RELIGIONS OF THE MIDDLE EAST ISLAM

ISLAM - GOD ALLAH It is just the Arabic word for God Literally translated, Islam means “to submit” Followers of Islam are called Muslims Muslims too, believe in the same God of the Jews and Christians, Abraham

HOLY BOOK THE QU’RAN/KORAN Much of it is taken from Jewish and Christian beliefs This was written after the death of Muhammad in 632 AD, the founder of Islam The words of God were spoken to Muhammad by the angel Gabriel for over 23 years Muhammad would go fast in a cave while Gabriel spoke the word of God to Muhammad He had to memorize everything Gabriel told him

KEY BELIEFS Muslims believe in the prophets of the Hebrews, Jesus and Moses The difference is that Muslims believe that Muhammad was the last prophet of God Jesus was a prophet but he was not divine Mecca, where Muhammad was born became the holiest city for Muslims (Medina) Live life according to God’s guidance, then you will find yourself in paradise

KEY BELIEFS CONTINUED… Jihad – the holy war called on by Muslims today to justify terrorism Chapter 2 Verse 191 “Fight in the cause of Allah against those who fight against you, but transgress not. Surely, Allah loves not the transgressors. Once they start fighting, kill them wherever you meet them, and drive them out from where they have driven you out; for aggression is more heinous than killing…if they desist, surely Allah is Most Forgiving…no retaliation is permissible except against the aggressors.” Chapter 4 Verses 73 – 77 “Let those then fight in the cause of Allah who would exchange the present life with the Hereafter. Whoso fights in the cause of Allah, be he slain or be he victorious, We shall soon give him a great reward…Fight ye then against the friends of Satan.” Context and interpretation What is actually being said here? What context is this used in? Islamic fundamentalists use it to get followers to martyr themselves for Allah

PRACTICES AND RITUALS There are 5 pillars in Islam Shahada – There is no other God but Allah Salat – prayer, this is done 5 times a day and must always face towards Mecca (story) Zakat – give alms or a portion of your wealth to those less fortunate (tithe) Siyam – fasting, this goes on during Ramadan, where Muslims do not eat, drink or get it on from sunrise to sunset for 30 days Hajj – this is the pilgrimage every Muslim must make once in their lifetime

WORSHIP SERVICES Muslims worship in a mosque The spiritual leader of Islam is called imam Imam is not any closer to God than any other Muslim Jerusalem it the home to the holiest mosque in Islam, Dome of the Rock

SECTS Muslims were split more along political than religious lines Who would lead the religion after the death of the prophet? Sunni – they believe that the person should be selected among an elite group Shi’a – believe that the imam/caliph of Islam should be a descendant of Muhammad