1. Islam ©CSCOPE 2009

2. Islam teaches that one can only find peace in one's life by submitting to Almighty God (Allah) in heart, soul and deed. "Salaam alaykum," ("Peace be with you”) is the universal Muslim greeting.

3. Who is a Muslim? A person who believes in and consciously follows Islam is called a Muslim. So, the religion is called "Islam," and a person who believes in and follows it is a "Muslim." Muslims worship Allah and recognize Muhammad as the last prophet.

4. Origins Islam is a branch of the Judeo-Christian religious tradition – Believe that Abraham, Moses, and Jesus were prophets – Believe that the Bible is also the word of God, but that the Qur’an is the last revelation of God

5. How Many and Where?: Islam is a major world religion, with over 1 billion followers worldwide (1/7 of the world population).

6. How Many and Where? Although usually associated with the Arabs of the Middle East, less than 10% of Muslims are in fact Arab. Muslims are found all over the world, of every nation, color and race.

7. Who is Allah?: Allah is the proper name for Almighty God, and is often translated merely as "God." Allah has other names that are used to describe His characteristics: the Creator, the Sustainer, the Merciful, the Compassionate, etc. Muslims believe that since Allah alone is the Creator, it is He alone that deserves our devout love and worship. Monotheistic deity, also recognized as the God of Abraham. (Yahweh)

8. How strict is the religion? Islam holds to a strict monotheism. Any worship and prayers directed at saints, prophets, other human beings or nature is considered idolatry.

9. As part of the Islam religion, all true Muslims must perform 5 duties, called the Five Pillars of Faith.

10. Shahada (affirmation) The duty to recite the creed: "There is nothing worthy of worship save Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of God."worship

11. Salat (prayer) The duty to worship the One God in prayer five times each dayprayer Zakat (almsgiving) The duty to give away alms and to help the needy

12. Siyam – (fasting) The duty to keep the Fast of Ramadan Hajj – (pilgrimage) The duty to make the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in a lifetime (Hijrah)

13. Muhammad – Born in 570 (?) and is considered the founder of Islam. Caravan manager from Mecca, rich trading city and host to many religious shrines (Ka’bah); married to a rich widow – Was becoming disillusioned with the corruption in the city and the growing gap between the urban dwellers and the Bedouins (nomadic herders)

14. – While meditating in the hills, the Angel Gabriel visited him and revealed to him that he was the next and final prophet. – Recited the revelations (later written down as the Qur’an)

15. – He began to preach but attracted few followers; many enemies feared he would upset the political and social order (he was also being persecuted). – So in 622, Muhammad and his followers fled to Medina. (the Hijrah or Hegira)

16. Islamic Beliefs

17. – No separation between Church and State. – Belief that salvation and the afterlife will be obtained by submitting to the will of Allah.

18. – Qur’an (Koran): ethics and laws of the Islamic community Written in Arabic and cannot officially be translated to another language. To study the Qur’an you must learn Arabic. Book of the writings of the prophet Muhammad

19. More Qur’an Each Muslim is required to take a Hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca once within their lifetime (some leniency granted to ill and impoverished)

20. Growth of Islam – Medina supported Muhammad and he attracted the support of the Bedouins. – In 630, Muhammad returned to Mecca (the Holy City of the Islamic Faith) with a force of 10,000 soldiers and quickly took the city. – As Islam began to spread through the Arabian Peninsula, Muhammad died in 632.

21. Why did Islam spread? Easy to learn and practice No priesthood Non-Muslims in conquered territory are allowed religious freedom (for an additional tax) Spread through trade routes Jihad (Holy Struggle): “Holy War” against infidels and it is the expansion of the Islamic state and control.