E. Napp Islam In this lesson, students will be able to identify characteristics of Islam. Students will be able to identify and/or define the following terms: Muhammad The Five Pillars of the Faith Muslim (Moslem) Koran (Qu’ran)

E. Napp Saudi Arabia is a country in the Middle East. It is also the birthplace of the world religion, Islam.

E. Napp Muhammad Muhammad was born in Mecca, Arabia. He became involved in the Arabian caravan trade. He eventually married a wealthy widow and spent many hours meditating and praying in the caves around Mecca.

E. Napp Muhammad was a religious man. He frequently meditated and prayed in the caves around Mecca.

E. Napp One day, Muhammad believed that God spoke to him through an angel.

E. Napp By the 600s A.D., a new religion was founded. The religion of Islam is based on the revelations of the Prophet Muhammad.

E. Napp Monotheism Muhammad believed that the one, true God had spoken to him. Muhammad became a monotheist. Muhammad believed that the God who spoke to him was the same God of the Jews and Christians. Muhammad believed that he was the Seal of the Prophets or God’s final prophet.

E. Napp The Koran or Qu’ran is the holy book of Islam. Muslims or Moslems (the followers of Islam) believe that the words of the Koran are God’s words to Muhammad.

E. Napp At one point, Muhammad and his followers had to flee Mecca and go to Medina. This is called the Hegira or Hijra.

E. Napp The Five Pillars of the Faith The Five Pillars of the Faith are five critical beliefs or actions for Muslims or followers of Muhammad. The Five Pillars are: To believe in One God To Pray Five Times a Day Facing Mecca To Give Alms or Charity to the Poor To Fast During the Month of Ramadan from Sunrise to Sunset To Make a Pilgrimage to Mecca if Able

E. Napp Muslims are not allowed to drink alcohol.

E. Napp Muslims are not allowed to eat pork.

E. Napp The religion of Islam allows a man to marry four wives. It allows polygamy.

E. Napp Questions for Reflection: Who was Muhammad? What is the Koran? List the Five Pillars of the Faith. Who is a Muslim and what are Muslims forbidden to do? What was the Hegira? What do Jews, Christians, and Muslims have in common?