Religions Of The World

1. Religions Of The World "ISLAM"

2. Words From The Quran • " Your Lord has commanded that you worship none but Him, and be kind to parents. If either or both of them reach old age with you, do not rebuke them, but speak to them in terms of honor and kindness. Treat them with humility, and say, 'My Lord! Have mercy on them, for they did care for me when I was little'."Quran- 17:23-4

3. Allah The Supreme Being. The name of God. • Hadith [ha-deeth] The sacred sayings of Muhammad, handed down by oral tradition and finally written down. • Hajj [haag] Pilgrimage to Mecca. One of the five pillars of the Islamic faith. • Hijrah [hige-ruh] Muhammad's flight from Mecca to Medina in 622 A.D. • Islam "submission to the will of Allah" • Koran (Qur'an) The inspired word of God given to Muhammad by the angel Gabriel. • Makkah The birthplace of Muhammad, and the holy city of Islam. Terminologies

4. Medina [muh-dee-nuh] Holy city named for Muhammad after he fled there in 622 A.D. • Muhammad Prophet and founder of Islam. Born around 570 A.D., died 632 A.D. • Muslim Followers of Muhammad. It literally means one who submits to the will of Allah. • Mosque Islamic place of worship. • Muezzlin Muslim caller who announces the hour of prayer. • Peace Be Upon Him An expression used by Muslims to show respect and reverence to all prophets of Allah. Muslims usually say it just after mentioning the name of Prophets. Terminologies

5. Ramadan [ram-uh-dahn] The ninth and one of the most sacred month of the Muslim year. It is the month in which Holy Quran was revealed to prophet Muhammad. It is now considered as a month of fasting. • Salat [suh-lot] Muslim daily prayer ritual. One of the five pillars of Islam. • Shi'ites Muslim sect which insists that Muhammad's son-in-law 'Ali was Muhammad's rightful successor. • Sufi [soo-fee] A Muslim mystic and/or ascetic. • Sunnites Largest Muslim sect which acknowledges all of Muhammad's successors. • Surahs What the chapters of the Qur'an are called. Terminologies

6. The word Islam means "submission to God". • The Holy Quran describes Islam as an Arabic word Deen (way of life). • The followers of Islam are called Muslims. • The literal meaning of Muslim is "one who surrenders" or "submits" to the will of God. • According to Quran, those who submit to one God are Muslims. History

7. Islam is the religion of all the prophets from Adam to Noah to Abraham to Moses, Jesus and Mohammad. • Quran also declares that all the prophets who came before Mohammad and their followers were all Muslims.  • The origin of Islam dates back to the creation of the world. • Before the birth of Prophet Mohammad (Peace Be Upon Him), the Arab society believed in multiple Gods. History

8. Although the Arabs believed in the unity of God, but they also claimed that God has entrusted His duties to various gods, goddesses and idols. For this purpose, they had more than 360 idols. • They considered angels as the daughters of God. • They were ignorant of social values. • They were nomadic people who were dependent on cattle for their living. • There was no government or law. All power existed with the rich. History

9. The society was full of barbarity and brutality. • Tribes fought with each other over trivial matters for centuries. A slight argument over horses or water could lead to the slaughtering of thousands of innocent people. • It was the birth of Prophet Mohammad in 570 A.D in the city of Makkah which brought a revolution to the entire fate of the nomadic Arabs History

10. He became famous among the people of Makkah at a very early age because of his allegiance and reliability. He was widely known as Al-Ameen (honest, trustworthy.) • At the age of 40, when Mohammad was meditating at Mt. Hera, he received a revelations from God. The angel Gabriel said to him, "Iqra" which means "to read". Mohammad replied "I cannot read". Gabriel embraced and released him. Then the first five verses of God was revealed to him which said, "Recite in the name of your Lord who created! He created man, out of a (mere) cloth of congealed blood. Recite; and thy Lord is most bountiful. He who had taught by the pen, taught man what he knew not." (96:1-5) History

11. Mohammad started proclaiming the message of believing in one God. The people who once called him "Trustworthy" and "Honest" boycotted and plotted to kill him. In 622 A.D., due to worsening living conditions and social isolation, Prophet Mohammad migrated to Medina along with his followers. • During the next few years, a series of battles were fought between various tribes of Makkah and the Muslims of Medina. In 628 A.D, the Treaty of Hudaibiyah was signed between the two parties. Truce was declared for 10 years. History

12. The treaty was broken in 629 A.D by the non-Muslims of the Makkans. Mohammad moved towards Makkah with 10,000 men and the battle was won without a single bloodshed.  Mohmmad died in 632 A.D , at the age of 63 in the city of Medina. Mohammad's death brought a huge catastrophe among Muslims. People could not believe that Mohammad had left them forever. Many of the followers were perplexed and distraught, and claimed him to be still living.  At that time Mohammad funeral, Abu Bakr [uh-boo-beck-er] , who was the most respected of all the followers affirmed that, "O people, those of you who worshipped Mohammad, Mohammad has died. And those of you who worshipped God, God is still living." . History

