Short intro to Islam

Introduction to Introduction to IslamIslam

Islamic Center of Islamic Center of PittsburghPittsburgh

www.icp-pgh.orgwww.icp-pgh.org

[email protected]@icp-pgh.org

15 Oct. 2002 Islamic Center of Pittsburgh 2

Islam: An OverviewIslam: An Overview Prophet Muhammad and the Birth Prophet Muhammad and the Birth

of Islamof Islam The Muslim CommunityThe Muslim Community Islam—A Formal DefinitionIslam—A Formal Definition To Hot to Touch:To Hot to Touch:

WomenWomen JihadJihad

Resources for the InterestedResources for the Interested


What is in the Name?What is in the Name?

““Islam” derived from an Arabic Islam” derived from an Arabic word, meaning “to surrender”, with word, meaning “to surrender”, with shadow meanings of “purity” and shadow meanings of “purity” and “peace”“peace”

Not a religion, in the sense of the Not a religion, in the sense of the English word—It’s a way of lifeEnglish word—It’s a way of life

No duality—Everything is from God No duality—Everything is from God and for Godand for God


The Birth PlaceThe Birth Place

The world’s The world’s three three monotheistic monotheistic faith—Judaism, faith—Judaism, Christianity Christianity and Islam—and Islam—were born and were born and developed in developed in the Middle the Middle EastEast


The Birth PlaceThe Birth Place The Middle East—Historical Context:The Middle East—Historical Context:

Inhabited by Semites (and other races) who Inhabited by Semites (and other races) who spoke many languages, including Hebrew spoke many languages, including Hebrew (language of Torah) and Arabic (language of (language of Torah) and Arabic (language of Qur'an). Qur'an).

Cradle of many ancient civilizations, e.g., Cradle of many ancient civilizations, e.g., Egyptian, Sumerian and Babylonian Egyptian, Sumerian and Babylonian

11stst Century: Occupied by Greeks and Romans Century: Occupied by Greeks and Romans 77thth - 18 - 18thth Century: Islamic Civilization and culture Century: Islamic Civilization and culture

spread through the rest of the worldspread through the rest of the world 1111thth Century: Several waves of Crusades Century: Several waves of Crusades 1919thth - 20 - 20thth Century: Partitioned among major Century: Partitioned among major

Western powers Western powers


The Birth of IslamThe Birth of Islam

The Arabian Peninsula, currently known The Arabian Peninsula, currently known as Saudi Arabia and other Gulf as Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries; mostly desertcountries; mostly desert

Populace of Arabian Peninsula:Populace of Arabian Peninsula: Mostly nomadic tribesMostly nomadic tribes three Jewish tribes in Yathrib and Yementhree Jewish tribes in Yathrib and Yemen Some Christians in the north and westSome Christians in the north and west Mostly pagan, idol worshipersMostly pagan, idol worshipers Extensive trade between East and WestExtensive trade between East and West


Prophet MuhammadProphet Muhammad Born in 570 AD, in Makkah, for the Born in 570 AD, in Makkah, for the

most powerful and honorable tribe of most powerful and honorable tribe of the Arabia (Quraysh)the Arabia (Quraysh)

Lost his father, then mother, then Lost his father, then mother, then grandfather; lived with his unclegrandfather; lived with his uncle

Was illiterate, but respected by all for Was illiterate, but respected by all for his truthfulness, generosity and his truthfulness, generosity and sincerity.sincerity.

Known to be trust-worthy and honestKnown to be trust-worthy and honest


Prophet MuhammadProphet Muhammad

Known to meditate in solitude of Known to meditate in solitude of desert, in a cave called Hira’ desert, in a cave called Hira’

Human, but chosen to fulfill divine Human, but chosen to fulfill divine missionmission

Received 1Received 1stst revelation from God, revelation from God, through angel Gabriel, at age of 40through angel Gabriel, at age of 40

Revelation continued for 23 yearsRevelation continued for 23 years Died soon after (632 AD)Died soon after (632 AD)


Qur’an 96:1-5, Qur’an 96:1-5, First RevelationFirst Revelation

In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. Proclaim! (or Read!) In the name of thy Lord and Cherisher, Who created— Created man, out of a (mere) clot of congealed blood: Proclaim! And thy Lord is Most Bountiful,— He Who taught (the use of) the Pen; Taught man that which he knew not.


