1. Islam: 2 nd 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 7 th 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 9 th 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. Concept of Jihad- a religious duty ► Westernized definition: A holy war; a clash between followers of different religions-each believing that their god is on their side and that the other side is of satan ► Personal definition to Muslims: the intimate struggle to purify one’s soul of evil influences; to strive for justice

11. 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

12. Why Terrorism? ► The fact is that Islam the faith itself is a faith of peace ► However, some parts of the Koran provide an “open door” for Islamic extremists who hate the West and see it as the “great satan” who corrupts the world ► For ex: Koran 22:39 “To those against whom war is made, permission is given to defend themselves b/c they are wronged and Allah is most powerful to give them victory.”