1. Islam: 2nd largest Religion in the World-21% of the entire world and rapidly growing
Islam means obedience or peace through submission to the will of Allah-the Islam God

2. Beginnings of Islam
Followers are called Muslims and are found primarily in the Middle East
Most important event for the Islamic faith was the revealing of Allah’s word to a man named Muhammad in early 7th Century AD
Muhammad became known as the messenger of Allah; or the prophet

4. Muhammad
Born in Mecca
Grew up a camel driver and was unhappy with the lawlessness of his people and troubled because they worshiped many gods
Said the angel Gabriel spoke to him while he was praying one day and told him Allah was the only God
He began speaking the message and was forced out of Mecca to Medina-this migration is called the Hajj.
His followings grew so strong that they conquered Mecca in 629 AD

5. The Koran/Quran Holy book of Islam written by Allah through Muhammad
Advocates general beliefs and the 5 Pillars of Islam

6. Muslim Beliefs Belief in Allah Belief in angels Belief in the Koran
Belief in the prophets: Abraham, Moses, David, Jesus, and Muhammad
Belief in the day of judgment and life after death
Belief in predestination

7. The Five Pillars of Islam
The Shahadah: The declaration of faith; “There is no god but Allah and Muhammad is prophet.
The Salah: The five daily prayers said at dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, dusk, and after dark.
The Zakat: Give 2½% of savings to the poor each year.
The Sawm: Fasting during the 9th Muslim month.
The Hajj: Make a pilgrimage to Mecca in their lifetime.

8. The Hajj
In 1999 there were 2 million Muslims in Mecca for the Hajj: 1 mill. from Saudi Arabia; 6000 from the US
Hajj consists of several ceremonies commemorating faith in the prophet Abraham
Muhammad said that if the Hajj is performed properly the person would return as a “newly born baby free of all sins”

9. Ramadan Holiest period in the Islamic year
Commemorates the month when revelations began
During this month most Muslims over the age of 12 are expected to abstain from food and drink from the first light of dawn until sunset…fasting
This year Ramadan began on June 29- July 27, 2014

10. Links to Other Faiths
Christianity, Judaism, and Islam are the 3 related faiths. They all revere Abraham as a spiritual ancestor.
Different books: Bible, Torah, and Koran
Concept of Deity: The Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit; Allah the one god