1. The Sunnis By: Amy Moore Brianna Goddard Kelsey Cobb Michael Bruce

2. The History of Islam Islam came about around 622 A.D. It started in Mecca (Makkah), a city in Saudi Arabia. Islam is made up of between 1 billion and 1.8 billion Muslims –This makes it the second largest religion in the world, after Christianity. They do not consider Muhammad the founder of a new religion, but they think of him as the restorer of the original monotheistic faith of Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and other prophets. The Muslims believe that God revealed the Quran to Muhammad through the angel Gabriel. They also regard the Quran and the Sunnah (words and deeds of Muhammad) as the fundamental sources of Islam.

3. Muhammad, Leader of Islam He was considered the God’s final prophet of Islam. People believed that Muhammad was sent to correct the alterations that followers of previous religions had introduced into God’s original teachings. Muhammad’s mission included all humanity. –It was not limited to a specific region, group, or community. –His life served as a model and example for all men and women. Muhammad’s sayings and acts are presented in the Hadith.

4. About the Sunnis Sunni is the largest denomination of Islam. –They make up more than 80% of the Muslims in the world. In all matters of religion, conduct, and law, Muslims recognize two primary sources. –One is the Quran The sacred book of Islam –The other is the Sunna of Muhammad These teachings are written down in a book called the Hadith –The Sunni’s name comes from their claim that they follow the Sunna of Muhammad. The Sunnis follow these two sources carefully. –They are sometimes called the Orthodox Muslims.

5. Muhammad Divides Islam into the Sunnis and the Shiites Muhammad died in 632 A.D. He named no one as his successor. People argued over who should become the next Caliph. –A Caliph is the successor of Muhammad. The Sunnis thought they should pick someone who was capable of the job. –The Sunnis united behind Abu-Bakr. He was Muhammad’s close friend and advisor. The Shiites rejected him. The Shiites thought that the leadership should have stayed within the Prophet’s family. –The Shiites argued that Muhammad had designated his son-in- law, Ali, as the leader.

6. About Abu-Bakr Abu-Bakr ruled as Caliph in Medina for two years. –Medina is a city in western Saudi Arabia located north of Mecca. He took political charge of the Muslim Community and led prayers in the Prophets Place. –He refused to assume Muhammad’s role as interpreter of the Islamic doctrine, he left that up to the collective judgment of the Prophet’s Companions. There were many revolts against the authority of the Islamic state. –Some tribes even put forth their own prophets. –Within a year, Abu-Bakr put down these revolts. IN 634 A.D. Abu-Bakr died. IN 634 A.D. Abu-Bakr died. –He named Umar as the new Caliph

7. Differences Between The Sunnis and the Shiites The Sunnis differ from the Shiites by their basic belief about God, prophecy, revelation, and the Last Judgement. Throughout history there has always been violence and hostility between the two groups. –This hostility has led to persecution and repression of one another. The leader of the religious community divides them the most. –They don’t agree on who should be Muhammad’s successor. They differ in their call to prayer. The Shiites worship three times a day and the Sunnis worship five times.

8. The Sunni Religious Beliefs The Sunnis believe in one god. –The Arabic term for god is Allah. –They believe that Muhammad is Allah’s messenger. They pray five times a day. The strictly adhere to the 5 Pillars. –Practicing these five things is essential to Sunni Islam. The Five Pillars of Islam is the term used to describe the five duties every Muslim has.

9. The 5 Pillars The Five Pillars are –Shahadah- the profession of faith It is a declaration before a Muslim audience that there is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of God. –Salat- ritual prayer They pray to ask for help, to praise Allah, and to get guidance. –Zakat- alms giving This is giving money to the needy or to charity. –Sivam- fasting during Ramadan The reason for this fasting is described in the Quran as needing to learn self restraint. –Hajj- pilgrimage to Mecca (Mekkah) They should travel to this Holy city at least once in their life.

10. Map of the Sunnis