1. The world’s second-largest religion
Islam
The world’s second-largest religion
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3. Overview
Muslims believe that they worship the same God (“Allah” means God in Arabic) as Jews and Christians
Christians disagree
Muhammad received God’s final revelation and is the “seal of the prophets”
“Islam” means “submission” – Muslims, or followers of Islam, are those who submit to God’s will

4. Pre-Islamic (5th & 6th Centuries CE) Arabia
-Judaism, Christianity, Zoroastrianism all existed
-Local tribal polytheisms also prevalent

5. The Origins of Islam Arabian Peninsula – Bedouins (nomadic herdsmen)
Mecca (Saudi Arabia) founded by Umayyad clan of a Bedouin tribe
Ka’ba – shrine that held the Black Stone and many idols of their gods
Thousands traveled to Mecca every year to visit the shrine = $$$$$
Bedouin religion was a blend of animism and polytheism

6. Mecca & Ka’ba

7. Muhammad the Prophet 570 – 632 CE
Trader – was exposed to many different belief systems along his travels
Married his business manager Khadijah
She died; took 10 more wives

8. Revelations and the Start of Islam
Muhammad visited by angel Gabriel
Spiritual visions – proclaimed that there was only one God (Allah)
This and later revelations eventually transcribed in Qur’an
Comes to believe that he is completing the prophecy of Jewish people
Not Christians – ends with Jesus as Savior
Political leaders and merchants were threatened by him – why?
Muhammad and his followers fled to Medina (the “hijrah” and Year One of the Islamic calendar)

9. Muhammad = religious prophet + political leader + military organizer

10. Return to Mecca In 629, Muhammad returns and conquers Mecca
Returned to Mecca with an army – destroyed the idols on the Ka’ba, leaving only the Black Stone to symbolize Allah
Effectively becomes leader of Arabia
He gained support uniting the various clans under the banner of Islam before his death
Dies in 632 due to ongoing effects of earlier poisoning in Medina

11. Islamic Beliefs
Qur’an – book of Muhammad’s revelations (recorded 650 CE)
According to Muslims, the Qur’an is the literal word of Allah (no speaking of God through the prophets like Jewish and Christian Holy Texts, even though those are also considered the Word of God).
What does this mean for Islam?
Since the Qur’an is the word of God, it is not supposed to be interpreted, questioned, or debated in any way. This makes it more difficult for Islam to adapt to new ideas/eras than the other religions.

12. Islamic Beliefs “Eternal, Absolute, Irrevocable” to devout Muslims
Zero room for interpretation
Memorization considered highest act of devotion/learning

13. Islamic Beliefs Hadith - collection of stories and sayings of Muhammad
Some take the Hadith as Scripture; some don’t
Shari’a – law based on beliefs in the Qur’an and Hadith
Accepted many beliefs of Jews and Christians (“People of the Book”) – Muslims hail Muhammad as the Seal of the Prophets (last of the many prophets sent by God)
Since the Qur’an is the word of God, it is not supposed to be interpreted, questioned, or debated in any way. This makes it more difficult for Islam to adapt to new ideas/eras than the other religions.

14. Five Pillars of Faith Confession of faith
Prayer (5 times daily, facing Mecca)
Fasting (One month – Ramadan – from sunup to sundown)
Alms
Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca)

15. Spread of Islam
The area was not united, so Islam serves as the “glue” that unites the region
From its foundation, Islam is a political and religious force
Rapidly spreads through M. East, N. Africa, S. Europe, C. and S. Asia
Military (creating empire), trade, missionary aspects all causes
Universalizing religion

16. Cordoba, Spain & Semarang, Indonesia

17. Sunni/Shia Split 85-90% of Muslims
Shia (Shi’ite)
85-90% of Muslims
Traditionally emphasize Qur’an and Hadith (commentary by/on Muhammad)
10-15% of Muslims (majority in Iraq, Iran)
believe descendants of Muhammad’s cousin, Ali, should lead the faithful
recognize divinely inspired leaders post-Muhammad, called imams
believe early Sunnis tampered with Qur’an, so look for hidden meanings

19. Fundamentalist Islam ISIS or ISIL (or Boko Haram, in northern Africa)
Two Islamic Caliphates (Empires) in the world: the Umayyad and the Abbasid
Fell, and Islam has not been united under the banner of one empire since then
ISIS is trying to reinstate an Islamic Caliphate centered around its homeland