Basics of Islam

Basics Islam is the second largest religion in the world with over 1 billion followers. Islam means “submission to God” & followers are called Muslims, meaning “one who submits” Muslims believe that Islam was revealed over 1400 years ago in Mecca, Arabia. Muslims believe that there is only One God, The Arabic word for God is Allah. According to Muslims, God sent prophets to mankind to teach them how to live according to His law, including Jesus, Moses and Abraham. They believe that the final Prophet was Muhammad. Their holy book is the Qur’an (Koran)

Worship Worship in a Mosque: “Place of prostration” Jumu’ah: Friday Congregational prayers Imam: worship leader of a mosque and Muslim community among Sunni Muslims.  Wudu: Ritual washing before prayer The Five Pillars

The Five Pillars The five obligations that every Muslim must satisfy in order to live a good and responsible life. Shahada: Declaration of Faith Salat: Prayer Zakat: Almsgiving (Charity) Hajj: Pilgrimage to Mecca Sawm: Fasting during Ramadan

Holy Days Two Festivals set down in the Qur’an Eid ul Fitr End of Ramadan, end of fasting begins at the first sighting of the New Moon The first celebrated by the Prophet Muhammad after the victory of a battle Feasting, wearing new clothing Time of forgiveness and making amends Eid ul Adha Celebrates Abraham's willingness to sacrifice son Ishmael Reminds Muslims of their willingness to submit to the will of God Sacrifice of animals. Meat is shared with family and distributed to poor

Sharia Law Religious law regulating the daily lives for Muslims: marriage, legal dealings, worship Intended to ensure that all Muslims live good and pure lives Comes multiple sources including the Qur'an (the Muslim holy book), the Hadith (sayings and conduct of the prophet Muhammad) and fatwas (the rulings of Islamic scholars). Food Laws: Halal (allowed) & Haram (banned) All vegetable, fruit, grain and seafood is halal. Only meat killed kills swiftly and the appropriate prayers are said at its death or at the time of eating Can not eat any food that has been sacrificed to idols, pork product, meat with blood undrained from it; drink alcohol In cases of necessity, may eat anything available, even pork, rather than suffer Cosmetics also need to be Halal (nail polish, lipstick, etc)

Jihad Literally means “struggle or effort,” three types A believer's internal struggle to live out the Muslim faith as well as possible The struggle to build a good Muslim society Holy war: the struggle to defend Islam, with force if necessary “Greater Jihad”=internal struggle Giving up smoking. Cleaning the floor of the mosque. Taking part in Muslim community activities. Working for social justice. Forgiving someone who has hurt them. Learning the Qur'an by heart, or engage in other religious study. Overcoming things such as anger, greed, hatred, pride, or malice.

What can justify Jihad as Holy War? The Qur'an is clear that self- defense is always the cause: Self-defense Strengthening Islam Protecting the freedom of Muslims to practice their faith Protecting Muslims against oppression, which could include overthrowing a tyrannical ruler Punishing an enemy who breaks an oath Putting right a wrong A war is not a Jihad if the intention is to: Force people to convert to Islam Conquer other nations to colonize them Take territory for economic gain Settle disputes Demonstrate a leader's power

Hijab Hijab is an Arabic word meaning “barrier” Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty: that will make for greater purity for them: And Allah is well acquainted with all that they do. 24:30 Hijab Hijab is an Arabic word meaning “barrier” Principle of modesty and includes behavior as well as dress for both males and females. Observe the hijab in front of any man they could theoretically marry. Not in front of the father, brothers, grandfathers, uncles or young children. Not in front of other Muslim women, is debate about non-Muslim women.

Hijab Modesty rules are open to a wide range of interpretations: Wear full-body garments that only expose their eyes. Cover every part of the body except their face and hands. Only their hair or their cleavage Do not observe any special dress rules. Niqab: the piece of cloth which covers the face NOT considered restrictive but respectful