Islam 101

Global Studies

Mr. Richards – Fall 2009

Updated by Mr. Roth Fall 2010

Islam was founded in 622 AD by Mohammed the Prophet.

The name “Islam” is often said to come from the Arabic word

for peace (“salaam”); however, it is more likely that it is a variant

of the word salaam which means “submission to God.”

A person who follows Islam is known as a Muslim or “one who submits themselves to the will of

Allah (God)”.

The phrase “Arab” refers to an ethnic group

specifically located in the Middle East. Arabs are

Semitic and can be Muslim, Jewish, or

Christian.

Birthplace of Islam:

• Mecca, Saudi Arabia, where Mohammed first received revelations from the Angel Jibril (Gabriel).

United States

15 Million

Followers of Islam believe:

• Islam existed before the birth of Mohammed.

• Islam dates back to the origin of the world.• Mohammed is the last prophet.

Mohammed’s message from Jibril was to educate his countrymen,

convert the pagans, and save man from materialism, hedonism and

idolatry.

Pleasure or happiness is the highest good; ego

Not all were receptive to Mohammed’s message and he

used force and politics to establish Islam across Asia and Northern

Africa.

• Islam established roots in many areas (Middle East, N. Africa, Asia) and was battled in others. The Crusades pitted Muslims and Christians against each other and this legacy lingers even to this day.

Holy texts:

• The Qur’an (Koran) – “The Words of God”• The Hadith – Sayings of Mohammed• The Bible, the Torah, and the Psalms

“If a monkey, a black dog, or a woman passes in front of a praying person, his prayer is nullified.”

“The greatest Jihad is to say the truth in front of the king.”

“The worst among you are your bachelors!”

Six Fundamental Beliefs of Islam:

• A single, indivisible God (Allah).• The Angels• The Holy Texts• The Messengers of God (including Adam,

Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Jesus and Mohammed)

• The Day of Judgement• The Supremacy of God’s Will

The Five Pillars of Islam

Pillar Number One:

• To Recite the “Shahadah” at least once in your lifetime.

“I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and I testify that Muhammad is

the messenger of Allah.”

“La illaha ill Allah, Muhammadur Rasul Allah”

Pillar Number Two:

• To Perform “Salat” (Prayer) five times a day.– Fajr (morning prayer)– Zuhr (noon prayer)– ‘Asr (afternoon prayer)– Maghrib (sunset prayer)– Isha (night prayer)

Pillar Number Three:

• To Donate to Charity (Zakat)– 2.5 % of your income

Pillar Number Four:

• To fast during the month of Ramadan

Pillar Number Five:

• If financially able, every Muslim must make the Hajj to Mecca at least once in their lifetime.

Mecca

Mecca

• Is a holy city to Muslims• It is home of the Kaaba

– A small shrine for Muslims

Major Schools of Thought within Islam:

• Sunni Muslims – 90% majority of believers; less strict interpretation of Islam; moderate.

• Shi’ite (or Shi’a) Muslims – leaders promote a strict interpretation of the Qur’an. Mostly live in Iran, Iraq, and Lebanon.

• Sufis – Mystics of Islam. Believers can be of either school of thought. It is more of a way to approach Islam; a way to seek a relationship with Allah through ritual, meditation, and dancing.

Branches of Islam

Mosques

Mosques Continued

King Hassan II – Morocco

Muslim Holidays• Giving to the poor is emphasized• Islamic New Year (12/18/09) – usually

quiet, special prayers, & readings– Celebrates Muhammad’s journey

from Medina to Mecca• Ashura (12/27/09) – 2 days of fasting,

prayer, & meditation– Noah’s Ark ran aground– The Kaaba was built– The birth of Abraham

• Eid-Al-Adha (11/28/09) – A large feast to celebrate the sacrifice of Ishmael by Abraham– Sacrifice and devotion to Allah– Usually a lamb

• Mawlid an-Nabi (3/3/10) – Celebrates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (570 A.D)

– Not a “holiday” very subdued, unlike Christmas

Muslim Holidays continued

• Isra Mi'raj (7/9/10) – “the night journey and ascension” into heaven at the Dome of the Rock– Met Abraham, Moses, Aaron,

Adam, the archangel Gabriel, and Jesus

– Sweet foods and stories, no special prayers

• Ramadan (8/12/10 – 9/10/10)– Fasting throughout the day– Modesty, spirituality, & patience

• Eid-Al-Fitr (9/10/10) – end of Ramadan = celebrations

Islamic Food

Muslims follow dietary laws that are similar to Jewish kosher regulations. Foods that Muslims can eat are called Halal. Prohibited foods are called Haram and questionable foods are called Mashbooh. Swine and pork products, as well as meat not properly slaughtered or slaughtered in any name other than Allah are Haram. Carnivorous animals and birds or prey are also Haram. Haram animals include pig, dog, donkey, carnivores, monkeys, cats, lions, frogs, crocodiles, turtles, worms, flies, cockroaches, owls, and eagles. Alcohol, coffee, tea and other drugs are Haram. Halal foods that have become contaminated by contact with prohibited foods are also Haram.

Fasting is also important. Fasting is a way to earn the approval of Allah, wipe out previous sins and understand the suffering of the poor. Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Muslims fast during the month of Ramadan and voluntary fasting on Mondays and Thursdays is also common. Muslims are encouraged to only eat to two thirds of capacity.