13. Abu Bakr [uh-boo-beck-er] was chosen as the first Caliph [ kay-lif ], (leader). Before his death in 634 A.D., Umar ibn ul Khattab was appointed as his successor. • During the ten years of his rule, Muslims conquered 22 hundred thousands miles of area (Mesopotamia and parts of Persia were taken from the Sassanids[suh-sah-nid], Empire (Iranian Dynasty), and Egypt, Palestine, Syria, North Africa and Armenia from the Byzantine Empire. History

14. He was devoted and committed to his people and established an empire of peace, justice and dignity. • The teachings of Islam started to spread through love. The principle of equality among all the people irrespective of race, color, caste, and creed won the hearts of the people. Within a few years, a lot of people accepted the message of Islam.  By the tenth century, Islam dominated the half of the world known at that time. History

15. Mahatma [muh-haht-muh]Gandhi , in his unique style, says "Some one has said that Europeans in South Africa dread the advent Islam - Islam that civilized Spain, Islam that took the torch light to Morocco and preached to the world the Gospel of brotherhood. The Europeans of South Africa dread the Advent of Islam. They may claim equality with the white races. They may well dread it, if brotherhood is a sin. If it is equality of colored races then their dread is well founded." History

16. "It was the first religion that preached and practiced democracy; for, in the mosque, when the call for prayer is sounded and worshippers are gathered together, the democracy of Islam is embodied five times a day when the peasant and king kneel side by side and proclaim: 'God Alone is Great'... I have been struck over and over again by this indivisible unity of Islam that makes man instinctively a brother." History

17. The teachings of Quran and Hadith (sayings of Prophet Mohammad) revolves around two Arabic word namely, Emaan (Faith) and Amaal (Acts). • Emaan is like the roots of a tree and Amaal are the stems, leaves or other parts of it. Just as without the roots, the tree cannot survive, similarly, without faith, the acts are useless. • Quran is comprised of 114 Surahs [soo r-uh] (chapters) and 6236 Ayats (ä'yät‘ I’ yacht) (verses). Quran was preserved through writing and memorization. Undoubtedly, today Quran is the only book which is fully memorized by more than 10 million people all over the world. Beliefs

18. 6 articles of faith •   1. God --- Islam preaches that there is only one Supreme, Eternal, Infinite and Unparallel entity, Allah (God). He alone is the creator of all the universe. Quran declares "That is God, your Lord. There is no god but Him, the Creator of everything. So worship Him. He is responsible for everything." (6:102) Beliefs

19. 2. Angels --- Muslims believe in angels. They are comprised of light, and each have different purposes. Angel Gabriel brought the divine message to Mohammad. Two angels (Kiraaman and Katibeen) are assigned to record the actions of the human beings; one records good deeds, the other bad deeds. The angel of death (Azrael) takes the soul out of the body. Angels Munkirand Nakir questions each person in the grave. Beliefs

20. 3. Scriptures ---  It refers to believing in all the four books; the Torah (Moses), the Psalms (David), the Gospel (Jesus) and the Quran (Mohammad). Muslims also believe that all other books are alteration with time by its followers. Muslims believe that Quran is the only book which can never be distorted as God has himself taken the responsibility of its protection, "We have, without doubt, sent down the Message; and We will assuredly guard it (from corruption)." (15:9) Beliefs

21. 4. Prophets --- It is obligatory on every Muslim to believe in all the messengers from Adam to Mohammad without any discrimination. Quran treats all the prophets equally, "Say (O Muslims), we believe in Allah and that which is revealed unto us and that which was revealed unto Abraham, and Ishmael, and Isaac, and Jacob, and the tribes, and that which Moses and Jesus received, and that which the Prophets received from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and unto Him we have surrendered." (2:136) Beliefs

22. 5. Resurrection --- Muslims have faith that after the end of the world, every human will be resurrected from the grave. They will be held accountable for whatever they have done in their lives. The day is known as the Day of Judgment. On this day, justice will be done to every individual soul. The innocent ones will stay in Heaven, whereas, the corrupted ones will go to hell. Quran testifies it by saying, " This day We seal up mouths, and hands speak out and feet bear witness as to what they used to earn." (36:65) Beliefs

23.  6. Divine Creed --- It is one of the main aspect of Islam. Believing in divine creed refers to predestination. Muslims believe that unlike living beings, God is not limited to anything; even with time. Everything that has happened, is happening, or will happen is evident to Him. Living beings are being given a free choice to do whatever they want to do, but God knows what choice they will make. It must also be clear that God's knowing does not restrict anyone from making a free choice. Quran proclaims, " Knowest thou not that Allah knows all that is in heaven and on earth? Indeed it is all in a Record, and that is easy for Allah." Beliefs

24. 5 Pillars of Faith each Muslin performs to demonstrate his or her faith. • 1. Testimony of Faith (Kalima) • One must state, "There is no god, but Allah, and Muhammad is the Prophet of Allah." It consists of three parts • a)    To reject all the false gods. • b)    To accept Allah as the only sole creator of everything. • c)     To Mohammad as the last messenger of Allah. • Quran declares, "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. " Beliefs

