Islamic CultureIslamic Culture

Student learning Student learning outcomes/Instructional outcomes/Instructional ObjectivesObjectives

Interpret historical knowledge to extend Interpret historical knowledge to extend comprehension of world culturescomprehension of world cultures

Distinguish the characteristics of the worlds Distinguish the characteristics of the worlds major civilizations and discuss their enduring major civilizations and discuss their enduring influencesinfluences

Analyze cause-and-effect relationships in Analyze cause-and-effect relationships in history, including variables such as the “great history, including variables such as the “great person”, technological change, outside person”, technological change, outside influences and demographic changeinfluences and demographic change

Islamic ReligionIslamic Religion religion of allegiance to God and his prophet Mohammedreligion of allegiance to God and his prophet Mohammed who lived around 570-632 and came from a family of who lived around 570-632 and came from a family of

traders at Mecca. traders at Mecca. The religion's book of revelation, mediated by the The religion's book of revelation, mediated by the

prophet, is the Koran. prophet, is the Koran. Islam means "entering into a condition of peace and Islam means "entering into a condition of peace and

security with God, through allegiance or surrender to security with God, through allegiance or surrender to him".him".

Mohammed received his revelations over a period of 23 Mohammed received his revelations over a period of 23 years from the Angel Jibreel, or Gabriel, who was years from the Angel Jibreel, or Gabriel, who was relaying the word of God.relaying the word of God.

In Muslim eyes, Mohammed completes a succession of In Muslim eyes, Mohammed completes a succession of prophets, including Abraham, Moses and Jesus, each of prophets, including Abraham, Moses and Jesus, each of whom refined and restated the message of God.whom refined and restated the message of God.

Muhammad was born in 569 after Christ Muhammad was born in 569 after Christ Lost most family membersLost most family members he served as a shepherd boy to some he served as a shepherd boy to some

neighbors. neighbors. At the age of ten he accompanied his uncle to At the age of ten he accompanied his uncle to

Syria when he was leading a caravan there. Syria when he was leading a caravan there. set up a shop in Mecca. set up a shop in Mecca. There he worked for a wealthy widowThere he worked for a wealthy widow He called for a meeting of certain chieftains in He called for a meeting of certain chieftains in

the city, and organized an order of chivalry, the city, and organized an order of chivalry, called called Hilf al-fudulHilf al-fudul, with the aim and object of , with the aim and object of aiding the oppressed in Mecca, irrespective of aiding the oppressed in Mecca, irrespective of their being dwellers of the city or aliens. their being dwellers of the city or aliens.

It is from this moment that we find It is from this moment that we find Muhammad becoming more and more Muhammad becoming more and more absorbed in spiritual meditations. absorbed in spiritual meditations.

Like his grandfather, he used to retire Like his grandfather, he used to retire during the whole month of Ramadan to a during the whole month of Ramadan to a cave in Jabal-an-Nur (mountain of light). cave in Jabal-an-Nur (mountain of light).

The cave is called `Ghar-i-Hira' or the The cave is called `Ghar-i-Hira' or the cave of research. There he prayed, cave of research. There he prayed, meditated, and shared his provisions with meditated, and shared his provisions with the others who happened to pass by. the others who happened to pass by.

He was forty years old, He was forty years old, and it was the fifth and it was the fifth consecutive year since his consecutive year since his annual retreats, when one annual retreats, when one night towards the end of night towards the end of the month of Ramadan, an the month of Ramadan, an angel came to visit him, angel came to visit him, and announced that God and announced that God had chosen him as His had chosen him as His messenger to all mankind. messenger to all mankind.

The angel taught him the The angel taught him the mode of ablutions, the way mode of ablutions, the way of worshipping God and of worshipping God and the conduct of prayer. the conduct of prayer.

