http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=

EAvlimEYEpQ

Islam

Introduction

Islam is the second most popular religion in the world, with over one billion followers.

Islam began in Arabia and was revealed to humanity by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

Islam is mainly followed in the Middle East, Asia, and the north of Africa.

Introduction

Muslims believe that there is only One God and the Arabic word for God is Allah.

According to Muslims, God sent a number of prophets to mankind to teach them how to live according to His law.

They believe that the final Prophet was Muhammad.

How it began

The prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) was born in A.D. 570 at Mecca, in Saudi Arabia.

The story in the holy book (the Qur'an) tells how one night in 610 he was meditating in a cave when he was visited by the angel Jibreel.

Once Jibreel mentioned the name of Allah, Muhammad began to recite words which he came to believe were the words of God.

The words were remembered and recorded, and form the text of the Holy Qu'ran.

Key Facts

Muslims base their laws on the Qur'an.

They believe there are five basic Pillars of Islam: declaration of faith, praying five times a day, giving money to charity, fasting and a pilgrimage to Mecca.

• Muslims worship in a building called a Mosque and always face Mecca.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningzone/clips/eid-ul-adah/3921.html

Islam and ArtRE Presentation

15th October 13

Introduction to Islamic Art

Islamic art is often vibrant and distinctive.

It seeks to portray the meaning and essence of things, rather than just their physical form

Writing has high status in Islam

Books are a major art-form

Calligraphy is a major art-form

Islamic calligraphy

Meaning and Design

Islamic art reflects Islam’s cultural values, and reveals the way in which Muslims view the spiritual realm and the universe

For the Muslim, reality begins with and centers on Allah.

Allah is at the heart of worship and aspirations for Muslims, and is the focus of their lives.

So Islamic art focuses on the spiritual representation of objects and beings, and not their physical qualities.

Here are a few examples…

Analysis of the pictures

The Muslim artist does not attempt to replicate nature as it is, but tries to convey what it represents.

This lets the artist, and those who experience the art, get closer to Allah.

However you will see compared to Christian art Muslims will never represent their prophet in any of there artistic work. Many abide by this out of respect as they feel they cannot portray the prophet as he was and so the drawing will never be faithful. It is therefore considered a lie about the prophet and Muslims are not allowed to lie about their prophet.

RE Presentation

15th October 13

Sunni and Shia- the two main branches of

Islam.

IslamSunni only

Shia onlyBot

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Accept the foundations of Islam.

The holy book is the Qur’an.

Muhammad (PBUH) was the final prophet.

Abu Bakr as the leader after Muhammad.

Ali (Muhammad’s (PBUH) son-in-law and cousin) should be the leader.Believe the

selection of a leader in political and not spiritual terms.

Believe in the selection of a leader in political and spiritual terms.

Evidence = Abu Bakr was chosen by the Muhammad (PBUH) to lead congregational prayers just before he died.

Evidence= Muhammad (PBUH), on the way back from his last Hajj*, proclaimed that Ali should be the spiritual guide and master of all believers.

Teachings are aimed at finding Islamic solutions to moral & religious questions society in any society.

The prophets family are the rightful leaders of the Islamic world.

Found in many countries including Iraq, Pakistan, Albania and Yemen.

All Muslims are required to pray five times a day.

Peace Be Upon Him

Key differences in Islamic theology

Shia Shia practice allows

them to combine some of their five a day prayers into three daily prayer times.

The concept of the Mahdi is key theory of Shi'a theology.

Practice visiting and venerating shrines.

Sunni Sunni Muslims believe

in the coming of a Mahdi.

No hierarchy of the clergy in Sunni Islam.

Most religious institutions in Sunni Muslim states are funded by the state.

Final thoughts

There are two main branches of Islam (Sunni and Shia).

Despite some key differences, they do share some common similarities.

Further reading.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/islam/subdivisions/sunnishia_1.shtml and http://www.fas.org/irp/crs/RS21745.pdf - For more detail of Sunni and Shia Muslims.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnmdU_6sLUY - Shows key features of Shia Muslims (theology).

http://www.channel4.com/news/sunni-shia-islam-muslim-syria-middle-east-key-questions -Shows key facts about the religion and explains conflicts.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAzQwwS-mCY - Warning this may contain some upsetting images. This video clip explains the key differences between Sunni and Shia Muslims.

Islam and Women

RE Presentation 15 October 2013

Different Islamic Perspectives

Turkey

India

Iran

What Does Islam Say About Women?

Islam teaches that men and women are equal in the sight of Allah.

However, although men and women are equal, they are not the same. They have different purposes. It is part of Allah’s design that a man provides for the financial needs of his family, and for a woman to look after the home and family.

What Does Islam Say About Women?

Although the rights of women are different to those of men, they do have the right to choose whom they marry, to divorce, to study, to own property, to conduct business and to take part in politics.

The Global Perspective On Rights for Islamic Women

Do Islamic women living in non-Muslim countries have more rights and freedom?

Is it a breach of Human Rights if an Islamic country has a different interpretation on the role of women in society?

The Global Perspective On Rights for Islamic Women

Should countries or organisations seek to make changes to Islamic customs where women are not allowed to drive, be seen without appropriate Islamic dress or be educated?

Should Islamic communities seek the right to decide how Islamic women should live in non Muslim countries?

Comparisons

The current Islamic year is 1434 AH. How does the role of Islamic women in this year compare with Christian women in the calendar year 1434 AD?

If Christian countries can tolerate subjects like the Word of Wisdom health code within the Mormon faith should the same tolerance be extended on issues such as education, dress and arranged marriages within the Islamic faith?

Are Catholic schools, in their vision of Christianity, any different to Islamic schools in their teaching of Islam?

Final Thought

Does modern Islam fulfil the opening Islamic statements about women?