Islam

1. Arborbrook Christian High School – Worldview / Apologetics Islam

2. Muslim Marvel Superheroes

3. Muslim superheroes “Nightrunner”

4. The Life of Prophet Muhammad

5. Muhammad was born in 570 AD in the vicinity of Mecca on the peninsula of Arabia • Indigenous Arabian religion of the time a mixture of polytheism and animism • Mecca was a center of this religion and a pilgrim site with many idols and shrines • Arabian peninsula was a significant thoroughfare for commerce • Lots of cross-cultural interaction • Community and family culture revolved around tribal units, and within tribes, Clans. • “hanif” (“pious ones”) devoted themselves exclusively to the worship of one God, Allah. Cultural surroundings

6. Big center of trade and commerce(merchants of many types of religions interacted in trade regularly) • Holy city and pilgrimage site for the many different tribes of the Arabian peninsula • Home of the Ka`bah(“cube”) • Cubic building containing the “black stone” in the southeast corner • “Black Stone” was a meteorite said to have been sent from Heaven • Within the Ka`bah were some 360 idols(representing forces of nature, celestial beings, and tribal deities) • Stewards of the Ka`bah were members of the Quraysh (Quraish) tribe – a prominent and influential tribe because of their status as keepers of the Ka`bah Life in Mecca (pre-islam)

7. Ka`Bah and the Black Stone

8. Born as a member of a minor clan of the Quraysh tribe – orphaned at an early age, raised by an uncle • Muhammad lived much of life illiterate • Early on made a living as a camel driver • Became employed by a wealthy widow, Khadija, who he eventually married • Becomes a wealthy merchant interacting with members of other monotheistic religions – this shaped his spiritual beliefs significantly Muhammad’s life

9. Beginning in 610 AD, Muhammad claimed to have series of definitive spiritual experiences • While meditating in a cave located on what is now called “Mount of Light” (Mount Hira), • In trance, angel Gabriel (Jibreel) spoke to him “Recite!” • Laylat al-Qadr, “the Night of Power” – towards end of Ramadan celebration – commemorates this event Muhammad’s Spiritual encounters

10. Cave of hira

11. Muhammad began declaring his revelations • His message encompassed two main points: • There is only one God to whose will people must submit • There will be a day of judgment when all people will be judged in terms of whether or not they have obeyed God • At first he did not attract many followers, but did receive much hostility and persecution Muhammad as prophet of islam

12. After about 10 years, his followers had become more numerous, numbering in the thousands • Muhammad’s followers referred to their belief as Islam (“submission to God”), and came to be known as Muslims (“those who submit to God”) • Muslims grew so numerous in Mecca, it became problem to the merchants and civil authorities Muhammad as prophet of islam

13. They received much persecution until fleeing to Yathrib in 622 AD.  • This flight to Yathrib is known as the hijra (“flight”) • This event is used as the beginning of the Islamic calendar. (A.H. – “Anno Hegirae”) • This is recognized as the birth of the “umma” (an independent Muslim community) • Muhammad’s wife, Khadija, dies and Muhammad acquires a number of new wives • Town of Yathrib welcomed Muhammad and the Umma, and he was put in charge of the town. • Yathrib eventually renamed Medina – “city of the Prophet” • For a while had a peaceful agreement with Jewish community of Yathrib, until some Jews attempted to assassinate him. At that, Muhammad had hundreds of Jews executed. Early muslim community

14. Islam’s influence continued to spread – many Arabian tribes swore allegiance to Muhammad adopting his teachings and submitting to his leadership • Amassed enough of an army to capture Mecca – then removed all idols from city and cleansd the “ka’ba” of all statues in special ceremony. Ka’ba and the well “Zamzam” retained status as “holy places” • Muhammad died in 632 AD. – at the time he was the religious and political head of much of the Arabian peninsula Early muslim community

16. After Muhammad’s death, Abu Bakr, (Muhammad’s father in law and close friend), stepped in to dispel confusion: • “If anyone worships Muhammad, Muhammad is dead; but if anyone worships Allah, he is alive and does not die” • Search for the Caliph (“the successor”), yielded two candidates: • Ali – Muhammad’s son-in-law (daughter Fatima) • “Ali distinguished himself in his devotion and enthusiasm for Muhammad’s cause.” • Ali claimed that Muhammad had endowed him with his designation (‘ilm) and spiritual knowledge (nass). – Ali would be able to speak directly from God. • Ali, unfortunately, wasn’t favored by the masses (who viewed him as hot-headed) • Abu Bakr– Muhammad’s father-in-law • A general consensus (“sunna”) was established that made Abu Bakr the Caliph Immediate Divisions

17. When Abu Bakr was instituted as Caliph, a splinter group supporting Ali rose up, known as “shi’a”. • This leads to the two major divisons: • Sunnites (Sunnis) – the majority • Shi’ites - the minority Immediate Divisions

