ISLAM

The 5 Pillars of Islam Confession of Faith ~ Muslims must believe “There is no God but Allah & Mohammed is his prophet”. Prayer ~ Muslims must pray 5 times a day while facing Mecca. Charity ~ Muslims must give money to the poor and pay a tax to the mosque. Fasting ~ During the month of Ramadan, Muslims cannot eat or drink during daylight hours. Pilgrimage ~ Muslims must take a religious trip to Mecca.

The 3 Foundations of Islam Allah ~ Allah is the one all powerful God. Qu’ran (Koran) ~ the sacred book of Islam that contains the teachings of Mohammed. Jihad ~ meaning “holy war”, anyone who dies spreading Islam would go directly to heaven.

Video on Islam

The Arab Empire at its Height, 750’s

Summaries of the major sects within Islam I. Sunni Muslims Sunni Muslims constitute a 90% majority of the believers in Islam, and are considered to be mainstream traditionalists.  Because they are comfortable pursuing their faith within secular societies, they have been able to adapt to a variety of national cultures, while following their three sources of law: the Qur'an, Hadith and consensus of Muslims.   The Sunnis are by far the largest sect in the Muslim world.  They take the title of Najiyah, meaning those who are being saved.  They acknowledge the first four Khalifs as the rightful successors of Muhammad. 

Summaries of the major sects within Islam cont. II. Shi'ite Muslims The Shi'ites split with the Sunni over the issue of the successor to Muhammad.  This split occurred after the assassination of the fourth caliph in 661.  Shi'ites believe that the successor to Muhammad should have been Ali, his son in law, and that subsequent successors should have been through his lineage through his wife Fatima.  The shi'ites strenuously maintain that they alone are right in their understanding of Islam, and like the Sunnis, they call themselves "true believers."  They believe in the divine right of the successors of 'Ali.  His rightful successor is now concealed, they say, but will appear at the end of the world as the one rightly guided by Allah, thus able to guide others. 

Surah 1. The Opening of the Qu’ran In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the Worlds. Most Gracious, Most Merciful, Master of the Day of Judgment. Thee do we worship, and thine aid we seek. Show us the straight way, the way of those on whom thou hast bestowed. Thy Grace, those whose portion is not wrath, and who go not astray.

The Koran & Women Muslim women in Saudi Arabia cover their faces and subject themselves to great harassment by the men of religion. This segregation of sexes is absolute in ALL walks of life. The treatment of women is sometimes supported by their interpretation of the Qu’ran. *Actual Verse from the Qu’ran ~ “Marry women of your choice, two, three, or four; but if you fear that you shall not be able to deal justly, then take only one woman or a captive that your right hand possesses.”