What makes a religion appealing?
Five Pillars of Islam
Faith, or Shahadah “There is no god but God, and Muhammad is his prophet.” Ethical Monotheism: belief in one god who determines morals (right and wrong) Predestination: Everything is in God’s hands and is decided by God
Prayer, or Salat 5 times a day, toward Mecca
Charity, or Zakat Concern for the poor, donations to help the poor out Major emphasis on social justice
Fasting, or Siyam Month of Ramadan: To be conscious that you depend on God
Pilgrimage, or Hajj A “holy vacation” – required trip to Mecca once in a lifetime
Two other important concepts JIHAD – “struggle” Greater Jihad (conscience) vs. Lesser Jihad (war) QU’RAN (Koran) Holy book of Islam that records the actual word of God to Muhammad
Why was Islam appealing when it started? Stability and United Community Social Justice and Equality
Islam SPREADS and DIVIDES Muhammad dies in 632 CE Person in charge = CALIPH A caliph’s “kingdom” is called a CALIPHATE Without, Muhammad, who is in charge? SUNNI – Ummah (Muslim community) elects the Caliph SHIA (Shi’ite) – Caliph comes through Muhammad’s descendents How do you keep order? Sharia Law = Law based on the Qu’ran and Hadith
What is ISIS? Islamic State of Iraq and Syria Goal = a new CALIPHATE, in which modern political boundaries are erased replaced with a widespread Islamic empire
Currently under ISIS control
GOAL of Isis