19. The Qur’an 1st 4 verses Al-Alaq – 96thSura 1st seven verses of Al-Fatiha 1stSura

20. Qur’an is the highest authority in Islam • About as long as the New Testament of the Bible – divided into 114 Chapters (Suras) • Arranged longer suras to shorter suras • Shorter ones are older • Begins with the “al-Fatiha” – recited at all important prayer times • Only authoritative in Arabic • Translations are believed to create distortion The Qur’an

21. Muhammad did not actually write the Qur’an, as he was illiterate • Followers wrote down his utterances as he would recite what the Angel Jibreel had dictated to him • Wasn’t until shortly after 644 AD, that the Caliph Uthman collected and compiled the Qur’an • This compilation became the Qur’an – in the present form that exists today The Qur’an

22. The oneness of God • “Tawhid” – doctrine of the unity of God • Angels and spirits • Jibreel (Gabriel), archangels, hosts of angels • Jinn (evil spirits) led by the devil • Prophets • From time to time, God has disclosed his will to the world through prophets • “nabi” or “rasul” – all prophets ultimately taught what Muhammad taught • “Mahdi” – future redeemer • Believed Jesus was a prophet, but not Son of God Six Essential Beliefs

23. Books • Qur’an – “um-al-kitab” (mother of all books) – earthly version of heavenly book given to Muhammad • Other Prophets who were also apostles left books for their people(including Zoroaster, Moses, David, Jesus) • Followers of these other books called “people of the book” • Judgment • There is an appointed day of judgment and resurrection • Everyone will be confronted with deeds done in life • Basis of judgment is sincere submission to Allah’s will • Yet, Allah is considered “most gracious” and “most merciful” and will probably forgive otherwise devout people certain sins. • Heaven and Hell depicted as places of physical pleasure and torment • The decree of God • Allah is sovereign – all that Allah wills comes to pass…Whatever Allah does not will does not happen Six Essential Beliefs

24. Qur’an is highest authority in Islam • Beyond the Qur’anSunna and hadiths - • Hadiths - writings about Muhammad’s lifestyle and informal sayings • “When in doubt, do as Muhammad did!” • Hadithsinclude various miracle stories as well (Muhammad’s ride to Jerusalem and back to Mecca in one night, his ascent to heaven while in Jerusalem for receiving a night of revelations, etc.) • As Sunna, (meaning “consensus”) these are widely accepted as authoritative Authority in islam

25. Shari`a– “Islamic Law” – • Shari`a included the Qur’an, the sunna (hadiths), and various schools of interpretation • It was/is an effort to use these sources of authority to legislate morals and practices in society that are consistent with Islamic teaching. Authority in islam

26. Shahada – “witnessing”/declaration that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is his “rasul”, or messenger (one who recites for God.) • Must participate in salat, five periods of prayer each day. • Must pay an obligatory tax, called zakat, to the needy. • Must fast during the daylight hours in the month of Ramadan, known as sawm. • If able, should make a pilgrimage to Mecca, a Hajj, once during their lifetime. Five Pillars of islam

27. Shahada – • First part – “There is not God but Allah” • Second part – ‘Muhammad rasul Allah’ – commits the Muslim to undivided allegiance to God’s commandments. • Reciting the Shahada and meaning is all that is necessary to become a Muslim Five Pillars of islam

28. Salat, five periods of prayer each day. • Traditionally, ritual prayers offered five times a day: • At sunrise (when possible to distinguish a white thread from a black one) • At noon • In mid-afternoon • At sunset • One hour after sunset • In some countries (and mosques) 6 prayer times are offered - a mid-morning prayer for “special concerns” is also offered Five Pillars of islam

29. The Mosque and “Salat” Five Pillars of islam

30. The Mosque and “Salat” • Prayers may be performed anywhere, but men encouraged to pray at mosque • Mosque is at minimum a room designated for prayer, sometimes a house, sometimes building at center of community • Muezzin is the official caller who invites the people to prayer • Most important part of Mosque is the prayer hall. • Within prayer hall, most important feature is the mihrab – • a niche at the front of the building that indicates the direction toward Mecca (‘QIBLAH’) • Also often a balcony or back room in which women pray –must stay out of site of men. • men line up in straight rows Five Pillars of islam

31. “Salat” • Ritual washing is an important part of salat. • Worshippers must remove shoes before entering prayer hall • Ablution – rinsing of hands, feet, eyes, ears, nose and mouth three times with water • Actual prayer routine is very structured and formalized • Combines sequences of postures with recitation • Includes bowing, standing, prostration, kneeling, prostration, and standing again. • Each sequence is called a “rak`at” • When in community, worshippers line up in straight rows and offer these sequences in unison • On Fridays, there are special prayers in the Mosque Five Pillars of islam

