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Understanding Islam: A Brief Introduction Islam Today: Demographics • There are an estimated 1.2 billion Muslims worldwide – Approximately 1/5th of the world's population – Growth without missionary efforts Where Do Muslims Live? – Only 18% of Muslims live in the Arab world – 20% are found in Sub-Saharan Africa – 30% in the South Asian region of Pakistan, India and Bangladesh – The world's largest single Muslim community is in Indonesia • The Top 9: 1) Indonesia, 2) Pakistan, 3) Bangladesh, 4) India, 5) Turkey, 6) Iran, 7) Egypt, 8) Nigeria, and 9) China IslamAn Abrahamic Religion Muslims are strict monotheists. They believe in the JudeoChristian God, which they call Allah. Muslims believe that the Torah and the Bible, like the Qur’an, is the word of God. Peoples of the Book Understanding Islam • Islam is a rational religion: “The vilest of creatures are those who choose to be deaf and dumb and do not use their reason.” (Qur’an 8:2) • Muhammad reminded his followers that “The first thing God created was reason”. Therefore, believers must take personal responsibility for one’s actions and faith. Freedom of Conscience • “There is no compulsion in religion. Truth stands out clearly from falsehood; whoever rejects evil and believes in God has grasped the strongest rope that never breaks. And God is All Hearing and All Knowing” Qur’an 2:256 Understanding Muhammad: His Life and Times The Life of Muhammad: The early years • Muhammad was born in Mecca around the year 570 (A city of western Saudi Arabia) • Mecca was not a kind, friendly culture • These tribes all worshiped many different gods (polytheistic) • Muhammad began working as a merchant and was known for his trustworthiness • Muhammad and Khadija (wife) had 4 daughters and 2 sons The Life of Muhammad: The Visions and the Message • Fifteen years after his marriage, he began to have visions and hear mysterious voices • When Muhammad was about 40 years old an angel appeared to him in the form of a man • This revelation was soon followed by others about the one true God • Unlike Jesus (who Christians believe was God's son) Muhammad was a mortal, albeit with extraordinary qualities • He preached a strong social justice message about equality and poverty The Life of Muhammad: The Trouble • Muhammad slowly began to attract some followers, most of them young and of modest social standing • The ruling elite feared Muhammad and his followers and began to persecute them • Muhammad's prestige grew much larger after the war and the subsequent surrender of the Meccans The Life of Muhammad: Conclusion • Muhammad's life was cut short by his sudden death on June 8, 632 at about 60 years old • Within 100 years, Islam spread across the world, occupying more territory than the Roman Empire Essential Question: Why was Islam able to spread so quickly and convert so many to the new religion? The Spread of Islam Easy to learn and practice. No priesthood. Teaches equality. Non-Muslims, who were “Peoples of the Book,” were allowed religious freedom, but paid additional taxes. The Spread of Islam Easily “portable” nomads & trade routes. Jihad (“Holy War”) against pagans and other non-believers (“infidels”). Five Pillars of Islam 1. The Shahada The testimony. The profession of faith: There is no god worthy of worship except God, and Muhammad is His Messenger [or Prophet]. 1 2. The Salat The mandatory prayers performed 5 times a day: * dawn * noon * late afternoon * sunset * before going to bed Wash before praying. Face Mecca and use a prayer rug. 2 3. The Zakat Almsgiving (charitable donations). Muslims believe that all things belong to God. Zakat means both “purification” and “growth.” About 2.5% of your income. 3 4. The Sawm Fasting during the holy month of Ramadan. Considered a method of self-purification. No eating or drinking from sunrise to sunset during Ramadan. 4 5. The Hajj The pilgrimage to Mecca. Must be done at least once in a Muslim’s lifetime. 2-3 million Muslims make the pilgrimage every year. 5 5. The Hajj Those who complete the pilgrimage can add the title hajji to their name. 5 PROPHET’S MOSQUE in Madinah: the first mosque in Islam Ka’bah • Ka’bah- cube shaped building that was built by Abraham to honour God • Viewed as Adam’s original place of worship • Was filled with idols as people in Arabia followed polytheism • Muhammad- received revelations that led to Islam and monotheism (and removal of idols) • Site of hajj- pilgrimage to Mecca Other Islamic Religious Practices Up to four wives allowed at once. No alcohol or pork. No gambling. Sharia body of Islamic law to regulate daily living. Three holiest cities in Islam: * Mecca, Medina, Jerusalem. Beliefs 1. Belief in only One God. He is defined as Eternal, Absolute, Infinite, Compassionate and Merciful, the sole Creator and Provider. 2. Engage only in Righteous Actions in all areas: spiritual, intellectual and physical activity. 3. All God’s creation is “Muslim”. Only humans are given CHOICE to submit (be Muslim) or reject submission to God’s will. 4. All children are born without sin and are Muslim. As they grow older, they make their religious CHOICE. 5. God created human beings with a body and soul. The body is a temporal host for this life, whereas the soul is eternal. It is the soul that will survive beyond death. 6. Universality of the call. All Muslims are brothers and equals without any distinction of class, race or tongue. Superiority is only based on the greater fear of God and greater piety. Jihad • Jihad does not mean “holy war”; • Literally, jihad means to strive, struggle and exert effort; • Concept includes struggle against evil inclinations within oneself, struggle to improve quality of life in society, struggle in the battlefield for self defense or fighting against tyranny or oppression. Jihad • There is no such thing as “holy war” in Islam; • It is the frequent repetition in the West that many people accept it as if it were a fact. Women’s Rights • According to Qur’an, men and women are equal before God • Under Islamic law, women have the right to own property, receive an education and take part in community life • Islamic rules for simple, modest and dignified dress applies to women and men equally • In many Muslim countries there are cultural practices that are inconsistent and contrary to the authentic teachings of Islam Useful words Allah. – God Qur’an.- Muslim holy book Mosque.- Place of worship Wudu – the wash before prayer Mihrad – Alcove or arch in prayer hall Minbar – platform or stairs where the prayer leader preaches qiblah – direction of Mekkah Mekkah – can be known as Mecca. A place in Saudi Arabia Imam – Muslin leader or teacher