The Middle East Birthplace of Monotheism

Religion in Context  Three major monotheistic religions were founded here.  Judaism – Abraham, Moses, David  View Israel as a birthright  Christianity – Christ, Paul  Jerusalem as a Holy City – death & resurrection  Islam – Mohammed  Mecca, Medina, Jerusalem

Middle East  The region known as the Mid-East is a region dominated by Islam

Islam  Islam is the act of submission to the will of God or Allah  Any who submit to the will of Allah are Muslim  Islam is the religion, Muslims are the people

Islam  Muslims believe the Quran is a correction of earlier scripture used by Jews and Christians  Muslims believe in prophets, including several from the bible, with Muhammed being the last

Holy Cities in Islam

Islam  Islam has many similarities with Judaism and Christianity  Jews and Christians are called people of the book - those who follow the words of prophets  Islam has five general pillars of faith

Five Pillars of Islam  Shahadah (Witness )  There is no god but Allah, and Mohammed is his prophet  These words are on the Saudi flag

Five Pillars of Islam  Worship (Salat)  Worship is required five times a day facing in the direction of Mecca  Muslims wash before worship

Five Pillars of Islam  Fasting (Sawm)  During the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset  It is a time for prayer and study of the Quran

Five Pillars of Islam  Tithing (Zakat)  Muslims are required to help the needy.  Schools, hospitals, and mosques are sometimes built with these funds

Five Pillars of Islam  Pilgrimage (Hajj)  All Muslims should journey to Mecca during their lifetimes  All participants are dressed the same way to unify Muslims from all parts of the world