An introduction to the faith, culture of Islam and Muslim people December 17, 2013

In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Merci-Giving

ISLAM Muslim What seem to be the dominant colors and motifs? Submission, self-surrender Muslim What seem to be the dominant colors and motifs? Green was the color of Muhammad’s robe The crescent moon was a symbol of Constantinople, “borrowed” when it was conquered in 1453 and renamed Istanbul The five-pointed star represents the five pillars of Islam submission, self-surrender”; monotheistic world religion closely related to Judaism and Christianity; adherents of Islam, called M uslims, comprise about 20-25% of the world (1.2–1.6 billion in 2000 CE). Islam means “submission” (to the will of Allah) Shares many roots with Judaism and Christianity including stories of Adam, Abraham, Moses, David, and Jesus

Some flags of Islamic countries

Muslims in the World 2 billion, Muslims represent just over 24% of the world's population = 1 of 5 humans in the world is a Muslim Second largest religion in the world Fastest growing including Europe and America

The percentage of Muslim people in different part of the world.

Beliefs of Islam Allah Angels Scriptures Messengers Predestination Hereafter

Belief: Allah – Oneness of God (Tawhid) 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, Surah 112) Allah is the Arabic name for God used by Muslims of the world as well as Arab Christians.

Belief: The Angels -- 4 top: Gabriel (brings revelations) - Angels: “intelligent robots” made of light energy who can assume physical form to carry out God’s will -- 4 top: Gabriel (brings revelations) Azra’il (angel of death), Michael ( is the bringer of blessing and controls the weather), and Israfil: Angel of Death (blows the horn signaling the end of the universe) Part of the belief in the unseen is the belief in other forms of creation (the angels made from light; the Jinn (spirits, demons) made from the essence of fire) Some angels have specific tasks: Jibril (Gabriel) brings the revelation, Israfil delivers commands and blows the trumpet on the day of judgment, Mika’il (Michael) is the bringer of blessing and in charge of nature, Izra’il the angel of death. Our deeds are recorded by two personal angels -- 4 top: Gabriel (brings revelations), Azra’il (angel of death), Michael (controls the weather), and Israfil (blows the horn signaling the end of the universe) -- Each person has two angels, one at each shoulder, to record good and bad deeds -- Also jinn – unseen spirits made of smoke who cause mischief - Revealed books of God: all have been changed or corrupted except for the Qur’an (Koran)

Belief: Scriptures The Qur’an Revealed over 23 years in Makkah and Madinah Both memorised and recorded in writing, today’s copy is proven to be exactly the same as at the time of revelation 114 Surahs (chapters) divided in Ayahs (signs/verses) Revealed over 23 years in Makkah and Madinah Both memorised and recorded in writing, today’s copy is proven to be exactly the same as at the time of revelation 114 Surahs (chapters) divided in Ayahs (signs/verses) Explanation (Tafsir) takes account of historic situation, linguistic understanding, and context of other verses Recited in Arabic during prayer; translations are accepted for personal use, but not authoritative

Belief: Messengers - Muhammad Descendant of Ismail (Ishmael), the first son of Abraham. Born in Mecca, Arabia, in the year 570 Received first revelation at the age 40 through angel Gabriel. Year 610 Died in the year 632 C.E, after preaching Islam for 23 years. Seal of the chain of prophets; no more prophets to follow.

Belief: Predestination (Qadr) We are accountable for our deeds, but cannot influence the events we encounter, which are intended to test us. Our knowledge is limited, but the Creator has complete knowledge of past present and future. The belief in predestination helps in times of affliction but is not intended to prevent us from trying our best.

