Download Islam-

Islam Islam-“submission, surrender”
Muslim: “one who submits”
-a follower of Islam
 1.1 to 1.8 billion Muslims/ Second largest religion after Christianity
-Two major denominations, the Sunni and Shi’a
-85% of Muslims are Sunni and 15% are Shi’a
Goals Of Islam
1. Free soul from sin and strengthen with goodness
2. Honorable in the sight of Allah (the one true God who created all things)
3. Free soul from vanity, greed, envy, and fears
The Founding Of Islam
 People had put faith in idols and charms
 Muhammad was born in Mecca (now Saudi Arabia) in 569 A.D
 At the age of 40 saw an angel Jibril (Gabriel)
 Told he was the final prophet and messenger
 Vision- told to warn people against evil, worship only Allah, and live a life
pleasing to Allah
 “Proclaim openly that which you are commanded, and Turn away from the
idolaters. Truly we will Suffice you against the scoffers.”- Qur’an, surah 15:94-5
 Muhammad received these types of visions for 23 years
 After his death- put in the Qur’an= the holy book of Islam
 “This day, I have perfected your religion for you and completed My favor upon
you and have chosen for you Islam as your religion.”-Qur’an, surah 5:3
Prophets
 A prophet- person chosen by god (Allah) to give guidance to others.
 If they receive a message from Allah they are messengers\
 Only Allah can decide who is a prophet
 People of the Islamic religion believe the Jesus was a prophet
 The message a prophet gives is Allah speaking directly through him. Prophets
also give guiding words that are not directly from Allah. (Christianity believes the
same.)
Who is Jesus to a Muslim?
 Is called ‘Isa
 Conceived by Allah, virgin birth from Mary
 Called to be a prophet at age 30 and did this for 3 years
 Allah gave him miraculous powers
 ‘Isa told his followers to only worship Allah, but they were so impressed that hey
said he was the son of god (Allah)
 Muslims believe Allah is one and cannot be split. Cannot have a son or daughter
 To suggest Allah has a partner is a grave sin.
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‘Isa not crucified but taken to heaven by Allah
Muslim Leadership
 No paid religious leaders
 Qur’an says not to try to attract people to serve Allah to make money
 Any male Muslim can be and imam if:
*Know for good character/respected by fellow Muslims
*Has good knowledge of Islam
*Has studied the Qur’an in Arabic and knows it well
*Is known for his faithfulness to and love for Allah/ Can make wise decisions
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Imam-lead prayer at the mosque=worship center
Involved in weddings, funerals, and training young Muslims in the study of Islam
The Imam will encourage people to live their lives in accordance with Islamic
teachings
Islamic Prayers
 Allah will always grant forgiveness
 Merciful and compassionate god.
 “O our Lord, grant us good in this world and good in the next world, save us from
the punishment of hell”
 “O Allah, you are the source of peace.., you are most highly exalted, O Lord of
majesty and honor.”
The Five Pillars of Islam
 These are the five important parts to Muslim worship
1. There is only one god, Allah, and Muhammad is His prophet.
2. Prayer five times a day. –at a mosque when possible
3. Giving money to people who are poor or needy
4. Fasting (going without food) during the month of Ramadan. This is to help focus
hearts and minds on Allah and the needs of others.
5. Going once on a Hajj, which is a pilgrimage to Mecca. Mecca is the most holy
place on earth to Muslims.
Fasting
 During the month of Ramada
 To experience an empty stomach. Gives you empathy for those in need
 Must refrain from sexual activity and smoking
 During this month Muslims make and extra effort to refrain from other immoral
actions- such as telling lies, breaking promises, etc.
 Fasting is important to control desires and love of comforts.
 No fasting if you are elderly, a child, or pregnant.
Pilgrimage—Hajj
 The fifth pilar of Islam
 Made at least once in a lifetime to Mecca if one can afford it.
 Only can be done by Muslims
 Must be physically fit and sound of mind in order to fully understand purpose of
what they are doing.
Human Rights
 All people are created by Allah so we all share the same basic rights.
 Human life is sacred and should be treated with respect.
 No one should go hungry while others can waste, cloth those without clothing,
and give medical attention to those in need. This is for friends or enemies
 Should never ridicule or laugh at others
 Should never force people to do what they do not want to do unless they are
hurting others.
 Do not believe in dictators
Islamic Women
 In many parts of the world can pursue and type of job
*Ex. Have been Prime Ministers in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Turkey
*In other parts of the world (Saudi Arabia) cannot drive or travel by themselves
*Problem of culture NOT religion!
 Importance of being a wife and mother
 Raise your children to be good Muslims
 Hijab (head covering) is not required anywhere in Qur’an
Death
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Beyond human control
Afterlife
Death should not be feared
Very similar to Christianity
Jihad
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Means “striving”
Considered the “sixth pillar of Islam” by a minority of Muslim
Any activity undertaken for the love of Allah
Jihad is the only form of warfare permissible under Islamic law.
Has resulted in violence
Should be about peaceful persuasion and changing hearts, not violence.