1. Religion (Islam)

2. Islam 2nd largest world religion about 1.3 billion adherents
Fastest growing, why?
Islam

3. Islam Two significant branches Sunnis (83%) Shias or Shiites (16%)
Indonesia has the largest Sunni population
Shias or Shiites (16%)
Primarily clustered (majorities in) in Iran and southern Iraq, Azerbaijan, Bahrain and others
Other significant minorities in:
Lebanon
Yemen
Pakistan
Afghanistan

5. Intrafaith boundary: Sunni vs. Shia

6. Muslim Holy Places life of Muhammad, why? Universalizing religion!
Kaaba (black stone) in Mecca
5th pillar = hajj
Pilgrimage to Mecca
remnant of polytheism
syncretism
What type of affects does the hajj have on the environment?
Medina (city of the prophet)
“Yathrib” – city of exile
Muhammad’s tomb
Dome of the Rock
Muhammad’s night journey
on Temple Mount
Site of Jewish temples
Sacrifice of Isaac by Abraham

7. Islam Places of Worship Calendar Mosque Minarets Strict lunar calendar
muezzin calls to prayer (5x)
Other distinctive traits
Calligraphy
Arabesques
Reflects proscription against figurative art
Pointed arches
Keyhole arches
Strict lunar calendar
Holidays shift annually

9. Islamic Courtyards
How do walled off courtyards reflect the cultural values of Islam?
Reflects purdah
the seclusion, isolation, “modesty” of women (also in Hinduism)
originated in pre-Islamic societies (Persia, Babylon ?????)

11. Good map for overall spread, read worksheet post on website to fully understand methods of diffusion

12. Make sure this shatterbelt is accurately reflected on your religious distribution maps