Islam “surrender to God.”

The Basics Sacred Text: Qur’an (Koran) Deity: Allah (Aramaic for God) House of Worship: Mosque 2 nd Largest Religion in the world. Practiced by 1/5 of World’s population

The Qur’an Muslims believe the Qur'an is the word of God, spoken by the angel Gabriel to Muhammad. The Qur'an was only in oral form while Muhammad was living, which means it was constantly interpreted by Muhammad and his disciples. The Qur'an is comprised of 114 surahs, or chapters, arranged from longest to shortest. For Muslims Muhammad was the last and most perfect of God's seven prophets or messengers to mankind.

Origins The history of Islam centers around one person, Muhammad born around 570 A.D. He was raised by his extended family after the death of his parents. As he grew, he became dissatisfied with polytheism and came to believe in one God, Allah. He began to have religious visions around age 40. During these visions, Muhammad would receive "messages" or "revelations" from Allah. He would memorize them and teach them to his followers. These visions are now recorded in the Qur'an. Muhammad continued to receive these visions and messages until his death in 632 A.D.

Six Articles of Faith Allah. Like Judaism and Christianity, Islam believes there is one true Allah (The Aramaic translation of the word God). Allah alone is the creator of all the universe. Angels. Angels exist and interact with human lives. They are comprised of light, and each have different purposes or messages to bring to earth. Each man or woman has two angels who record his actions; one records good deeds, the other bad deeds. Scripture. There are four inspired books, the Torah of Moses, the Psalms (Zabin) of David, the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Injil) and the Qur'an. All but the Qur'an have been interpreted and changed by Jews and Christians.

Six Articles of Faith cont’d. Prophets. God has spoken through numerous prophets throughout time. The six greatest are: Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad. Muhammad is the last and greatest of Allah's messengers. Afterlife. On the last day there will be a time of resurrection and judgment. Those who follow Allah and Muhammad will go to Islamic heaven, or Paradise. Those who do not will go to hell. Divine Creed.

The Five Pillars of Islam Testimony of Faith- One must state, "There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is the Prophet of Allah." publicly to become a Muslim. Prayer- Prayer must be done five times a day (upon rising, at noon, in mid-afternoon, after sunset, and before going to sleep) towards the direction of Mecca. The call to prayer is sounded by the muezzin (Muslim crier) from a tower (minaret) within the mosque. Almsgiving- Muslims are legally required to give one-fortieth of their income to the needy. Since those whom alms are given are helping the giver achieve salvation, there is no sense of shame in receiving charity. Fasting- During the holy month of Ramadan, faithful Muslims fast from sunup to sundown each day. This develops self-control, devotion to God, and identity with the needy. Pilgrimage (Hajj)- Each Muslim is expected to make the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lifetime if they have the means to do it and are physically capable of the trip. It is an essential part of gaining salvation, so the old or infirm may send someone in their place. It involves a set of rituals and ceremonies.

What is a Mosque? Minaret Dome

Icons of Islam The crescent, star, and the color green are symbols often associated with Islam. The star represents knowledge and light, and the crescent represents progress. You will find these symbols on the flags of many Muslim nations.

Holy Sites The Kaaba Located in Mecca

Holy Sites Mosque of the Prophet Located in Medina Believed to be the home of Muhammad

Holy Sites Dome of the Rock Located in Medina Believed to be the area where Muhammad ascended to heaven.

Holy Sites Tomb of Muhammad Located in Iraq

Holy Times: Ramadan Ramadan is believed to be the first month in which the Qur’an was revealed to Muhammad. During Ramadan, Muslims are expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam and to avoid obscene and irreligious sights and sounds

Holy Times: Ramadan The act of fasting is said to redirect the heart away from worldly activities, its purpose being to cleanse the inner soul and free it from harm. Properly observing the fast is supposed to induce a comfortable feeling of peace and calm. It also allows Muslims to practice self-discipline, sacrifice, and sympathy for those who are less fortunate, intended to make Muslims more generous and charitable. Muslims can eat after the sun has set. Pregnant women, the elderly, the ill and children under 12 years of age are all exempt from fasting as lack of food could damage health.