God guided him to the right path: therefore God guided him to the right path: therefore he should take care of the orphans and he should take care of the orphans and the destitute, and proclaim the bounty of the destitute, and proclaim the bounty of God on him God on him

This was in reality an order to preach; This was in reality an order to preach; revelation;revelation;

warn people against evil practices, to warn people against evil practices, to exhort them to worship none but the One exhort them to worship none but the One God, and to abandon everything that God, and to abandon everything that would displease God would displease God

The MissionThe Mission The Prophet began by preaching his mission The Prophet began by preaching his mission

secretly first among his intimate friends, then secretly first among his intimate friends, then among the members of his own tribe and among the members of his own tribe and thereafter publicly in the city and suburbs.thereafter publicly in the city and suburbs.

the Quran was not revealed all at once, but in the Quran was not revealed all at once, but in fragments as occasions arose. fragments as occasions arose.

opposition degenerated in the course of time into opposition degenerated in the course of time into physical torture of the Prophet and of those who physical torture of the Prophet and of those who had embraced his religion.. Some of them died had embraced his religion.. Some of them died of the effects of torture, but none would of the effects of torture, but none would renounce his religion. renounce his religion.

Social BoycottSocial Boycott When a large number of the Meccan Muslims When a large number of the Meccan Muslims

migrated to Abyssinia, religious opponents sent migrated to Abyssinia, religious opponents sent an ultimatum to the tribe of the Prophet, an ultimatum to the tribe of the Prophet, demanding that he should be excommunicated demanding that he should be excommunicated and outlawed and delivered to the pagans for and outlawed and delivered to the pagans for being put to death. being put to death.

the city decided on a complete boycott of the the city decided on a complete boycott of the tribe: Nobody was to talk to them or have tribe: Nobody was to talk to them or have commercial or matrimonial relations with them.commercial or matrimonial relations with them.

During the boycott, many children, men and During the boycott, many children, men and women, the old and the sick and the feeble women, the old and the sick and the feeble starved to deathstarved to death

After three dire years, four or five non-Muslims, After three dire years, four or five non-Muslims, proclaimed publicly their denunciation of the proclaimed publicly their denunciation of the unjust boycott which ended this boycottunjust boycott which ended this boycott

The AscensionThe Ascension It was at this time that the Prophet Muhammad It was at this time that the Prophet Muhammad

was granted the was granted the mi'rajmi'raj (ascension): He saw in a (ascension): He saw in a vision that he was received on heaven by God, vision that he was received on heaven by God, and was witness of the marvels of the celestial and was witness of the marvels of the celestial regions. regions.

Returning, he brought for his community, as a Returning, he brought for his community, as a Divine gift, the [ritual prayer of Islam, the salaat], Divine gift, the [ritual prayer of Islam, the salaat], which constitutes a sort of communion between which constitutes a sort of communion between man and God.man and God.

The news of this celestial meeting led to an The news of this celestial meeting led to an increase in the hostility of non believers and the increase in the hostility of non believers and the Prophet was chased out of Mecca by pelting Prophet was chased out of Mecca by pelting stones which wounded him. stones which wounded him.

MadinahMadinah The annual pilgrimage of the Ka'bah The annual pilgrimage of the Ka'bah

brought to Mecca people from all parts of brought to Mecca people from all parts of Arabia. The Prophet Muhammad tried to Arabia. The Prophet Muhammad tried to persuade one tribe after another to afford persuade one tribe after another to afford him shelter and allow him to carry on his him shelter and allow him to carry on his mission of reform. mission of reform.

Madinans embraced Islam, and led a Madinans embraced Islam, and led a contingent of seventy-three new converts contingent of seventy-three new converts to Mecca, at the time of the pilgrimage. to Mecca, at the time of the pilgrimage.

Many Muslims emigrated to Madinah. Many Muslims emigrated to Madinah. In 622, the Prophet relocated to Madinah In 622, the Prophet relocated to Madinah

whence starts the Hijrah calendar. whence starts the Hijrah calendar.

