ISLAM

42 modern nations are completely Islamic 42 modern nations are completely Islamic. There are 1 billion Muslims in the world. Only 20% of the world’s Muslims are Arabs. (UN 2009)

Pre-Islamic Arabia

Arabia was fragmented into dozens, of tribal, nomadic clans, called Bedouins. Each clan had its own deity (usually associated with the goddess of heaven or the moon, which nomadic people could worship anywhere.

The city of Mecca was the main religious and trading center for the Bedouin tribes of Arabia. Before Islam, the Bedouins believed that their many gods were housed in the Kaaba, a black stone shrine in the heart of Mecca.

The leader of a clan was called the shaykh The leader of a clan was called the shaykh. He was elected by a council of elder and usually had large herds of animals, and several wives. His will was enforced by a class of warriors.

II. Muhammad Muhammad was born in Mecca in 570C.E.. He was orphaned at age 6, and was raised by his uncle, who owned a caravan trading business. Working for his uncle brought Muhammad in contact with Jews and Christians living in Palestine (Damascus & Jerusalem).

Muhammad became very acquainted with Judaism and Christianity, and his religion shows similarities with both beliefs. On one of his many trading trips to Palestine, Muhammad met and married Khadija, a wealthy merchant widow.

- Muhammad became a wealthy merchant - Muhammad became a wealthy merchant. But he was bored and spent lots of free time in the mountains outside Mecca. In 610 C.E., while meditating in the Mountains, Muhammad began to receive revelations from the angel Gabriel, these revelations continue for 20 years. Icon of Gabriel, Byzantine, ca. 1387–1395

The cave Hira in the mountain Jabal al-Nour where, according to Muslim belief, Muhammad received his first revelation. - His first revelations attacked idolatry, and the traditional beliefs of the Bedouins. His message was rejected and mocked in Mecca when he tried to preaches publicly. Medina Mecca

In 622 C.E., Muhammad fled Mecca and traveled to Medina to establishes his new government. This event is called the “hijra,” and it marks the beginning of the Muslim calendar. Medina Mecca

In 629 C.E., after converting the people of Medina to Islam, Muhammad led them in the conquest of Mecca. Muhammad's tomb is located under the Green Dome of Al- Masjid al-Nabawi. Muhammad’s tomb is located under the Green Dome of Al-Masjid al-Nabawi.

The Spread of Islam: While in Medina, Muhammad was able to create the umma (Community of the faithful.) Muhammad knew that his religion would not be safe until he created an empire to protect it. By 632 C.E., he had conquered most of Arabia.

©2004 Wadsworth, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc ©2004 Wadsworth, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Thomson Learning™ is a trademark used herein under license.

- Muhammad died suddenly in 632 C. E. before appointing a successor - Muhammad died suddenly in 632 C.E. before appointing a successor. This led to arguments over who should be Caliph of Islam, causing divisions among Muslims to this day.

Wednesday Day 2 Basic Beliefs

Basic Islamic Beliefs: The foundation of Islam is submission to God’s will. The word Islam means submission. The term Muslim means, one who submits.

The Qu’ran teaches that Muhammad was God’s last prophet (following others such as Moses and Jesus.) Jews, and Christians, like Muslims are considered “People of the Book.” (God’s people) Thus Muslims do not consider Islam as a new religion, but a correction of Judaism & Christianity, which had been corrupted.

Man is a creation by Allah (God); he is free to reject God, but will be an outsider of God’s community. Judgment Day of the World; everyone will receive either eternal paradise or eternal torment. The Priesthood of the faithful; personal faith in and fellowship with God is obtained without intermediaries (clergy).

The Islamic holy day is Friday, this is when Muslims gather for collective prayer.

Prayers are formal and memorized and prayed while prostrated (kneeling & bowing). The word mosque means “place of prostration.” picture of mosque near Toledo, Ohio (off I-75)

The Qu’ran requires all believers to follow certain practices, called the “five pillars of Islam”.

1. Shahada; A profession of faith that there is only one God and Mohammed is his Prophet.

2. Salat; the activity of praying five times daily, towards Mecca.

3. Zakata; Almsgiving, Muslims are required to give 4% of their income to the poor.

4. Hajj; a pilgrimage to Mecca once during your life, if you are able 4. Hajj; a pilgrimage to Mecca once during your life, if you are able. A simple white garment is worn, symbolizing the equality of believers.

5. Siyam; Fasting in the daylight hours during Ramadan, the month of the first revelation.

Forbidden Practices: Drinking alcohol. Gambling. Eating unclean meat (pork, shellfish, etc.) Enslaving “people of the book.” The use of violence to spread Islam. (Violence can be used against non-Muslims to protect Islam.)

The Islamic holy lands must never be violated by non-Muslims The Islamic holy lands must never be violated by non-Muslims.Any violations gives just cause for Jihad.

Thursday Day 3! Sunni/ Shiite/Sufi

Caliph: Caliph (Deputy) refers to the Islamic rulers after the death of Muhammad. A Caliph had both religious & civil authority. The first four caliphs continued the expansion of the Islamic kingdom that Muhammad began.

- Sunnis believe the true Caliph should be chosen by those close to Muhammad; but he did not have to be a relative. Most (85%) Muslims are Sunni.

- Shi’ite (word means “division”) believe Muhammad appointed Ali, his son-in-law, before he died. They maintain that the true Caliph must be a direct descendant of Muhammad. After Muhammad, Ali is credited as the first young male to accept Islam. uhammad, Ali is crediteAfter Muhammad, Ali iscredited as the first young male to accept Islam. d as the first young male to accept Islam.