2. Founder: Mohammed (prophet) Year: around 630 CE Origin Region: Arabia God(s): Allah Sacred Writing(s): Koran and Hadith Leader on Earth: Caliph and Imam Place of Worship: Mosque

4.  In 610 CE, Mohammed received a message from Allah to re-establish the true religion of Abraham (Jewish and Christian faiths) and spread the belief of 1 God to other Arabs (who were polytheists).  He recorded the revelations of Allah in the Koran. http://www.history.com/videos/principles-of-islam#who-was-muhammad http://www.history.com/videos/principles-of-islam#allahs-messenger-and-the- koran  Mohammed was not well received by other Arabs and was forced to flee from Mecca to Medina (Hijra)

5.  In Medina, he became a powerful political and religious leader  He returned to Mecca with a strong army and recaptured the holy city, establishing Islam as the main religion in the Arab world.

6.  The ancient shrine in Mecca, the Kaaba, became the centre of the Islamic world.  The Islamic religion spread throughout the Middle East, northern Africa, and southern Europe.  During the Medieval time, the Crusades slowed the spread of Islam.  The Islamic religion split into two sects: Sunnites (elect their leaders) and the Shi’ites (who have a descendent of Mohammed as their leader).

7. Monotheist – belief in 1 god (Allah) Believe the Koran is the true message of Allah Allah is loving but on Day of Judgement, they will go to Heaven or Hell based on whether they obeyed and submitted to Allah’s commands. Believe Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Mohammed were all prophets (Mohammed last prophet) The Jewish and Christian scriptures are legitimate sacred writings but they have been corrupted by the followers.

8. 5 Pillars of Islam – Muslims must follow: 1) Shahadah - creed “There is no god but Allah and Mohammed is his messenger” 2) Salat – prayers 5 times/day 3) Zakat – give alms to the poor 4) Siyam – holy fast from sunrise to sunset during the month of Ramadan 5) Haj – pilgrimage to Mecca once in a lifetime (if able) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GyHPCobtQ0

9.  Ramadan – 9 th month of the Islamic calendar when the Koran was revealed to Mohammed; most holy and blessed month; fasting from sunrise to sunset and extra prayers (purify the soul and make self-sacrifices) http://www.history.com/videos/history-of-ramadan#history-of-ramadan  Eid al-Fitr – three day celebration that marks the end of Ramadan; big feasts and giving of gifts