Reorganization of the Community Reorganization of the Community co-ordinated religion and politics and he invited the co-ordinated religion and politics and he invited the

representatives of the Muslims , non-Muslim inhabitants of the representatives of the Muslims , non-Muslim inhabitants of the region: Arabs, Jews, Christians and others, and suggested the region: Arabs, Jews, Christians and others, and suggested the establishment of a City-State in Madinah. establishment of a City-State in Madinah.

developed a written constitution - the first of its kind in the world developed a written constitution - the first of its kind in the world - in which he defined the duties and rights both of the citizens - in which he defined the duties and rights both of the citizens and the head of the Stateand the head of the State

The administration of justice became henceforward the The administration of justice became henceforward the concern of the central organization of the community of the concern of the central organization of the community of the citizens. citizens.

The document laid down principles of defense and foreign The document laid down principles of defense and foreign policy: it organized a system of social insurance, called ma'aqil, policy: it organized a system of social insurance, called ma'aqil, in cases of too heavy obligations. in cases of too heavy obligations.

It recognized also explicitly liberty of religion, particularly for the It recognized also explicitly liberty of religion, particularly for the JewsJews

Muhammad journeyed to neighboring tribes to form treaties of Muhammad journeyed to neighboring tribes to form treaties of alliance and mutual help. They joined against Mecca.alliance and mutual help. They joined against Mecca.

Struggle Against Intolerance and UnbeliefStruggle Against Intolerance and Unbelief

the Meccans sent an ultimatum to the Madinans, the Meccans sent an ultimatum to the Madinans, demanding the surrender or at least the expulsion of demanding the surrender or at least the expulsion of Muhammad and his companions they sent a powerful Muhammad and his companions they sent a powerful army against the Prophet but lostarmy against the Prophet but lost

After a year of preparation, the Meccans again invaded After a year of preparation, the Meccans again invaded

Some Jews still remaining inside Madinah joined with Some Jews still remaining inside Madinah joined with Mecca at a later stage upset all strategy, yet with a Mecca at a later stage upset all strategy, yet with a sagacious diplomacy, the Prophet succeeded in breaking sagacious diplomacy, the Prophet succeeded in breaking up the alliance, and the different enemy groups retired up the alliance, and the different enemy groups retired one after the other. one after the other.

Alcoholic drinks, gambling and games of chance were at Alcoholic drinks, gambling and games of chance were at this time declared forbidden for the Muslims. this time declared forbidden for the Muslims.

The ReconciliationThe Reconciliation

The Prophet was then successful at Hudaibiyah in the suburbs of The Prophet was then successful at Hudaibiyah in the suburbs of Mecca, not only the maintenance of peace, but also the observance Mecca, not only the maintenance of peace, but also the observance of neutrality in their conflicts with third parties. of neutrality in their conflicts with third parties.

The Prophets religion spread to the foreign rulers of Byzantium, The Prophets religion spread to the foreign rulers of Byzantium, Iran, Abyssinia and other lands. The Byzantine autocrat priest - Iran, Abyssinia and other lands. The Byzantine autocrat priest - Dughatur of the Arabs - embraced Islam, but for this, was lynched Dughatur of the Arabs - embraced Islam, but for this, was lynched by the Christian mob; the prefect of Ma'an (Palestine) suffered the by the Christian mob; the prefect of Ma'an (Palestine) suffered the same fate, and was decapitated and crucified by order of the same fate, and was decapitated and crucified by order of the emperor. A Muslim ambassador was assassinated in Syria-emperor. A Muslim ambassador was assassinated in Syria-Palestine; Palestine;

Mecca hoping to profit by the Muslim difficulties, violated the terms Mecca hoping to profit by the Muslim difficulties, violated the terms of their treaty. of their treaty.

Upon this, the Prophet himself led an army, ten thousand strong, Upon this, the Prophet himself led an army, ten thousand strong, and surprised Mecca which he occupied in a bloodless manner and surprised Mecca which he occupied in a bloodless manner where he granted a general amnesty. Without leaving a single where he granted a general amnesty. Without leaving a single soldier in the conquered city, the Prophet retired to Madinah. The soldier in the conquered city, the Prophet retired to Madinah. The Islamization of Mecca, which was accomplished in a few hours, was Islamization of Mecca, which was accomplished in a few hours, was complete. complete.

