Islam

The Five Pillars of Islam The Testimony of Faith - Shahadah Ritual Prayer -Salat Alms -Zakat Fasting -Ramadan - Sawm Pilgrimage -Hajj

The Testimony of Faith There is only one God - Allah Muhammad is His prophet Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but he is the messenger of God and the Seal of the Prophets. And God has full knowledge of all things.” Qur’an: 33:40

Ritual Prayer Five daily prayers Between dawn and sunrise -Fajr After midday -Dhuhr Midway between midday and sunset -Asr Right after sunset -Maghrib Approximately one hour after sunset -Isha’a Face Mecca Self Cleansing -wudhu Must be in Arabic

Alms 2.5% of one’s capital in excess of one’s basic needs given to the poor. Voluntary charity (sadaqah) beyond 2.5% gains favor.

Fasting No eating, drinking, smoking, unruly thoughts, or engaging in sexual intercourse from dawn to sunset during the month of Ramadan, the ninth month in the Islamic calendar (September 23rd - October 22nd in the calendar most of us know and use). Exceptions: Pre-pubescent Children (under 13), pregnant women, and the sick.

Pilgrimage During the month of Zul Hijjah (December 22, January 21, 2007) Arrive in Jeddah and walk to Mecca (about miles) Obligatory for every Muslim who has the ability Exceptions: Ill health or debt.

Jihad Struggle for Allah Internal—Struggle against self External - Holy war Only defensive actions can be used. Misunderstood and misused concept in Islam by some

History of Islam Arabia - 7th century C.E. Muhammad ( CE) Born in outskirts of Mecca Orphaned at an early age Became a merchant trader Married a wealthy widow Around 40 years old, experienced a “divine revelation” through the arch angel Gabriel in a cave outside Mecca God’s final revelation to mankind. Not preaching new religion only reaffirming God’s message that Jews and Christians had violated.

Sunni and Shi’a 85% Sunni, 15% Shi’a approximately Question of leadership (Caliph) upon Muhammad’s death Sunni Muslims believe the Caliph that is most capable should lead the faith Iran, Iraq (Kurds), Yemen, Bahrain, Syria, and Lebanon Shi’a Muslims believe the Caliph should descend from Muhammad’s own family Ali - Muhammad’s cousin/son-in-law Iraq (minus Kurds), Bahrain, Azerbaijan, Syria, Pakistan, Turkey, Yemen.

The Big Picture Religion’s effect on the world Theocratic States UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Yemen, and Iran Sharia – Sacred law of Islam The spread of Islam