the teachings of islam chapter 9. a little background islam began in the arabian peninsula and...
TRANSCRIPT
The Teachings of Islam
Chapter 9
A little background Islam began in the Arabian
Peninsula and quickly spread throughout the Middle East, across North Africa, to Spain, and across central Asia
The Islamic community blended many peoples and cultures
Islam now has more followers than any religion except Christianity
1/5 of the world’s population is Muslim
The Koran The foundation of Islam
Describes Allah’s laws and moral teachings, the straight path
It contains passages that Muhammad is believed to have received from the angel Gabriel
Muhammad could apparently not read or write, he memorized the passages and his followers later wrote them down into the Koran
In 651, Caliph Uthman established an official edition of the Koran that is still used today
Muslims honor the Koran by not letting copies of the book tough the ground or get dirty
The Sunnah and the Hadith
The other foundation of Islam
The Sunnah means “practice”
This is the example that Muhammad set for Muslims during his lifetime of how to lead a Muslim life and follow the Koran
The Hadith, tradition, is a collection of written accounts of Muhammad’s Sunnah as seen in his words and deeds
Shahadah: The 1st Pillar of Faith
Shahadah means the declaration of faith and shows one’s belief in one God and Muhammad as his prophet.
Muslims proclaim the words, “There is no god but God, and Muhammad is the messenger of God” often throughout their days
People must not only declare that they believe in God (Allah), but also must pledge their submission to him
Muslims also believe that all souls will face a day of judgment when all of their actions will be weighed, allowing souls to enter paradise or fall into hell
Salat: The 2nd Pillar of Faith
Salat means daily ritual prayer
It emphasizes religious discipline, spirituality, and closeness to God
Muslims are called to prayer 5 times per day: dawn, noon, midday, sunset, and after nightfall
The muezzin (a crier) chants the call to prayer from the minaret (tower of the mosque)
Muslims must wash hands, feet, and face before praying
The imam is the prayer leader and worshipers face in the direction of Mecca
Muslims may worship anywhere in groups or alone
Muslims do not observe a sabbath, however on Fridays, Muslims gather at a mosque for midday prayer, listen to the imam’s sermon and to the Koran being read
Zakat: The 3rd Pillar of Faith
Zakat means almsgiving or giving to the poor
Muslims are commanded to give at least 2.5% of their wealth
They do this in order to purify their wealth and also to control greed
Zakat provides many needs including public fountains with clean water, hospitals, schools, soup kitchens, and orphanages, and shelter for the poor
Other religions, such as Christianity (tithe) and Judaism (tzedaka) also emphasize helping the poor through charity
Siyam: The 4th Pillar of Faith Siyam means fasting, going without food
Performed during Ramadan (the 9th month of the Muslim calendar), Muslims fast during the daylight hours
Not ALL Muslims have to fast
Break the fast with traditional foods before the sunset prayer
By the end of Ramadan, Muslims have read the entire Koran
Fasting teaches Muslims self control and makes them realize what it would be like to be poor and hungry
Muslims try to avoid arguments and bad deeds and try to forgive people
The end of Ramadan is celebrated with Eid al-Fitr
Hajj: The 5th Pillar of Faith Hajj is a pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca
All adults are expected to make a Hajj one time in their life
Promotes equality and fellowship
This is done in the Islamic year’s 12th month
During Hajj, pilgrims follow the footsteps of Abraham and Muhammad in order to draw themselves closer to God
The farewell day is celebrated by all Muslims around the world, called Eid al-Adha
Jihad Jihad means “to strive”- it represents the human
struggle to overcome challenges and do things that would be pleasing to Allah
Example: Muslims might work to become better people, reform society, or correct injustice
Early Muslims claimed Jihad in their efforts to protect their territory
However, Muslims are forbidden from forcing others to convert- Muhammad also set other rules for war- not to mutilate dead bodies, harm women children, old people, or civilians, and to not destroy property.
Lesser Jihad- external struggle against oppression
Greater Jihad- internal struggle against evil within oneself (working hard for a goal, giving up a bad habit, getting an education, obeying your parents, etc.)
Shari’ah: Islamic Law Shari’ah is the collection of all Islamic
law and means “path to be followed”
It promotes obedience to the Koran and respect for others
It places actions into 5 categories: forbidden, discouraged, allowed, recommended, and obligatory (required)
In a Shari’ah court, a qadi (judge) hears cases and makes rulings. Sometimes a mufti (scholar of law) is consulted.
Today most Muslim countries apply some parts of Shari’ah and use other laws as well to respond to modern ways of life.