Islam Belief in the in a monotheistic god as reveled to the Prophet Muhammad. God is referred to as Allah. Muhammad is the Last Prophet
Quran - Koran The Most Holy Book is the Quran not in chronological order Meant to be recited. Each verse is known a Surha
Other Holy Book Hadith - collection of traditions containing sayings of the prophet Muhammad that, with accounts of his daily practice (the Sunna), constitute the major source of guidance for Muslims apart from the Koran.
5 Pillars 1) The Testimony of Faith: “There is no true god (deity) but Allah 2) Prayer: 5 Times a day facing direction of Mecca 3) Charity (Alms) for the needy 4) Fasting the Month of Ramadan 5) Hajj
The Hajj A required pilgrimage to Mecca the birth place of Mohammad, that a Muslim must make in his or her lifetime.
Mecca
2 million pilgrims a year Osama Bin Laden sees us on Saudi Soil as an abomination against Islam. Remember, he offered to protect Saudi Arabia after the Iraq invasion of Kuwait. The Saudis picked us for protection. This was the beginning of 9/11
The Kabba Believed to house a meteorite, sent by Allah, of a piece of the Garden of Eden.
The Mosque A Muslim house of worship Taj Mahal
Mosques Mosques due to their contact mostly fighting with the Byzantine Empire are influenced by the design.
Sharia Law Islamic Law based on the Koran and interpreted through Imams (religious, Political leaders No separation between church and state
Art and Architecture
However unlike Byzantine Churches which have a plain exterior, Mosques may be richly decorated
Mosques are Known for the four Minarets (Pray Towers) Towers that are used to call Muslims to Prayer 5 times a day.
Islamic Architecture is based on the Roman Dome but modified in a more “onion” shape and richly decorated. The Roman Arch has also been modified to have a sharp Keystone
No Seats Worshipers use pray matts There is usually an alter
Islamic art is based on geometry, calligraphy, and organic forms.
Calligraphy is the highest form
The Imam The Imam is the head of a Mosque and religious leader. He can also be a strong political leader!
Dome of the Rock Located in Jerusalem on the former site of the Jewish Temple destroyed by the Romans around 70 AD This site is where Muhammad ascended to Heaven on a golden Ladder
The Dome of the Rock The site where Mohammad ascended the Golden Ladder to Heaven in Midnight Journey
Rock where Muhammad ascended to Heaven
Again the Dome is Richly decorated in geometric form
Most revered form of literature is Poetry Like the Koran, poetry is meant to be recited with rhythm