What are the major religious beliefs of Islam, why did certain religious groups feel that revolution against the Shah was necessary, and how does this belief impact the citizens of Iran, the U.S., and or the rest of the world?

Major Religious Beliefs of Islam There is one, unique, incomparable God God alone has right to be invoked, supplicated, prayed to, or shown any act of worship Arabic word Allah means God Believe in the existence of the angels and they are honored creatures The Quran is the holy book Believe in prophets and messengers of God In God’s final message to man he said that the Prophet Muhammad will be the last prophet sent to Earth. Day of Judgment: all people will be resurrected for God’s judgment according to their beliefs and deeds Five Pillars of Islam: 1.Shahadah: there is no god except God, Muhammad is God's Messenger 2.Salat: ritual prayer five times a day 3.Sawm: fasting and self-control during month of Ramadan 4.Zakat: 2.5% of one’s savings go to the poor and needy 5.Hajj: pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in a lifetime Star and Crescent is the best-known symbol used to represent Islam

Revolution Against the Shah Shah: Emperor of Iran A dictator was put into power by Western forces -Forced Westernization on Iran The results of this Westernization included: -Increase in communist activity -Change in the Islamic calendar to the Imperial -Tyrannical/Oppressive rule -Monarchy was destroyed Religious groups believed that the introduction of Western culture would change their way of life and traditions. Their ideals were different than the ones being forced upon them and felt that they had to fight back to prevent their culture from disappearing.

Impact of Revolution The citizens in Iran were subject to demonstrations where protests against the government often turned to violence. The entire country was separated. The world was impacted because during this time the height of the Cold War between the U.S. and the Soviet Union continued -Iran was seen as a potential target for the spread of Soviet Communism. -The U.S. in result, supported the actions and Westernization that the Shah was putting forth. With increasing tension, young Irans attacked the US embassy and took 66 hostages. -8 Americans were killed in result of this attack The Iran revolution against the Shah was felt globally

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