In the year 10 H., when the Prophet went to Mecca for In the year 10 H., when the Prophet went to Mecca for HajjHajj (pilgrimage), he met 140,000 Muslims there, who (pilgrimage), he met 140,000 Muslims there, who had come from different parts of Arabia to fulfill their had come from different parts of Arabia to fulfill their religious obligation.religious obligation.

He addressed to them his celebrated sermon, in which He addressed to them his celebrated sermon, in which he gave a resume of his teachings: "Belief in One God he gave a resume of his teachings: "Belief in One God without images or symbols, equality of all the Believers without images or symbols, equality of all the Believers without distinction of race or class, the superiority of without distinction of race or class, the superiority of individuals being based solely on piety; sanctity of life, individuals being based solely on piety; sanctity of life, property and honor; abolition of interest, and of property and honor; abolition of interest, and of vendettas and private justice; better treatment of women; vendettas and private justice; better treatment of women; obligatory inheritance and distribution of the property of obligatory inheritance and distribution of the property of deceased persons among near relatives of both sexes, deceased persons among near relatives of both sexes, and removal of the possibility of the cumulation of wealth and removal of the possibility of the cumulation of wealth in the hands of the few." in the hands of the few."

The Quran and the conduct of the Prophet were to serve The Quran and the conduct of the Prophet were to serve as the bases of law and a healthy criterion in every as the bases of law and a healthy criterion in every aspect of human life. aspect of human life.

The Koran therefore corroborates, updates and The Koran therefore corroborates, updates and expands the Old and New Testaments.expands the Old and New Testaments.

It contains 114 chapters, written in vivid, rhyming It contains 114 chapters, written in vivid, rhyming prose, and was settled in its current form within prose, and was settled in its current form within 30 years of Mohammed's death.30 years of Mohammed's death.

Main tenets Central to Islam is the absolute Main tenets Central to Islam is the absolute sense that there can only be one God - Allah - sense that there can only be one God - Allah - and that he is the source of all creation and and that he is the source of all creation and disposer of all lives and events. Hence, there is disposer of all lives and events. Hence, there is no God but God and Mohammed is his no God but God and Mohammed is his messenger.messenger.

All people should become a single Umma - All people should become a single Umma - community - witnessing to that fact. On the day community - witnessing to that fact. On the day of judgment, all will rise from the dead and be of judgment, all will rise from the dead and be sent to heaven or hell.sent to heaven or hell.

The Koran contains many moral The Koran contains many moral exhortations, forming the basis of Islamic exhortations, forming the basis of Islamic (sharia) law. (sharia) law.

It lays down generosity and fairness and It lays down generosity and fairness and the requirements for daily prayer, alms the requirements for daily prayer, alms giving, abstinence during daylight hours in giving, abstinence during daylight hours in the month of Ramadan and pilgrimage to the month of Ramadan and pilgrimage to Mecca.Mecca.

After the prophet's death his community split into After the prophet's death his community split into followers of the caliph Abu Bakr and those who followers of the caliph Abu Bakr and those who supported Mohammed's closest relative, his supported Mohammed's closest relative, his son-in-law, Ali ibn Abi Talib.son-in-law, Ali ibn Abi Talib.

This division between Shia (followers of Ali) and This division between Shia (followers of Ali) and Sunni (followers of the custom of the caliphate) Sunni (followers of the custom of the caliphate) persists to this day. Although both share most of persists to this day. Although both share most of the customs of the religion, Shiites place more the customs of the religion, Shiites place more emphasis on the guiding role of the imam.emphasis on the guiding role of the imam.

About 90% of the world's Muslims are Sunni and About 90% of the world's Muslims are Sunni and about 10% Shia.about 10% Shia.

The Five Pillars of WisdomThe Five Pillars of Wisdom There are five duties that one must live by if one is a There are five duties that one must live by if one is a

Muslim, these are often called the Five Pillars of Muslim, these are often called the Five Pillars of Islam. Islam.