25. 2. Prayer (Salat) --- It is compulsory for every Muslim to pray five times a day at respective timings facing towards the direction of Mecca. During the prayer, Muslims narrate verses from the Holy Quran, specially the following prayer which is recited at least 17 time a day, • "All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds, The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, and Sovereign of the Day of Judgment. It is You alone we worship and You alone we ask for help. Guide us to the straight path; The path of those upon whom You have bestowed favor, not of those who have evoked Your anger or of those who are astray." (1:1-7)    • Quran tells about those who will get eternal success by stating that, "Certainly will the believers have succeeded, they who are doing their prayer humbly submissive" (23:1-2) Beliefs

26.   3. Almsgiving (Zakat) •     The word Zakat means "to grow" or "to purify". It literally means to gain Allah's blessings and purify the wealth by helping the needy. It is mandatory on every Muslim to give 2.5% of their yearly savings (or excess money) for charity. •     Quran emphasizes the importance of zakat on various occasions, "Alms are for the poor and the needy, and those employed to administer the (funds); for those whose hearts have been (recently) reconciled (to Truth); for those in bondage and in debt; in the cause of Allah. and for the wayfarer: (thus is it) ordained by Allah, and Allah is full of knowledge and wisdom." (9:60) Beliefs

27.      4. Fasting (Sawm) •     Following zakat, every Muslim is required to fast during the month of Ramadan from sunrise to sunset. During this period, Muslims are forbidden to eat, drink, smoke or have an intercourse. It not only physical discipline in one's life, but it is also a way to feel the afflictions of the poor. •     Quranic verses explain fasting in detail, • "O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint" (2:183) •     "Ramadhan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur'an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (Between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting, but if any one is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (Should be made up) by days later. Allah intends every facility for you; He does not want to put to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful." (2:185) Beliefs

28.    5. Pilgrimage (Hajj) Hajj literally means to "set out for place". For Muslim, it is a pilgrimage to Kaaba (House of Allah) in Makkah. It is the responsibility of every physically and financially able Muslim to perform this offering at least once in a lifetime. Hajj is performed on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah (the 12th and the final month of the Islamic calendar). Hajj is the symbol of unity among the Muslims. Millions of believers from all over the world participate in the ritual irrespective of their caste, color, creed or tradition. It tears down the difference of social status and brings all the Muslims on one platform. During this occasion, men only wear two unstitched clothes; one covers the lower part, and the other is wrapped around the shoulders. Women wear simple white dress and headscarf.     •     Allah says in the Holy Quran, "For Hajj are the months well known. If any one undertakes that duty therein, Let there be no obscenity, nor wickedness, nor wrangling in the Hajj. And whatever good ye do, (be sure) Allah knoweth it. And take a provision (With you) for the journey, but the best of provisions is right conduct. So fear Me, o ye that are wise." (2:197) Beliefs

29. Mohammad was born in 570 A.D in the city of Makkah. The name Mohammad itself means "Highly Praised". • His father, Abdullah, died before his birth and his mother, Amina, died when he was only six. • Mohammad's parental grandfather, Abdul Al Muttalib, the most respected leader of Makkah, took care of him until he died when Mohammad was eight • God, the Almighty, reminds Mohammed of his blessing in the Holy Quran, "Did God not find you an orphan and give you shelter and care? And he found you wandering, and gave you guidance. And he found you in need, and made you independent." (93:6-8) Prophet

30. At the age of twelve, Mohammad started working as a trader. Soon he became very famous because of his loyalty and reliability When he was twenty-five, Khadijah, a forty-year-old rich merchant widow proposed to him. He accepted the proposal after considering the advice of his uncle. Mohammad disliked the worshipping of idols. He was influenced by the Hanefites, a group of people who rejected idol worshipping. He spent much of his time at Mt. Hera praying to God. Prophet

31. It was in 610 A.D at Mt. Hera when angel Gabriel appeared and revealed to him the message of God. As Prophet Mohammad started proclaiming the concept of believing in one God, the people started getting against him. After the death of Khadijah and Abu Talib in 619 A.D, the people of Makkah plotted to kill Mohammad on various occasion. He sought refuge to protect his life. Prophet Mohammad kept on proclaiming the word of God. In a few years, the city of Makkah was conquered without a single bloodshed. Prophet

32. "Head of the state as well as the Church, he was Caesar and Pope in one; but, he was pope without the pope's claims, and Caesar without the legions of Caesar, without a standing army, without a bodyguard, without a palace, without a fixed revenue. If ever any man had the right to say that he ruled by a Right Divine, it was Mohammad, for he had all the power without instruments and without its support. He cared not for dressing of power. The simplicity of his private life was in keeping with his public life." Prophet

33. "He (Mohammad) had not studied philosophy in the school of Athens of Rome, Persia, India, or China. Yet, He could proclaim the highest truths of eternal value to mankind. Illiterate himself, he could yet speak with an eloquence and fervor which moved men to tears, to tears of ecstasy. Born an orphan blessed with no worldly goods, he was loved by all. He had studied at no military academy; yet he could organize his forces against tremendous odds and gained victories through the moral forces which he marshaled. Gifted men with genius for preaching are rare Prophet