Islam

The main religion of the Middle East

~ 1.4 billion Muslims worldwide; 20% of Earth

Islam = the religion Muslims = the followers of Islam (people)

The Story of Islam

The prophet, Muhammad

Born in 570 AD – Dies 632 AD

Muhammad’s Story Born in Mecca

Raised by Grandfather and Uncle

Watched problems with religion and society, and often meditated on them

Traveled the Middle East as a trader, allowing him to talk and converse with others

Mecca

The Kaaba Site at which visitors

come to pray, $$$$

Polytheism Belief in multiple gods

like Zeus, Athena, Jupiter, Mars, etc.

Muhammad is confused

610 AD Muhammad noticed the materialism of Mecca

and its people

The town was based around money, wealth and tourism

“My poverty is my pride”

What is materialism?

Materialism

Gabriel comes to Muhammad

Gabriel is an angel

Gives the words of

Allah to Muhammad

The Koran or (Qur'an)

The word of God (Allah) is collected in the Koran Teaching on how to live

a proper life Morals, Virtues Vices

Basically, an expansion of the Christian and Jewish Bible

Muhammad makes his revelations public

All religions have revelations…what are they? A figure usually appears to a person and instructs

them in the ways of a higher power

613 AD, Muhammad begins to attract followers

Monotheism – belief in only ONE God Mono means one, theism means higher power

Muhammad’s flight

Muhammad and his followers leave Mecca to Medina 622 AD The government in Mecca doesn’t like his

message...why?

Muhammad begins to

attract more and more followers Why?

Muhammad’s Return

630 AD Muhammad returns and the Meccan’s join Muhammad and his followers

Muhammad dies in 632 AD His ideas and the religion had spread as far west

as Spain and as far east as China

So now what?

Who should lead?

Who decides religious disputes and disagreements?

Some people say the next leader of Islam should be related to Muhammad

Some people say he should be elected

Sunnis and Shia

Sunnis We should elect

Muhammad’s successor!

85% of Muslims are Sunni

Shia The successor to

Muhammad should be related to Muhammad!

15% of Muslims are Shia

What country is majority Shia?

Recap Muhammad founder of Islam

Allah the God of Islam

Koran Holy book of Islam

Mecca, Saudi Arabia city that is the center of Islam

Sunnis believe leader of Islamic church should be elected

Shia believe leader of Islamic church should be related to Muhammad

The Five Pillars of Islam

5 basic principles or beliefs of Islam

According to the Koran, if you live by these tenants, you will be allowed into heaven

All pillars try to bring out your best virtues and morals

1. Shahada

Profession of faith

“There is no God but Allah”

Muhammad is the true prophet of Allah

Performed daily

2. Salah, or prayer

Muslims pray 5 times a day; each prayer is different Sunrise, usually 5-6 am Noon, usually between 12-1

pm Afternoon, around 4:30 pm Sunset, around 7 Nightfall, around 9:30

Prayer call is made from minarets

Minarets and prayer call

Towers with speakers

Extremely artistic

Height competition

for ancient rulers

3. Sawm, or fasting

Not eating or drinking during specific hours of the day

Holy month of Ramadan Cannot eat while the sun is in the sky Celebrated because this was the month that

Muhammad received the Koran Going without, controlling one’s desires

4. Zakat, or charity

Giving a portion of one’s wealth and money to the poor

Helping others who are less fortunate

2% of what you earn should be given up

5. Hajj

Pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca

Go to Mecca

at least once

in your life; repeat Muhammad’s journey

Masjid al-Haram

The Kaaba in Mecca

After your pilgrimage…

Islamic Vocabulary Mosque- Islamic Church

Ramadan- Holy month of fasting

Monotheism

Theology-Study of religion

Kaaba- Holy shrine of Islam

Koran or Qu’ran- Islamic bible

Minaret- prayer tower

Pilgrimage- religious journey

5 pillars Shahada- “there is no…” Salah- prayer Sawm- fasting Zakat- charity Hajj- pilgrimage to Mecca

Mosque

An Islamic place of worship Synonym = church

Caliph

Islamic ruler of church and state Caliphate = Islamic empire

Imam

Islamic priest

Sharia

Islamic Law The laws of the government and society are the

laws from the Koran

Non-secular at its finest