1. ISLAM: Submission to one God
Chapter 14

2. Islam Second largest Religion in the world
Fastest growing in the world
The tragedy of September 11 brought Islam into the view of the world
3 Foundations of Islam
Qur'an
The Prophet Muhammad
Islam’s primary teachings

3. I. Qur'an: Koran
Earthly center of Islam
Sacred presence in the world

4. Qur'an literally means ”reading”
Separated in 114 chapters, or “suras”
Only one Arabic translation
Some consider any translation to be heretical

5. The Qur'an
Qur'an is supposed to be the most beautiful book ever written in Arabic.
It is supposed to be the direct words of Allah.
Oral recitation is said to be the best way to understand the Qur'an, the way it was given to Muhammad himself.
The Qur'an is known to be a Miracle of Allah.
Muhammad himself was supposed to be illiterate

6. II. The Prophet Muhammad
Born A.D. 570
Orphaned at an early age.
Lived with his Uncle
Married a wealthy widow who had 6 kids with him.
He was said to be honest and dependable
Was very religious
Would often go to a cave alone to contemplate God in solitude.

7. The Night of Power and Excellence
AD 610
While in the cave, the Angel Gabriel appeared to him in a dream.
He was ordered to recite
He asked Gabriel
“What shall I recite?”

8. “Recite in the name of your Lord who created--- created man from clots of blood.
Recite! Your Lord is the Most Bountiful One, who by the pen taught man what he did not know!”

9. Earliest “Recitation” contained in the Qur'an
Muhammad was said to have received “Recitations” for 22 years until his death
The Qu’ran is the compilation of all the “Recitations” given to Muhammad

10. Seal of the Prophets
Adam
Moses

11. Abraham
John the Baptist

12. Jesus Christ

13. The Prophet Muhammad is known as the “Seal of the Prophets”
He is supposed to be the last prophet.
Through Muhammad, God has revealed his message fully.
Muhammad delivered the sacred presence of God:
The Qu’ran

14. The Prophet Muhammad Muhammad was only a man
But he is regarded as a “Jewel Among Stones
Revered as the best Human Being ever born
Muslims admire and try to imitate Muhammad’s life here on earth.
His personal teachings and philosophies is known a his “Sunna” or his custom

16. III. Islam’s Primary Teachings
1. Allah the one God
Allah was the name of one many gods in the area where Muhammad lived.
He created his Monotheistic religion, making Allah the one God.
Allah is transcendent
Muslims do not give Allah a gender
Muslims do not depict Allah in art
Muslims avoid giving Allah any human characteristics
Allah is also accessible

17. 99 Names of Allah Al-Ghaniyy: The One who does not need the creation.
Al-Ghaffar: The One who forgives the sins of His slaves time and time again.
Al-^Aziz: The Defeater who is not defeated
Al-Hakam: He is the Ruler and His judgment is His Word.
Al-Matin: The One with extreme Power which is un-interrupted and He does not get tired.
Al-'Awwal: The One whose Existence is without a beginning.
Al-Ghaniyy: The One who does not need the creation.

18. 2. The Prophets The messengers of God
Gave us God’s personal laws and orders

19. 3. Human Nature and Destiny
Human Nature is essentially good
We are also capable of “Forgetfulness”
The Qur'an and other teachings is necessary for us so that it may direct us to proper Human behavior.
Good and Evil
Heaven and Hell
The Day of Judgment
The coming of the Mahdi, a savior like the Messiah will restore Islam and bring peace
Jesus Christ will return to Jerusalem and bring on the day of Judgment

20. 3. The Nature of the World
Since the world was created by Allah, then it is good and must be revered.
Cosmic Qur’an
The idea that the world is another form of revelation from God
Science and Religion
Muslims celebrate science as a way of knowing Allah’s perfect creation.

21. IV. The Umma Umma: The Community of Muslims
Brotherhood based only on Religion
No race, ethnicity, language, or culture
Umma is an ideal often not realized

22. The Umma is united through the Sharia
Sharia: Divine law
Determines the proper action of a Muslim
5 Categories
1. Obligatory 4. Disapproved
2. Recommended 5. Forbidden
3. Indifferent
Detailed way of life- which is a submission to Allah
The name “Islam” - “Surrender” “Submission”
To ignore the Sharia is to stop being Muslim

23. HOMEWORK Go online and read up on the events in Libya
Bring printouts that will give you evidence to back up your answers to these following questions. You will answer them in class.
1. What is “Shari’a” known as in the present day?
2. How is “Shari’a” playing a pivotal role in the current events in Libya
3. How can “Shari’a” affect the diplomatic situation between Libya and the United States
*Please answer these questions as thoroughly as possible. Make sure you can prove it with your printouts.