Shahada This is the main religious belief of all Shahada This is the main religious belief of all Muslim people and it is a declaration of their faith. Muslim people and it is a declaration of their faith. The English words are;The English words are;

There is no god but Allah; Muhammad is the There is no god but Allah; Muhammad is the messenger of Allah. Or as some muslims prefer... messenger of Allah. Or as some muslims prefer... "There is no god but the One God" meaning there is "There is no god but the One God" meaning there is only one God for all mankind.only one God for all mankind.

Anyone who says these words and means it can Anyone who says these words and means it can become a Muslim.become a Muslim.

Salah This is prayer. Muslims pray five times a day and follow a Salah This is prayer. Muslims pray five times a day and follow a special ritual to do so. Firstly they wash (wudu). This is a special special ritual to do so. Firstly they wash (wudu). This is a special process... process...

Wash hands up to the wrist three timesWash hands up to the wrist three times Wash mouth three timesWash mouth three times Wash nostrils, breathing in and out through the nose three timesWash nostrils, breathing in and out through the nose three times Wash arms up to elbows three timesWash arms up to elbows three times Wipe head with wet hands, forehead to back, back to foreheadWipe head with wet hands, forehead to back, back to forehead Rub outside the ears with wet fingers, inside with wet thumbs at the Rub outside the ears with wet fingers, inside with wet thumbs at the

same timesame time Wash feet up to the ankles three timesWash feet up to the ankles three times Raise one's face to the sky, pointing up with the index finger. Raise one's face to the sky, pointing up with the index finger.

The water must be pure, if there is no clean water sand may be used. The The water must be pure, if there is no clean water sand may be used. The prayers are all said at the same times each day:prayers are all said at the same times each day:

Fajr- Morning, between dawn and sunriseFajr- Morning, between dawn and sunrise Zuhr - Mid-day or early afternoonZuhr - Mid-day or early afternoon Asr - Late afternoonAsr - Late afternoon Maghrib - Evening, around sunsetMaghrib - Evening, around sunset Isah - Night, before going to bedIsah - Night, before going to bed

ZAKATZAKATThis is about looking after other people. This is about looking after other people. Each Muslim gives up a share of his Each Muslim gives up a share of his wealth each year to provide for those less wealth each year to provide for those less fortunate. The word zakat means to purify fortunate. The word zakat means to purify or cleanse. As the person gives up a share or cleanse. As the person gives up a share of his or her wealth they become cleansed of his or her wealth they become cleansed from selfishness and greed. This money from selfishness and greed. This money might be to provide education, keep up or might be to provide education, keep up or build mosques or help the needy.build mosques or help the needy.

HAJJHAJJAll Muslims have a duty to try to make a All Muslims have a duty to try to make a

pilgrimage to the Ka'aba in Makkah at least pilgrimage to the Ka'aba in Makkah at least once during their lifetime. once during their lifetime.

The men who make the pilgrimage wear an The men who make the pilgrimage wear an ihram which is made up of two sheets. They ihram which is made up of two sheets. They must not be sewn. Also they wear special must not be sewn. Also they wear special open shoes. open shoes.

This clothing is a symbol of peace and This clothing is a symbol of peace and obedience to God. The pilgrimage follows a obedience to God. The pilgrimage follows a set pattern.set pattern.

There is a day of preparation. The There is a day of preparation. The person bathes, dresses in the ihram person bathes, dresses in the ihram and tells everyone that he intends to and tells everyone that he intends to perform hajj. perform hajj.

He walks round the Ka'aba seven He walks round the Ka'aba seven times and usually kisses the black times and usually kisses the black stone. The Ka'aba is a cube covered stone. The Ka'aba is a cube covered in a black cloth (kiswa) and it has a in a black cloth (kiswa) and it has a special black stone in the corner special black stone in the corner where Abraham stood. where Abraham stood.

Day 1, the pilgrims move to Mina about Day 1, the pilgrims move to Mina about three miles away to get here for the three miles away to get here for the prayers at noon. They stay there over prayers at noon. They stay there over night.night.