Belief: The Hereafter Life is part of a journey from God back to God Life has a purpose; we are on trial with regard to our behaviour The soul is eternal and will be raised again Perfect justice does not exist on earth; full justice can only be achieved in the Hereafter Nobody will escape accountability

The Dar al-Islam The World of Islam 1 2 3 4 5

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

2. The Salat 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. Five Daily Prayers Prayers involve ablution, standing, bowing, prostrating, sitting postures, followed by personal invocations Muslim face a common prayer direction (Qiblah) towards the Kaabah in Makkah Prayers can be said alone or in congregation On Fridays congregational prayers preceded by a sermon are mandatory The five daily prayers are: Fajr (from early twilight till just before sunrise Zuhr (after the zenith of the sun till mid afternoon Asr (between mid and late afternoon Maghrib (shortly after sunset) ‘Isha (during night-time and before the next morning’s twilight) There are additional voluntary prayers as well as are prayers for special occasions

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

3. The Zakat Almsgiving (charitable donations). Muslims believe that all things belong to God. Zakat means both “purification” and “growth.” About 2.5%/ 20%, 12.5% of your income. Everybody above the poverty threshold must pay 2.5% of surplus (not income) for the benefit of the needy annually Only Muslims pay Zakah Other charity can be given at any time The concept of Zakah ensures an awareness of social obligation and prevents hording Most of Sunni / Sunnah muslim are paying 2.5% of their surplus and may also pay Sadaqa. But Shia / Shaite are paying Khums and Zakat. Khums is 1/5 which is 20% of their surplus and the 2.5% of Zakat in Shia Imami Ismaili Muslim are paying out of their income rather than surplus so they pay between 10 - 12.5% of their income monthly.

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

End of the Ramadan holiday. Eid Mubarak End of the Ramadan holiday.

5. The Hajj The pilgrimage to Mecca. Must be done at least once in a Muslim’s lifetime. 2-3 million Muslims make the pilgrimage every year. Pilgrimage to Makkah once in life time for able Muslims during the last month of the Muslim calendar About 2-3 million Muslims perform Hajj each year from all over the world The rituals of Hajj commemorate the sacrifice of Ibrahim (Abraham) Eid ul-Adha: the major Muslim holiday; congregational prayer followed by sacrifice, food distribution and celebrations A lesser pilgrimage (Umrah) can take place any time during the year as a visit to the Kaabah

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

Halal and Haram Haram is not only about food it is also about deed and behaviour.

Halal/Haram: Food Carrion, blood and pork are amongst the forbidden food items Meat must be slaughtered in the name of Allah and all blood must be drained Only non-carnivorous animals are permitted for consumption Most sea animals are permitted Alcohol and intoxicating drugs are prohibited completely Food prepared by the People of the Book (Jews/Christians) is permitted; food dedicated to other gods is prohibited

Halal/Haram: Behaviour Prohibited actions: Murder Theft Usury Gambling Intimate relationships outside marriage

Variations within Islam Sunni Shi’a Sufi Different races, different cultures

Sunni Sunni:Movement can be identified in differences with the Shi'a Dominating continuously since 661CE Sunni Islam claims to be continuation of revelations passed to Muhammad Believe Caliphs did not have to be from the Prophet’s family Believe Prophet did not designate a successor and his sunna were based on mandated elections, which they wanted to abide to Believe that any good Muslim can be a leader Leaders come from agreements of consensus and do not recognize special sacred wisdom in their leaders Believe that ‘Ali is not a “divine light” from the Prophet Importance of Sunna (meaning “customs” included in Hadiths) Shari’a: Islamic law was established

Shi'a Believe in Muhammad’s teachings and religious guidance of his family, which is referred to Ahl al-Bayt Bloodline continues through daughter, Fatima, and Son-in-law/cousin, ‘Ali Believe descendants are Imams fathered by ‘Ali First three rulings of Sunni Caliphs is seen as an occurrence in history and not something that is connected to faith Muhammad directed ‘Ali as successor on many occasions; he is the rightful leader of Muslim faith ‘Ali is seen as a divinely appointed imam ‘Ali has power to add to Hadith and continue newly found beliefs of Islam Shi'a believe in holy books after the Quran, including the Mushaf Fatima (Book of Fatima), Al-Jamia, and Al-Jafr (The Parchment) Branches in Shi'a: Twelvers: Twelve rightful Imams and Alawites: believe ‘Ali is the incarnation of God

Islamic Art

A mosque in Yemen

Istanbul’s Blue Mosque http://www.mccullagh.org

A mosque in N.W. China

Mecca Pilgrims circumambulate the Ka’ba, a cube encased in silk containing a black stone (meteorite?) (pre-Islamic sacred place?)

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