Islam

Five Pillars of Islamic Faith1. Profess and say publically, “There is one

God, Allah and Muhammad is his prophet.2. Pray 5 times a day facing Mecca.3. Fast during the daylight hours of the holy

month of Ramadan (ninth month in the Muslim calendar).

4. Hajj- Make a holy pilgrimage to Mecca once in a lifetime ( if financially possible).

5. Give alms to the poor and unfortunate.

Definition WordsRamadan – The holy month. Muhammad received the Koran during

this month.Quran (Koran) – The Holy Book in Arabic and no other language. To

translate it would be to change God’s word.Ka’bah – The sacred black stone in Mecca.People of the Book – Jews and Christians – They are seen as good

people. Islam = submission to the will of AllahMosque – Place of worship.Abu Bakr – The first Caliph or successor to the prophet.Shariah – A set of law codesSheik – The ruler of a nomadic tribe of people.Sunni – traditionalists – followers of Abu Bakr – first Caliph – elected

by committeeShia – minority – followers of Ali (son in law) Imam – pray 3 xs daily

Geographic SettingThe Arabian Peninsula is the largest Peninsula in the

world.Today it is called Saudi Arabia.It is a very hot and dry place (arid).The middles east is the crossroads between Asia and

Europe.The Bedouins are merchant traders in the desert. The

Camel is transported from India.Mecca – A trading center but also a religious center.The Ka’bah is a sacred shrine. Polytheistic – there were many idols around the

Ka’bah.

The Story of Muhammad In 570 A.D. Muhammad is born and almost immediately he becomes an

orphan. At the age of 40 (25??) marries a wealthy widow and becomes a

merchant. At 610 A.D. the Angel Gabriel visits Muhammad and he is told to

proclaim the one god Allah. (yet he is illiterate) writes 114 Word of Allah - Koran

His wife converts but he has very few followers in Mecca. They grow tired of hearing him talk about his faith and threaten his life. Muhammad then flees to Medina. This is called the Hegira (Flight for Life). While he is there he wins converts. He is seen as a political and religious leader. A few years later he goes back to Mecca with 10,000 men. 622 A.D. is the year of the flight. This marks year ZERO for the Muslim calendar.

WomenThe Koran gave women legal and economic

status.Women were to receive inheritance and

control their own property.The killing of unwanted girl babies was

strictly forbidden.Divorce was allowed and the husband must

return the dowry.Cultural differences dictate women’s lives.

Orthodox – strict countries – strict towards women.

Expansion of Islam622-732 A.D. Islam spread rapidly, In Spain

Muslims were called Moors.Why Appealing to its followers?

1. Clear and simple message.2. One god and equality for all.3. No need for church or clergy.4. This unified the Arabs under one religion.

Similarities & Differences to other Monotheistic Faiths

1 God Angels of God Messengers of God – Old Testament Prophets

Moses, Noah, Joseph, Adam, Ismael, Mohammed, Jesus Books of God Reward and punishment Life after death Exodus story Believe in Old Testament and New Testament Believe in 10 Commandments Gabriel spoke to Mary – You will have a son who will be “close to God”HOWEVER No turn the other Cheek – like Christianity Eye for eye (like Judaism) If someone Attacks – you attack back!

Jerusalem – Holy City to all 3 For the Jews – Ancestral and Spiritual homeland – location of the

western wall (last remaining wall of Solomon’s temple) For Christians – it is the location of the life and teachings of Jesus For Muslims – The Dome of the Rock – the site where it is believed

Mohammed ascended into heaven in what is known as a “Night Journey” (in 610)

The Dome of the Rock is also the location where it is believed the Arc of the Covenant was placed (inside the temple)

Also, it is believed this same location is Where Abraham was preparing to sacrificeIsaac.