1. The Five Pillars of Islam
FAITH
PRAYER
ALMSGIVING
FASTING
PILGRIMAGE
Day 2 – In Class Video “Empire of Faith”
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2. 1. PROFESSION OF FAITH (SHAHADAH): Muslims bear witness to the oneness of God by reciting the creed "There is no God but God and Muhammad is the Messenger of God."
Day 2 – In Class Video “Empire of Faith”
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This statement expresses a Muslim's complete acceptance of and total commitment to Islam.

3. 2. PRAYER (SALAH): The world's Muslims turn individually and collectively to Mecca to offer five daily prayers at dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset and evening. In addition, Friday congregational service is also required.
Day 2 – In Class Video “Empire of Faith”
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4. 3. ALMSGIVING (ZAKAH):
Social responsibility is considered part of one's service to God; so almsgiving is obligatory.
Day 2 – In Class Video “Empire of Faith”
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2.5 percent of an individual’s net worth, excluding obligations and family expenses, is reserved for the welfare of the entire community, especially its neediest members.

5. 4. FASTING DURING RAMADAN (SAWM) : The fast is an act of personal worship in which Muslims seek a richer perception of God. It is also an exercise in self control.
Day 2 – In Class Video “Empire of Faith”
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During Ramadan, abstention from eating, drinking and other sensual pleasures is obligatory from dawn to sunset.
The end of Ramadan is observed by three days of celebration – a time for family reunion and gift-giving.

6. 5. PILGRIMAGE TO MECCA (HAJI):
The pilgrimage is an expression of Islamic faith and unity.
Day 2 – In Class Video “Empire of Faith”
In case a student is absent and can’t make up video; or offers additional information for students
For those Muslims who are physically and financially able to make the journey to Mecca, the pilgrimage is a once in a lifetime duty that is the peak of their religious life.

7. Abbasid Dynasty
In 750, Abu al-Abbas overthrew the Umayyad dynasty & founded Abbasid which lasted until 1258
In 762, Abbasid built new capital of Baghdad on the Tigris river/ location took advantage of river & caravan traffic
Harun al-Rashid led dynasty through golden age/ known for charity and patronage
Vizier (Prime Minister) advises the caliph
Day 3

8. Baghdad
Day 3

9. CULTURAL INTEGRATION: In the 8th and 9th centuries, under the Abbasid caliphs, Muslim civilization entered its golden age. – dramatic growth in arts and sciences.
Day 3
Islamic civilization creatively integrated Arabic, Byzantine, Persian, and Indian cultural traditions.
During the Early Middle Ages, when learning was at a low point in western Europe, the Muslims preserved the philosophical and scientific heritage of the ancient world.

10. Abbasid Dynasty Falls
Abbasid experienced problems; fighting over succession of caliph
Rulers of provinces began to break away
Spain, Morocco, Egypt = independent with own caliphate
Day 3
Vast wealth led to financial corruption
Shortage of qualified Arabs to fill government positions allowed non-Arabs to become a dominant force in the military & bureaucracy which led disintegration

11. Seljuk Turks & Crusades
Seljuk Turks = nomadic people from central Asia, converted to Islam
Took over much of Abbasid empire & captured Baghdad; held political and military power
Turks took over Anatolian plateau, Byzantine empire turned west for help
Day 3

12. Crusades
1169, Saladin took control of Egypt & ended Fatimid dynasty, took Christians
1187, Saladin’s army destroyed the Christian forces in the kingdom of Jerusalem
Main effect of Crusades = centuries of mistrust between Muslims & Christians
Day 3
Byzantine emperor Alexius I asked Christian states of Europe for help against Turks
Europeans agreed and a series of Crusades began in 1096
Crusaders put Muslims on defensive first