Islam

1. Islam

2. Five Pillars of Islamic Faith • Profess and say publically, “There is one God, Allah and Muhammad is his prophet. • Pray 5 times a day facing Mecca. • Fast during the daylight hours of the holy month of Ramadan (ninth month in the Muslim calendar). • Hajj- Make a holy pilgrimage to Mecca once in a lifetime ( if financially possible). • Give alms to the poor and unfortunate.

3. Definition Words • Ramadan – 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 Allah • Mosque – Place of worship. • Abu Bakr – The first Caliph or successor to the prophet. • Shariah – A set of law codes • Sheik – The ruler of a nomadic tribe of people. • Sunni – traditionalists – followers of Abu Bakr – first Caliph – elected by committee • Shia – minority – followers of Ali (son in law) Imam – pray 3 xs daily

4. Geographic Setting • The 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.

5. 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.

6. Women • The 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.

7. Expansion of Islam • 622-732 A.D. Islam spread rapidly, In Spain Muslims were called Moors. • Why Appealing to its followers? • Clear and simple message. • One god and equality for all. • No need for church or clergy. • This unified the Arabs under one religion.

8. 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!

9. 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 sacrifice Isaac.