Fast Forward—Muslims Fast Forward—Muslims TodayToday

Muslim Community World-wideMuslim Community World-wide Over 1.3 billion people from a vast range of Over 1.3 billion people from a vast range of

races, nationalities and cultures across the races, nationalities and cultures across the globe globe

Muslims allover the world are united by their Muslims allover the world are united by their common Islamic faithcommon Islamic faith

About 14% live in the Arab worldAbout 14% live in the Arab world Indonesia, the largest Muslim country, is non-Indonesia, the largest Muslim country, is non-

Arab countryArab country Significant minorities allover the worldSignificant minorities allover the world


Fast Forward—Muslims TodayFast Forward—Muslims Today

About 7-8 millions in the USAAbout 7-8 millions in the USA From all walks of life, mostly professionalsFrom all walks of life, mostly professionals About 40% African-American, 60% from About 40% African-American, 60% from

all other ethnic and national backgroundsall other ethnic and national backgrounds About 7-10 thousands in PittsburghAbout 7-10 thousands in Pittsburgh

About the same distribution in the USAAbout the same distribution in the USA Five Islamic centers/mosquesFive Islamic centers/mosques


Islam in Religious ContextIslam in Religious Context Islam recognizes all prophets, starting with Islam recognizes all prophets, starting with

Adam, peace be upon him:Adam, peace be upon him: Ibrahim (Abraham), founder of first temple (Ka’ba)Ibrahim (Abraham), founder of first temple (Ka’ba) Father of Ishaq (Isaac) Father of Ishaq (Isaac) Judaism Judaism Father of Isma’il (Ishmael) Father of Isma’il (Ishmael) Islam Islam Muhammad is the seal of prophetsMuhammad is the seal of prophets

Special relation with “the people of the book”Special relation with “the people of the book” Prophets are humans chosen for divine Prophets are humans chosen for divine

missionmission The Word “Islam”: To Surrender, to abandon The Word “Islam”: To Surrender, to abandon

oneself in peace, with purity of intentiononeself in peace, with purity of intention


Islam in Religious ContextIslam in Religious Context Three Fundamental UnitiesThree Fundamental Unities

GodGod HumankindHumankind The MessageThe Message

Islam Not a New Religion; it’s the Religion Islam Not a New Religion; it’s the Religion of all Prophetsof all Prophets

HistoricalHistorical Evolution Lead to an All- Evolution Lead to an All-Encompassing Religion—IslamEncompassing Religion—Islam

Universal Message for All Times, All Places Universal Message for All Times, All Places and All Peopleand All People


Islam in Religious ContextIslam in Religious Context

Islam is a “way of life”, which Islam is a “way of life”, which regulates relationshipsregulates relationships Between the Creator and the CreatedBetween the Creator and the Created Among all created (humans, animals Among all created (humans, animals

& things)& things) Establishes basis of accountabilityEstablishes basis of accountability


Islam—Formal DefinitionIslam—Formal Definition

Binding Sources on Every MuslimBinding Sources on Every Muslim Qur’anQur’an Tradition of Prophet Muhammad (Tradition of Prophet Muhammad (SunnahSunnah))

Oness or Unity of God (Oness or Unity of God (TawheedTawheed)) Creed or Belief (Creed or Belief (ImanIman)) Pillars of IslamPillars of Islam

Testimony Testimony Prayer Prayer Paying CharityPaying Charity Fasting Fasting Pilgrimage Pilgrimage


Islam Binding Sources: Islam Binding Sources: Qur’anQur’an

The literal word of God, in its Arabic The literal word of God, in its Arabic text; unchanged since revelationtext; unchanged since revelation

Preserved—The promise is built-inPreserved—The promise is built-in Comprehensive and Integrated Comprehensive and Integrated

Guide to Live—The Miracle of IslamGuide to Live—The Miracle of Islam Translations are only human efforts Translations are only human efforts

to approximate of the meaning of to approximate of the meaning of Qur’anQur’an


Islam Binding Sources: Islam Binding Sources: Qur’anQur’an

Structure of Qur’anStructure of Qur’an Organized in 114 chapters, called Organized in 114 chapters, called

Suwar Suwar (plural of (plural of SurahSurah)) Each chapter (Each chapter (SurahSurah) consists of ) consists of

smaller units, called smaller units, called AyaatAyaat (plural of (plural of AyahAyah))

The meaning of the word The meaning of the word AyahAyah Chapters vary significantly in lengthChapters vary significantly in length


Islam Binding Sources: Islam Binding Sources: SunnahSunnah

Tradition of Prophet Muhammad, Tradition of Prophet Muhammad, described in his sayings (described in his sayings (HadithHadith)) A A hadithhadith is a reliably transmitted report of is a reliably transmitted report of

what the Prophet said, did, or approvedwhat the Prophet said, did, or approved Exemplification of Qur’anExemplification of Qur’an Example to aspire for and imitateExample to aspire for and imitate

Qur’an and Sunnah are complementary Qur’an and Sunnah are complementary sources of Islam; Binding on every Muslimsources of Islam; Binding on every Muslim


Qur’an 49:13Qur’an 49:13

O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye

may despise each other). Verily, the most honored of you in the sight of God is (he who is) the most

Righteous of you. And God has full knowledge and is well-acquainted (with all things).


