The Muslim World Chapter 10

I. Rise of Islam 1.6 billion followers Around 1/6 th of the world’s population Fastest growing of today’s major religions

A. Prophet Muhammad Born into a powerful family in Mecca Worked as a trader during his early life Lives a normal life until he was 40

While meditating in a cave outside of Mecca, he received a message from the Angel Gabriel Told him there is only one God Also told Muhammad that he was the last of the great prophets

The Prophet

Angel Gabriel Visiting Muhammad

B. Basic Beliefs Allah – The one and only God according to Muslims Islam – Religion that means “submission to the will of God” Muslim – Followers of Islam, means “one who submits”

C. Hijrah Muhammad found little support for his new beliefs in Mecca 622 – Muhammad flees to Medina – known as the Hijrah Also marks the beginning of the Muslim calendar In Medina, Muhammad gains fame and support Becomes a religious, political, and military leader

D. Return to Mecca 630 – Muhammad returns to Mecca with 10,000 followers People of Mecca are forced to submit to his rule Most people also convert to Islam

E. Five Pillars 1) “There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is the last messenger of Allah” 2) Prayer five times a day facing Mecca –Mosque – Islamic house of worship 3) All Muslims must pay a special religious tax

Prayer Facing Mecca

Islamic Mosque

Another Mosque

4) Ramadan – Muslim holy month in which followers may not eat or drink from dawn to dusk –Done to prove that their spiritual needs are greater than their physical needs. 5) Hajj – All Muslims who can afford it must make a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lifetime

Hajj Mecca, Saudi Arabia

F. Source of Authority Qur’an – Muslim holy book Muslims are forbidden to eat pork and drink alcohol There are no priest all worshipers are to directly worship Allah

What Islam Teaches

G. Links to Judaism and Christianity Muslims believe that Allah is the same God worshipped by Jews and Christians All three religions trace their roots back to the prophet Abraham Muslims view Jesus as one of the great prophets, but not God

All three religions believe in a final judgment with a heaven and a hell People of the Book – What Muslims call Jews and Christians because they all have similar holy books All three religions have the Old Testaments in their holy books

"Our nation must be mindful that there are thousands of Arab- Americans who live in New York City, who love their flag just as much as [we] do. And we must be mindful that as we seek to win the war, that we treat Arab-Americans and Muslims with the respect they deserve. I know that is your attitudes as well. Certainly the attitude of this government, that we should not hold one who is a Muslim responsible for an act of terror. We will hold those who are responsible for the terrorist acts accountable and those who harbor them." President George W. Bush, September 13, 2001

“America and Islam are not exclusive and need not be in competition. Instead, they overlap, and share common principles of justice and progress, tolerance and the dignity of all human beings.” - President Obama