32. “Salat” Five Pillars of islam

33. Zakat– giving to the needy. (Almsgiving) • Qur’an commands all believers to practice regular charity (Sura 2:43) • In the Shari`a, this has been interpreted/applied as a formal obligation to give annually to the poor. About 2.5% of person’s net income • Early on, served as a form of social welfare. • Direct gifts of compassion from one Muslim to another are called “sadaqa” (“Charity”) Five Pillars of islam

34. Sawm– fasting during the month of Ramadan • Muhammad is said to have received his first revelations during the month of Ramadan. • Muslims required to fast during daylight hours throughout the month to commemorate • From sunrise to sundown, no refreshment (food or beverage) can be taken. Eating commences at sundown - also includes prohibitions against sex and entertainment • Muslim calendar is based on lunar cycle (instead of solar cycle) • Ramadan can cycle through the entire year in the course of a person’s lifetime. • “Night of Power” celebrated during final week of Ramadan • May be special concessions for those who cannot fast for health reasons • Ramadan is followed by 3-day celebration called “eid-al-fitr” Five Pillars of islam

35. Sawm– fasting during the month of Ramadan Five Pillars of islam

36. Hajj - pilgrimage to Mecca Five Pillars of islam

37. Hajj - pilgrimage to Mecca • Every able person should do the Hajj once in their lifetime • Last month of Islamic calendar – al-hajj – has been designated as the official period of pilgrimage. • Mecca is most holy site, and center of this obligatory pilgrimage. • Hajj has high emotional and spiritual impact on the Muslim who is able to go • Solidarity with Muslims worldwide Five Pillars of islam

38. Hajj has seven main components: • Arrival and preparation – Muslims must enter a state of purity before entering Mecca (and maintain it until pilgrimage is complete) • Men bathe, shave their heads, and where two triangular pieces of white linen • Women wear traditional Islamic robe and veil • All ritual restrictions must be strictly observed Five Pillars of islam - Hajj

39. Tawaf –walking around the Ka’ba seven times Five Pillars of islam - Hajj

40. Running between Marwa and Safa Five Pillars of islam - Hajj

41. The greater pilgrimage - entire mass of pilgrims moves out of Mecca and assemble on the Plain of Arafat at foot of “mount of Mercy” Five Pillars of islam - Hajj

42. Sacrifices at Mina –pilgrims move back to little town of Mina, halfway between Mecca and Arafat. Pilgrims live in a tent city for about three days Five Pillars of islam - Hajj

43. Stoning the devil – pilgrims take turns throwing stones at three pillars representing the devil (Iblis) Five Pillars of islam - Hajj

44. The Final Tawif – pilgrims move back to Mecca, walks around the Ka’ba one more time to complete the pilgrimage Five Pillars of islam - Hajj

45. According to Muslim ethical thought, actions fall into one of three categories: • Fard – actions that are required , such as the five pillars • Haram- actions that are expressly forbidden (such as idolatry) • Halal – actions that are permitted. Muslim Customs and culture

46. Diet • Islam recognizes “halal” (permitted) foods • ONLY halal foods may be eaten. • Pork and pork products are strictly forbidden • Drinking wine is forbidden in the Qur’an Muslim Customs and culture

47. Modesty in Dress • There is no universally required garments in Islam – but MODESTY is required • Very conservative cultures (as Saudi Arabia) impose purdah – proper Islamic mode of dress for women – robes and veils • This is not the case in all Muslim cultures – to satisfy the Qur’an, may simply mean her body should be entirely covered in public, including legs and arms, face may be visible, but hair and sides of her head need to be covered. Muslim Customs and culture

48. Jihad (Holy War) • One of the most controversial aspects of Islam • Must take into consideration the Muslim explanation and definition for Holy War • Moderate/Mainstream Muslim scholars point out the following about “Jihad” • The Qur’an does expressly forbid the conversion of anyone by force (2:256) • Some passages in the Qur’an referring to Jihad need to be understood as referring to internal spiritual striving (61:11) – There is debate about this. Muslim Customs and culture

49. Jihad (Holy War) • 5 Principles applied to Jihad: • Physical violence may never be used to advance cause of Islam • Islam should be propagated by means of rational appeal and persuasion only • If another nation commits an act of aggression against an Islamic country, that country is justified in using military force to defend itself • If a non-Islamic country uses physical force to repress the free exercise of Islam (including propagation of Islam), those actions constitute physical aggression against Islam or a particular Islamic country. • Once a country has come to belong to Dar-al-Islam (“House of submission”), it may never be allowed to revert to non-Muslim hands Muslim Customs and culture

50. Listen to Audio Interview of Dr. NabeelQureshi (former Muslim) about Islam: http://www.4truth.net/fourtruthpbworld.aspx?pageid=8589953025 HOmeWork For Next Week