Prophetic HadithProphetic Hadith

On the authority of Abu Huraira (may God be pleased with him), the Messenger of God (peace and blessings of God be upon him) said:“Whoever believes in God and the Last Day should speak good things or keep silent. Whoever believes in God and the Last Day should be courteous and generous to his neighbor. Whoever believes in God and Last Day should be courteous and generous to his [traveling] visitor.”Recorded by al-Bukhari and Muslim


Once or Unity of God Once or Unity of God ((TawheedTawheed))

There is no deity worthy of worship but There is no deity worthy of worship but God; One, Unique, Incomparable God God; One, Unique, Incomparable God (or Allah); Nothing is like unto Him; The (or Allah); Nothing is like unto Him; The CreatorCreator

Pluralism exists only in the domain of Pluralism exists only in the domain of the createdthe created

Beautiful Names (attributes) of God Beautiful Names (attributes) of God Let’s see how God describes HimselfLet’s see how God describes Himself


Qur’an 112Qur’an 112The SincerityThe Sincerity

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. Say: He is Allah, the One and Only; Allah, the Eternal, Absolute; He begetteth not, nor is He begotten; And there is none like unto Him.


Islamic Creed or Belief Islamic Creed or Belief ((ImanIman))

Angels created by AllahAngels created by Allah Chain of prophets through whom Allah sent Chain of prophets through whom Allah sent

His revelations to mankind, starting with His revelations to mankind, starting with Adam, including Moses and Jesus, and Adam, including Moses and Jesus, and concluding with Muhammad, peace be on all concluding with Muhammad, peace be on all of themof them

Day of Judgment, resurrection, Heaven and Day of Judgment, resurrection, Heaven and HellHell

Individual accountability for one’s deedsIndividual accountability for one’s deeds Allah's final message to man, revealed to Allah's final message to man, revealed to

Prophet Muhammad through Angel GabrielProphet Muhammad through Angel Gabriel


Pillars of IslamPillars of Islam

Prophetic Hadith:Prophetic Hadith:

"Islam is built on five (pillars) testifying that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah,

performing the prayers, paying the charity, making the pilgrimage to the

House, and fasting in Ramadan."


Pillar 1: Testimony Pillar 1: Testimony ((ShahadaShahada))

““I testify that there is no deity worthy of I testify that there is no deity worthy of worship but Allah, and I testify that worship but Allah, and I testify that

Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah”Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah” One becomes Muslim when one utters One becomes Muslim when one utters

Shahada with understanding and Shahada with understanding and conviction—No other rituals requiredconviction—No other rituals required

Being of becoming a Muslim is not a Being of becoming a Muslim is not a destination; it’s a journey or a processdestination; it’s a journey or a process


Pillar 2: Prayer (Pillar 2: Prayer (SalatSalat)) Required Prayers: Required Prayers:

Establishes a direct connection Establishes a direct connection between The Creator and the createdbetween The Creator and the created

Five times a day: Dawn, Afternoon, Five times a day: Dawn, Afternoon, Late Afternoon, Early Night, NightLate Afternoon, Early Night, Night

Each taking 5-10 minutes reciting Each taking 5-10 minutes reciting ayaatayaat from Qur’an—in Arabic from Qur’an—in Arabic

Personal supplications (after prayer) Personal supplications (after prayer) offered in one’s own languageoffered in one’s own language


Pillar 2: Prayer (Pillar 2: Prayer (SalatSalat)) Required Prayers:Required Prayers:

Five prayers may be offered individually, Five prayers may be offered individually, but congregation is encouraged but congregation is encouraged

Congregation led by learned man Congregation led by learned man (Imam), usually selected by the (Imam), usually selected by the congregation. congregation.