Day 2 sees the journey from Mina to Day 2 sees the journey from Mina to Arafat by noon. A sermon is Arafat by noon. A sermon is preached and pilgrims stay there preached and pilgrims stay there until sunset. This is the most until sunset. This is the most important part of a pilgrimage. After important part of a pilgrimage. After sunset they travel to Muzdalifa for sunset they travel to Muzdalifa for the evening and night prayersthe evening and night prayers

Day three is the Day of Sacrifice. Pilgrims collect a bag of tiny Day three is the Day of Sacrifice. Pilgrims collect a bag of tiny pebbles which they carry back to Mina. pebbles which they carry back to Mina.

They throw seven stone on Jamara 'Agba in memory They throw seven stone on Jamara 'Agba in memory of the time that Abraham dismissed Satan in this of the time that Abraham dismissed Satan in this way. When that is complete a sacrifice of a goat or a way. When that is complete a sacrifice of a goat or a sheep is made, again that is in memory of when sheep is made, again that is in memory of when Abraham was going to sacrifice his son as God had Abraham was going to sacrifice his son as God had ordered. ordered.

Once that is complete the pilgrim cuts off a lock of Once that is complete the pilgrim cuts off a lock of his hair.his hair. They walk once again round the Ka'aba on They walk once again round the Ka'aba on the way back to Makkah and then dress in their the way back to Makkah and then dress in their normal clothes. normal clothes.

Days four, five and six are for relaxation.Days four, five and six are for relaxation.    The effect of the pilgrimage is to bring together the The effect of the pilgrimage is to bring together the

community and strengthen it.community and strengthen it.

HAJJHAJJ

SAUMSAUMThis is all about Ramadam. The ninth month of the Islam This is all about Ramadam. The ninth month of the Islam calendar.calendar.

It is special because it is when Muhammad (Pbuh) began It is special because it is when Muhammad (Pbuh) began receiving the messages from God.receiving the messages from God.

For thirty days Muslims fast, they do not eat or drink For thirty days Muslims fast, they do not eat or drink during daylight hours. It start when the new moon is seen during daylight hours. It start when the new moon is seen at the start of the month and ends when the new moon is at the start of the month and ends when the new moon is seen again at the end of the month. The fast is to remind seen again at the end of the month. The fast is to remind them how difficult it is to be poor, hungry and thirsty in a them how difficult it is to be poor, hungry and thirsty in a hot place.hot place.

It reminds them to thank God for his gift of the Qur'an. It It reminds them to thank God for his gift of the Qur'an. It also serves to make them think about the essentials and also serves to make them think about the essentials and luxuries of life and so not be greedyluxuries of life and so not be greedy

Eid-ul-AdhaEid-ul-Adha This is the other big festival This is the other big festival

every year. It coincides with every year. It coincides with the Hajj. It is to remember the the Hajj. It is to remember the time when Abraham was going time when Abraham was going to sacrifice his own son to to sacrifice his own son to prove obedience to God. prove obedience to God. Muslims consider that Muslims consider that Abraham was a prophet or Abraham was a prophet or messenger from God. Again messenger from God. Again they go to the mosque together they go to the mosque together for prayers. Later in the day for prayers. Later in the day they sacrifice a sheep and give they sacrifice a sheep and give one third of the meat away to one third of the meat away to remember Abraham's sacrifice.remember Abraham's sacrifice.

Children learn about Islam from birth. As Children learn about Islam from birth. As soon as a baby is born the first words it will soon as a baby is born the first words it will hear are the Shahadah (the declaration of hear are the Shahadah (the declaration of faith).faith).

Muslim baby boys are circumcised whilst Muslim baby boys are circumcised whilst young. This is very often done at the same young. This is very often done at the same time as the head shaving ceremony. time as the head shaving ceremony.

On the seventh day of a baby's life his or her On the seventh day of a baby's life his or her hair will be shaved off and the equivalent hair will be shaved off and the equivalent weight of gold given to the poor. An offering weight of gold given to the poor. An offering follows.follows.

Two sheep if it is a boy and one if it is a girl. Two sheep if it is a boy and one if it is a girl. The meat is cooked and shared between the The meat is cooked and shared between the whole family and visitors.whole family and visitors.