The Qur’an The Islamic Faith

Bell Ringer 2/19 What do you know about the Qu’ran (Koran)? What did you know (or think you knew) before we began the notes? What are similarities/differences between this text and the Christian Bible? Beliefs? With whom is the Qu’ran most associated (nationalities, not Muslims). What do you know about the Qu’ran (Koran)? What did you know (or think you knew) before we began the notes? What are similarities/differences between this text and the Christian Bible? Beliefs? With whom is the Qu’ran most associated (nationalities, not Muslims).

History Sometimes referred to as Koran (means “to recite”) Sometimes referred to as Koran (means “to recite”) Believed to be sent by Allah to the world Believed to be sent by Allah to the world Believed to be the final revelation of Allah Believed to be the final revelation of Allah Primary religious text of Muslims Primary religious text of Muslims Divided into 114 surahs (chapters); 6,616 ayas (verses) Divided into 114 surahs (chapters); 6,616 ayas (verses)

Muhammad Prophet Prophet Believed to have spent days in complete seclusion in the Cave of Hira, in Mecca Believed to have spent days in complete seclusion in the Cave of Hira, in Mecca –taken over by a spirit, later revealed as the angel Gabriel –continued to receive passages of the scripture over the next 23 years –was illiterate, so recited the passages to 29 scribes

Special Requirements Anyone who handles the text must be pure Anyone who handles the text must be pure The text must be placed on the highest shelf in the home The text must be placed on the highest shelf in the home The text must never have anything placed on top of it The text must never have anything placed on top of it The text must never touch the ground The text must never touch the ground The text should be held overhead in a wedding and over the casket in a funeral The text should be held overhead in a wedding and over the casket in a funeral

Six Pillars of Belief 1. Belief in one God, without doubt or exception 2. Belief in angels 3. Belief in the books of the prophets 4. Belief in the prophets 5. Belief in the accountability of their actions 6. Belief in divine decree of God

Five Pillars of Islam 1. Declaration of Faith – public 2. Five Daily prayers, bowing, facing Mecca 3. Fasting during Ramadan – sunrise to sunset 4. Almsgiving – poor and needy 5. Pilgrimage to Mecca once in lifetime