people each year to this Saudi Arabian city during 12th month of Islamic year Lasts 6 days (officially) Several rituals involved Worship at Great Mosque Afternoon on the plain of Arafat “Stoning the devil” Feast of Sacrifice Some make pilgrimage once, others many times

Vid Clip Kids teaching tool from the UK

Wrap-Up Following this law, this sharia, and the example of Muhammad (or sunna) will prepare the believer for Judgment Day when Allah rewards the victorious 5 Pillars – there are other parts to law about alcohol, sex, modesty – but these Pillars are agreed upon by all