Islam Newest of the Major Western Religions

Symbol Crescent moon and star

Followers Called Muslims Second largest religion (1.3 billion people) after Christianity (2 billion people) Rapidly growing

Located in The Middle East North Africa Southeast Asia

Founded by Muhammad in 600 AD in Mecca and Medina, Saudi Arabia

Developed out of Judaism and Christianity  Archangel Gabriel gave Muhammad a message  Jesus and Moses are Muslim prophets

Koran (Qur’an)= holy book

Allah = name of god

Mosque = Muslim place of worship Minarets = towers on the mosque Friday = holy day Imam = title of the preacher

Five Pillars of Islam Faith: “There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is his messenger” Prayer: pray five times a day facing Mecca Alms: give money to poor Fasting: not eating during the day during the month of Ramadan Pilgrimage: Journey to Mecca to go around the Kaaba seven times

Government and church are the same  Their constitution is the Koran

Allowed four wives

Cannot eat pork or drink alcohol

Women wear veils and some wear burkas

Jihad = holy war Koran says to make war on the infidel (non- believers) If you die in a jihad, you will go to heaven

Two branches of Islam Sunnis: 90% less strict Shiites: 10% very strict, especially to women  Iran  Iraq  Afghanistan