1. World Cultures I November 2016
Islam
World Cultures I
November 2016

2. Concept: Islam is known primarily as a Religion
It is also a Culture and a Way of Life for the people who practice it.
Keep in mind that it is unlike what you know about other religions:

3. 2-main Images of Islam – Star & Crescent

4. Muslims have looked for God in history…
Their sacred scripture is called the Qur'an
Written in Arabic

5. Chief Duty of Muslims:
To create a just community (ummah) in which all members, even the most weak and vulnerable, were treated with absolute respect. The ummah included the idea of practical compassion & a fair distribution of wealth.
The political well-being of their community was a matter of supreme importance.

6. Muslims:
Like all peoples, they developed their own rituals, philosophy, doctrines, texts and laws.
BUT…their religion sprang from their thoughts on politics.
If their government, its leaders or their ideas did not measure up to their Qur'anic ideal, then Muslims felt that their faith was in jeopardy.
Thus every effort is made to get their society back on track.
Politics for a Muslim is the equivalent is a Sacrament to a Christian

7. Message was Simple….
The Arabs knew that Allah (God) had created the world & would judge humanity in the Last Days.
It was good to Share wealth & create a society where all would be treated with respect.
These two ideas are the core to the Qur’an which means Recitation in Arabic.

8. Brief History:
During the month of Ramadan, in the year 610 CE an Arab merchant had an experience that would change history.
Muhammad was overpowered by a presence which enlightened him
Two years later he felt empowered to preach the message….

9. Muhammad….The Prophet
Possible
“WHY?”
Images Of
Muhammad
The
Prophet

10. …….
Arabic word – “Allah”
Ornate Qur’an

11. This new sect would be called Islam – Surrender.
A Muslim is either a Man or a Woman who has made this submission of their entire being to Allah.
3 Examples of this are:
Prayer, 5-times daily facing Mecca (Salat)
Giving Alms (Zakat) to the poor
Fasting during Ramadan

12. Muslims….

13. Fundamental Practices & Institutions of Islam: The Five Pillars:
Classroom Reading:
Fundamental Practices & Institutions of Islam:
The Five Pillars:

14. Shahadah
"I believe in God; and in His Angels; and in His Scriptures; and in His Messengers; and in The Final Day; and in Fate, that Good and Evil are from God, and Resurrection after death be Truth.”
"I testify that there is nothing worthy of worship but God; and I testify that Muhammad is His Messenger."

15. Salat Minarets Prayer, Five times (or more) daily facing Mecca
The faithful are called to prayer by a Muezzin who stands in one of the four towers (Minarets) that flank the four cardinal points of a Mosque. ?
Before praying a Muslim Washes their face, hands & feet. They also remove their shoes and use a Prayer Rug.
Praying involves three main body positions – Standing, Genuflecting, and Prostrating themselves.

16. Zakat Giving Alms to the poor
Religious Income Tax required of Muslims each year
Like a Christian Tithe

17. Ramadan Fasting from Sunrise to Sunset during this month
Similar to Christian Lent and Jewish Passover

18. Hajj
Pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in your lifetime if you can afford it.

19. Aerial View – whole mosque
Grand Mosque in Mecca:
150 years ago: At
Night
Aerial View – whole mosque

20. The Hajj begins…. 7 Times around the Kaa’ba
Ihram
Clean yourself
Wear Ihram garments
Avoid Forbidden acts of Ihram
7 Times around the Kaa’ba
The Black Stone called al-Hajar-ul-Aswad in Arabic is a Muslim object of reverence, which according to Islamic tradition dates back to the time of Adam and Eve.
Inside the Kaa’ba

21. Followers are expected to Run up, down and between Mount Safa and Mount Marwah seven times
Going to Mina
Put on Ihram garments again
Make intention for Hajj
Remain in Mina during the Tarwiah Day (8th day) and perform the 5 prayers

22. Going to Arafat
Leave for Arafat on morning of 9th and stay until sunset
Stay in any part of Arafat
Glorify Allah, repeat supplication, repent to Allah and ask for forgiveness
Pray

23. Pilgrims at Muzdahifah where they gather a handful of pebbles
Proceed to Mina
Shortly before sunrise, leave Muzdahifah for Mina. Go to Jamrat Al-Aqabah and stone it with 7 pebbles
Slaughter your sacrifice
Shave your head or trim hair
Take off Ihram garments

24. Complete the Hajj…. Tawaf Al-Ifadha Make Tawaf Al-Ifadha
Make Sa'i between Safa and Marwa
After Tawaf Al-Ifadha, all restrictions are lifted

25. 4 Things that Unite All Muslims
1.Common Faith
2.Common Language (Arabic)
3. Ties of Trade & Commerce
4. Hajj

26. Famous Muslims:
Avicenna – 10th century physician and philosopher who summarized all the medical knowledge up to that time
caliphs – Muslim leaders who came to rule following the death of Muhammad
Harun-al-Rashid – Caliph who’s exploits were told in the story 1001 Arabian Nights

27. Famous Muslims Today: Ellen Burstyn Dr. Oz Ice-Cube
Janet & Jermaine Jackson
Amal Clooney (wife of George)
Snoop Dog
Dave Chappelle
Shaquille O’Neal
Mike Tyson
Iman
Mos Def
Busta Rhymes