Download Section 3: The Religion of Islam

Section 3: The Religion of Islam

Muslim Belief:
 A shared set of beliefs hold muslims
together
 5 Pillars of Islam
1. Faith
2. Prayer
3. Sharing
4. Fasting
5. Pilgrimage

Faith
 The statement of faith in only one God
○ “there is no God but God and Muhammad is
His prophet”

Prayer
 The Muezzin calls followers to prayer from
on top of the minaret of a mosque 5 times a
day.
○ The call of the Muezzin signals all of the times
of prayer

Sharing
 Giving when able to Muslims who are poor
and sick

Fasting
 During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims
do not eat or drink from sun rise to sun set.

Hajj
 All Muslims who can afford to, try to make a
pilgrimage to Mecca, meeting Muslims from
around the world

Not just a religion but a guide for every
aspect of life for Muslims

The Quran
 The Muslim holy book
○ Holds the things revealed to Muhammad and
also the rules of Islam
○ The Quran includes stories, promises,
warnings, and instructions

Relationships in Islam
 “People of the Book”
○ Muhammad felt respect for Jews and
Christians
○ All practice religion revealed in holy writings
and all believe in one God
○ Rulers of the Muslims believed Jews and
Christians to be “protected people”
 As long as they accepted Muslim rule they were
allowed to practice their religions

Men and Women
 Muhammad insisted that all Muslims were
equal in spirit
○ Women in early Islam had many rights
 Men and women’s role in the community
○ Men worked outside the home, inherited more
property, and were expected to care for their
families
○ As Islam spread the attitudes toward women
changed to fit the culture of the new places
 In a few countries today Women must cover their
faces when they leave their homes
 Both Men and Women are expected to dress
modestly

Islamic Schism
 Two groups emerged after the assassination
of the Muslim leader, Uthman.
○ Shi’it Muslims thought the ruler should be a
direct descendent of Muhammad
○ Sunni Muslims thought that any truly religious
Muslim could lead the community.
 Wanted a group of Muslims scholars to interpret the
Quran