ERC 404 – Mr. Wilson
Let’s test your knowledge!
When was the Religion of Islam founded? Who is their holiest “Prophet?” What is the name Islam’s holy book? What is the name of their holiest city and which country is it in? Name at least ONE Islamic holiday. What is the name for an Islamic temple? What kind of calendar do Muslims use? Islam is the ________ biggest religion in the world.
(Wait for it!)
~ 600 A.D. Mohammed (the Prophet) The Qur’an Mecca, in Saudi Arabia Ramadan, Eid, Mosque A Lunar calendar Second
Muhammad In the month of Ramadan, Muhammad was 40 years old and he started to hear “the voice of God.” He started preaching this message until he had a following.
Living and preaching around Mecca and Medina, Muhammad united the tribes of the area – this is usually considered the beginning of Islam in 622 A.D. Muhammad’s teachings were collected and turned into the Qur’an – The Islamic holy book. Although there have been many prophets, Muhammad is considered to be the most important, the one who purified the word of God, and returned Islam to it’s original state.
Islam = “submission to God” also comes from the Arabic word meaning “Peace.” Muslim = “One who submits to God” Allah = God Islamic Prophets include Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and of course, Muhammad. Interestingly enough, the Qur’an refers to the Christians and the Jews as “People of the Book” – and holds them in the highest esteem.
1. The Shahadah – When Muslims are required to recite the following during prayer: “I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah and I testify that Muhammad is the messenger of God.” 2. The Salah – the ritual prayer, which must be performed 5 times a day while facing the Kaaba in Mecca. There is some flexibility in this, but just to remind you they have the Adhan or the call to prayer.
3. The Sawm – Fasting during the month of Ramadan. This involves no eating or drinking from dawn until sunset, to encourage a nearness and a thankfulness to Allah – and to be mindful of your sins. 4. The Zakat – the Alms giving. Obligatory for Muslims who can afford it, this pillar stipulates that you must give to the poor.
5. The Hajj – the pilgrimage to Mecca! Every able-bodies Muslims who can afford it is required to visit the Kaaba at some point in their life. Once in Mecca, the pilgrim must wear a simple white Ihram and walk bare-foot around the Kaaba 7 times.
The Grand Mosque is the location of the Kaaba – or the Black Stone. According to Islamic tradition the stone dates back to the time of Adam and Eve. It is believed to be a meteorite which fell to the Earth and Adam and Eve built the first altar out of it. Originally white, it is now black from absorbing all of the Muslim’s sins.
8 th century – Distillation and purification. 9 th century – The Restaurant! Kerosene and Petrol Coffee The first Pin-Hole Camera Chess Washing and bathing (religious requirements!) The Pointed Arch Inoculation The Fountain Pen The modern Cheque The Earth is Round!
Sunni Muslims – they constitute a 90% majority among Muslims and are considered traditionalists. Shi’ite Muslims – they believe in a much stricter version of the Qur’an. Sufism – they seek inner knowledge through meditation while incorporating ideas from Christianity and Buddhism.
When meeting someone: "Assalamu 'alaykum“ (Peace be upon you). Usually gets shortened to “Salam.” When replying to the above greeting: "Wa 'alaykum assalam" (and upon you be peace). After sneezing or when you're happy about something: "Alhumdulillah" (Praise Allah!) “Yella” = Go!
Now that you know a little more about Islam – what did you find most interesting? In order to be a “Good Muslim” you have to be able to read the Qur’an – how is this different then other religions? (except Judaism…) Now that you know the entire Islamic religion is based on Peace – why do you think there is such a stereotype between “terrorism” and the Islamic faith? After writing your project on Religious Tolerance, do you think this is an important lesson? Why?