Download Islam and Animism File

Islam is the second most popular
religion in the world with 1.3 billion
followers. Islam began in Saudi Arabia
and was revealed to humanity by the
Prophet Muhammad. Those who follow
Islam are called Muslims. Muslims
believe that there is only one God
(monotheistic), called Allah, who speaks
Arabic.
 After Muhammad’s death two main
branches of Islam formed from a dispute
on who should be the leader of the
religion.
 Sunni recognize the male heirs of the first 4
elected (according to Muhammad's
instruction) caliphs (or spiritual heads) after
Muhammad’s death
 Shiite recognize the decedents of only the
4th caliphs—Ali (M’s son-in-law & cousin),
the only true descendent of Muhammad
 In all other ways Sunni and Shiite are
very similar
The Muslim scripture is the Holy Qur'an. It
is 'the word of God'. Muslim beliefs and
practices are rooted in the Qur'an.
Muslims treat the Qur'an with great respect
because they believe that the Qur'an is from
Allah, and every word and every letter is
sacred.
Muslims regard the Qur'an as the unaltered
word of God.
The Muslim building for communal
worship is called a Mosque. The word
comes from the Arabic for "place of
prostration".
Worshippers are called to prayer 5 times
a day from minarets – towers on the
mosque corners.
Grand mosque in Mecca
The Kaaba
Dome of the Rock
 Followers of Islam believe that Muhammed was a
prophet of God (Allah) in the same vein as Abraham,
Moses, and Noah. They also believe Jesus was a
prophet of God, however, they do not believe that he
was the son of God.
 In some Muslim countries the legal system is not
separate from the religion. These countries have
Sharia Law, or law based on the Koran.
Shahadah: declaration of faith
"I bear witness that there is no god, but God; I bear witness
that Muhammad is the prophet of God." By reciting this, one
enters Islamic faith.
Salah: Pray 5 times a day facing Mecca
Muslims are required to pray five times a day, washing
themselves before prayer and facing in the direction of Mecca
while praying.
Zakat: Give a fixed proportion to charity
Muslims are required to give away a percentage of their
earnings to those less fortunate, regardless of their religion.
Saum: Fast during the month of Ramadan
Muslims fast for one lunar month each year, a period called
Ramadan. During this time, Muslims reflect on their behavior
and strive to purify their thoughts.
Hajj: Make a pilgrimage to Mecca
If it is financially possible, Muslims are required to travel to
Mecca once in their lifetime.
Islam in 1500 C.E.
In 1500, located in Middle East,
Africa, and Southern Europe
Islam Today
Today, located in Middle East,
Africa, and Asia
1. Founder - There is no one person
who is considered the founder of
Animism
2. Geographic Origin - Developed
worldwide in different parts of the
world. (Africa, the Americas, Asia,
and Australia)
3. Currently Practiced - World-wide,
but most common in traditional
societies of Africa, the Americas
and Australia
4. Significant Writings – None, but
have an oral tradition of story-telling
(oral history)
5. Significant Religious People –
a. Shaman - A person who
communicates with the spiritual
world and conducts rituals
b. Medicine Man/Woman - A
healer or a person who can treat
illnesses
c. Griot - A professional storyteller
in a traditional African Animist
society.
North
American
Shaman
West African
Griot
Animism
6. Beliefs:
a. Religion that believes that each object has its
own spirit and that ancestors watch over the
living.
b. Polytheistic - Spirits are found in natural
objects (living and nonliving objects)
c. There is belief in a Supreme Being and in lesser
gods.
d. Obey the gods and follow tradition and you will
be rewarded with good harvests and many
healthy children.
e. Failure to follow traditions would anger the
Gods and result in hardships, crop failure,
illness and death.

7. Practices:
a. Prayers and ceremonies keep gods on
your side
b. Use of ceremonial masks as a way to
receive what the people want or need.