A woman may lead a congregation of A woman may lead a congregation of women women

Required congregation is Friday Required congregation is Friday Afternoon prayer—takes about an hourAfternoon prayer—takes about an hour


Pillar 2: Prayer (Pillar 2: Prayer (SalatSalat))

Face Ka’ba in Makkah in all prayersFace Ka’ba in Makkah in all prayers Prayer symbolizes equality and Prayer symbolizes equality and

humility before Allahhumility before Allah Physical cleansing (ablution), Physical cleansing (ablution),

followed by spiritual cleansing followed by spiritual cleansing (prayer)(prayer)

No acceptable excuse for missing No acceptable excuse for missing required prayersrequired prayers


Pillar 2: Prayer (Pillar 2: Prayer (SalatSalat))

A Moroccan in Prayer Muslims Praying in Jerusalem Outside The Dome of the

Rock


Pillar 3: Religious Charity Pillar 3: Religious Charity ((ZakatZakat))

A Muslim either pays Zakat or gets A Muslim either pays Zakat or gets ZakatZakat All things, including wealth, belong to AllahAll things, including wealth, belong to Allah Wealth is held by hands of human beings Wealth is held by hands of human beings

as trust—Should be spent in ways that as trust—Should be spent in ways that please Allahplease Allah

Paying Zakat is a “purification” of wealth Paying Zakat is a “purification” of wealth and causes its “growth”and causes its “growth”

Actually two forms: Zakat is tangible, but Actually two forms: Zakat is tangible, but SadaqaSadaqa tangible and intangible (kind word tangible and intangible (kind word or smile)or smile)


Pillar 4: Fasting During Pillar 4: Fasting During Ramadan (Ramadan (SiyamSiyam))

Ramadan is 9Ramadan is 9thth month of the lunar calendar month of the lunar calendar Complete fast from dawn to sunsetComplete fast from dawn to sunset

No food, drinks or sexual activitiesNo food, drinks or sexual activities Exempt: Sick, elderly, on a journey, a Exempt: Sick, elderly, on a journey, a

pregnant or nursing women. Should make it pregnant or nursing women. Should make it up later in the year. up later in the year.

If physically unable to fast, one must feed a If physically unable to fast, one must feed a needy person for every day missedneedy person for every day missed

Emphasis on piety and religious Emphasis on piety and religious observancesobservances


Pillar 4: Fasting During Pillar 4: Fasting During Ramadan (Ramadan (SiyamSiyam))

Children begin to fast, observe prayer Children begin to fast, observe prayer from puberty, although many start earlier from puberty, although many start earlier

Ramadan is like an annual Islamic Ramadan is like an annual Islamic workshop of proper conduct—An exercise workshop of proper conduct—An exercise in self-controlin self-control

Eidul FitrEidul Fitr commemorates end of commemorates end of Ramadan Ramadan

Allah specifies what is Lawful (Allah specifies what is Lawful (HalalHalal) and ) and what is unlawful (what is unlawful (HaramHaram))


Pillar 5: The Pilgrimage Pillar 5: The Pilgrimage ((HajjHajj))

Visit the Sacred Mosque in Makkah (at Visit the Sacred Mosque in Makkah (at least) once in a lifetime if physically least) once in a lifetime if physically and financially capable — 12and financially capable — 12thth month month of lunar calendarof lunar calendar

Rituals have Abrahamic originRituals have Abrahamic origin Largest human (peaceful) gathering, Largest human (peaceful) gathering,

2+ million from every corner of the 2+ million from every corner of the globeglobe

Eidul AdhaEidul Adha overlaps the Hajj rituals overlaps the Hajj rituals


Pillar 5: The Pilgrimage Pillar 5: The Pilgrimage ((HajjHajj))

The Sacred Mosque, at Makkah al-Mukarramah (”Makkah the Honored”) during a regular prayer. At the center of the Sacred Mosque is the focal point of Islamic prayer worldwide—the Ka'ba.


Qur’an 2:256Qur’an 2:256

Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from Error: whoever rejects evil

and believes in Allah hath grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold, that never breaks. And

Allah heareth and knoweth all things.


The Religion of IslamThe Religion of Islam Acts of Worship:Acts of Worship:

Mandated by Qur’an, but details described by Mandated by Qur’an, but details described by Prophet MuhammadProphet Muhammad

Revolves around the communityRevolves around the community An Important Question: Why do we engage An Important Question: Why do we engage

in these acts of worship?in these acts of worship? Because they make sense?!Because they make sense?! Because they have good social values?!Because they have good social values?! Because they are likely to build a good Because they are likely to build a good

society?!society?! Because we know Allah has commanded us Because we know Allah has commanded us

to do so. Period.to do so. Period.


