Vocabulary Words and Important Concepts

1. Vocabulary Words and Important Concepts Qur’an and Sunnah

2. Monotheism • The belief in only one God • Muslims, Christians, and Jews all practice monotheism . • All 3 religions worship the same basic deity and share many important prophets. • There are differences in the methods of practice and beliefs of how God revealed Himself to the followers.

3. Qur’an • Most holy book in Islamic faith • Contains messages that Muhammad received from God. Muhammad spoke them to his followers, who wrote them down years later • Muslims believe the word of Allah covers every aspect of a human beings life (cleanliness, worship, ethics, forbidden acts, moral behaviors, rights of Allah vs. human beings, etc.) • Influences the behavior for how to act in every day life (see the 5 Pillars of Faith)

4. Muhammad’s Teachings from the Qur’an • There is only one God – Allah • All should submit to Him and be thankful to Him • All believers in Allah are equal • The rich should share their wealth with the poor • All should strive to live righteously (what is right and just) and piously (respectfully observant of religion) • All will be subject to Judgment Day

5. Sunnah • The way of life prescribed as normative in Islam, based on the teachings and practices of the prophet Muhammad and the Qur’an • Muhammad's way of life viewed as an example for how Muslims should live • Followers believe they know Muhammad’s character traits through the actions that are explained in the Sunnah • Contains duties and expected ways of life for all Muslims

6. Shariah • Islamic Law • Based on interpretations of Qur’an and Sunnah