Islam 101 Global Studies Mr. Richards – Fall 2009

Islam was founded in 622 AD by Mohammed the Prophet.

The name “Islam” is often said to come from the Arabic word for peace (“salaam”); however, it is more likely that it is a variant of the word salaam which means “submission to God.”

A person who follows Islam is known as a Muslim or “one who submits themselves to the will of Allah (God)”.

The phrase “Arab” refers to an ethnic group specifically located in the Middle East. Arabs are Semitic and can be Muslim, Jewish, or Christian.

Birthplace of Islam: Mecca, Saudi Arabia, where Mohammed first received revelations from the Angel Jibril (Gabriel).

United States 15 Million

Proposed Kurdistan

Followers of Islam believe: Islam existed before the birth of Mohammed. Islam dates back to the origin of the world. Mohammed is the last prophet.

Mohammed’s message from Jibril was to educate his countrymen, convert the pagans, and save man from materialism, hedonism and idolatry. Pleasure or happiness is the highest good; ego

Not all were receptive to Mohammed’s message and he used force and politics to establish Islam across Asia and Northern Africa.

Islam established roots in many areas (Middle East, N. Africa, Asia) and was battled in others. The Crusades pitted Muslims and Christians against each other and this legacy lingers even to this day.

Holy texts: The Qur’an (Koran) – “The Words of God” The Hadith – Sayings of Mohammed The Bible, the Torah, and the Psalms “If a monkey, a black dog, or a woman passes in front of a praying person, his prayer is nullified.” “The greatest Jihad is to say the truth in front of the king.” “The worst among you are your bachelors!”

Six Fundamental Beliefs of Islam: A single, indivisible God (Allah). The Angels The Holy Texts The Messengers of God (including Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Jesus and Mohammed) The Day of Judgement The Supremacy of God’s Will

The Five Pillars of Islam

Pillar Number One: To Recite the “Shahadah” at least once in your lifetime.

“I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and I testify that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.” “La illaha ill Allah, Muhammadur Rasul Allah”

Pillar Number Two: To Perform “Salat” (Prayer) five times a day. –Fajr (morning prayer) –Zuhr (noon prayer) –‘Asr (afternoon prayer) –Maghrib (sunset prayer) –Isha (night prayer)

Pillar Number Three: To Donate to Charity (Zakat) –2.5 % of your income

Pillar Number Four: To fast during the month of Ramadan

Pillar Number Five: If financially able, every Muslim must make the Hajj to Mecca at least once in their lifetime.

Mecca

Mecca Is a holy city to Muslims It is home of the Kaaba –A small shrine for Muslims

Major Schools of Thought within Islam: Sunni Muslims – 90% majority of believers; less strict interpretation of Islam; moderate. Shi’ite (or Shi’a) Muslims – leaders promote a strict interpretation of the Qur’an. Mostly live in Iran, Iraq, and Lebanon. Sufis – Mystics of Islam. Believers can be of either school of thought. It is more of a way to approach Islam; a way to seek a relationship with Allah through ritual, meditation, and dancing.

Branches of Islam

Mosques

Mosques Continued

King Hassan II – Morocco

Muslim Holidays Giving to the poor is emphasized Islamic New Year (12/18/09) – usually quiet, special prayers, & readings –Celebrates Muhammad’s journey from Medina to Mecca Ashura (12/27/09) – 2 days of fasting, prayer, & meditation –Noah’s Ark ran aground –The Kaaba was built –The birth of Abraham Eid-Al-Adha (11/28/09) – A large feast to celebrate the sacrifice of Ishmael by Abraham –Sacrifice and devotion to Allah –Usually a lamb Mawlid an-Nabi (3/3/10) – Celebrates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (570 A.D) –Not a “holiday” very subdued, unlike Christmas

Muslim Holidays continued Isra Mi'raj (7/9/10) – “the night journey and ascension” into heaven at the Dome of the Rock –Met Abraham, Moses, Aaron, Adam, the archangel Gabriel, and Jesus –Sweet foods and stories, no special prayers Ramadan (8/12/10 – 9/10/10) –Fasting throughout the day –Modesty, spirituality, & patience Eid-Al-Fitr (9/10/10) – end of Ramadan = celebrations