Islam—Formal DefinitionIslam—Formal Definition

Binding Sources on Every MuslimBinding Sources on Every Muslim Qur’anQur’an Tradition of Prophet Muhammad (Tradition of Prophet Muhammad (SunnahSunnah))

Oness or Unity of God (Oness or Unity of God (TawheedTawheed)) Creed or Belief (Creed or Belief (ImanIman)) Pillars of IslamPillars of Islam

Testimony Testimony Prayer Prayer Paying CharityPaying Charity Fasting Fasting Pilgrimage Pilgrimage


Why is Islam so Attractive?Why is Islam so Attractive? Clarity, simplicity and logic of faith Clarity, simplicity and logic of faith

and religious practicesand religious practices Complete way of life, not only acts of Complete way of life, not only acts of

worshipworship Emphasis on individual responsibility Emphasis on individual responsibility

and commitmentand commitment No hierarchy or any organized clergyNo hierarchy or any organized clergy Insists on equality, justice and peace Insists on equality, justice and peace

for allfor all


Women in IslamWomen in Islam

Equal rights and responsibilities in Equal rights and responsibilities in terms of religious, ethical, moral, civil, terms of religious, ethical, moral, civil, economic and legal matterseconomic and legal matters Same religious expectation of both men Same religious expectation of both men

and womenand women Full economic freedom achieved 1400 Full economic freedom achieved 1400

years agoyears ago Education is essentialEducation is essential Must maintain family heritageMust maintain family heritage



In family context, husband given In family context, husband given overall responsibility for family:overall responsibility for family: Respect for wife and/or mother is Respect for wife and/or mother is

enormousenormous Husband’s decision arbitrates Husband’s decision arbitrates

disagreements that disagreements that cannot be cannot be resolved otherwiseresolved otherwise

Objective is safeguarding the familyObjective is safeguarding the family



Inheritance: Guiding principles are:Inheritance: Guiding principles are: Social and economic responsibilities – a Social and economic responsibilities – a

son (who is now responsible for family) son (who is now responsible for family) inherits twice a daughter (who has no inherits twice a daughter (who has no social or economic obligations)social or economic obligations)

Financial obligations not fulfilled yet – Financial obligations not fulfilled yet – daughter inheritance is larger than daughter inheritance is larger than mother’smother’s

Human needs – father and mother of a Human needs – father and mother of a deceased inherit equal amountsdeceased inherit equal amounts


Women in IslamWomen in Islam Giving TestimonyGiving Testimony

Every Muslim is expected to be honest and Every Muslim is expected to be honest and trust-worthytrust-worthy

On expert professional matters, a woman’s On expert professional matters, a woman’s testimony is equal to a man’s testimonytestimony is equal to a man’s testimony

On family and children matters, a woman’s On family and children matters, a woman’s testimony takes precedence over a man’stestimony takes precedence over a man’s

On financial and commerce matters, two On financial and commerce matters, two women’s testimony are required, lest one women’s testimony are required, lest one forgets, the other reminds herforgets, the other reminds her


Jihad in IslamJihad in Islam

Holy War?!Holy War?! The expression/concept is foreign to IslamThe expression/concept is foreign to Islam There is nothing “holy” about what There is nothing “holy” about what

Muslims do; “holiness” is reserved for Muslims do; “holiness” is reserved for Allah, not humansAllah, not humans

The expression was coined and used The expression was coined and used extensively before and during the crusadesextensively before and during the crusades

Injustice – the victims are charged with the Injustice – the victims are charged with the crimecrime


Jihad in IslamJihad in Islam

Jihad means “exerting effort” to:Jihad means “exerting effort” to: Resist sinful behavior or tendenciesResist sinful behavior or tendencies Spread correct information about Islam Spread correct information about Islam

by peaceful meansby peaceful means Fight in defense against an aggressor; Fight in defense against an aggressor;

but do not transgress – don’t kill a but do not transgress – don’t kill a woman, child or even uproot a tree woman, child or even uproot a tree unnecessarilyunnecessarily

Being Muslim is not a destination; it Being Muslim is not a destination; it is a journey – Jihadis a journey – Jihad


ResourcesResources

Islamic Center of PittsburghIslamic Center of Pittsburgh www.icp-pgh.orgwww.icp-pgh.org [email protected]@icp-pgh.org Humanity Day: Saturday, 23 Nov. 2002, Humanity Day: Saturday, 23 Nov. 2002,

4:30 PM—Everyone is invited!4:30 PM—Everyone is invited! Web Sites:Web Sites:

<need a good site for non-Muslims><need a good site for non-Muslims> <need a good site for women in Islam><need a good site for women in Islam> http://www.islamicity.com/http://www.islamicity.com/


Islam: An OverviewIslam: An Overview Prophet Muhammad and the Birth Prophet Muhammad and the Birth

of Islamof Islam The Muslim CommunityThe Muslim Community Islam—A Formal DefinitionIslam—A Formal Definition To Hot to Touch:To Hot to Touch:

WomenWomen JihadJihad

Resources for the InterestedResources for the Interested

Short intro to Islam

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