World Religions- IslamGroup A, Mr. Weissler’s PreAP World History

Islam at First Glance

• The word Islam means 'submission to the will of God.

• Islam is the second largest religion in the world with over 1 billion followers.

• Followers of Islam are called Muslims.

History of Islam

• Muslim’s believe that Islam has always existed but it was not revealed until 1,400 years ago.

• Islam was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, Muslims also believe he was the last prophet.

• Islam began in the city of Mecca located in modern day Saudi Arabia.

• Islam spread through the conquest of Muhammad and his followers.

Fundamental Beliefs

• Muslim’s believe in only one God, meaning they are a monotheistic religion.• The Arabic word for God is Allah

• Muslims believe that Allah sent a number of prophets to teach people how to live their lives in accordance to his laws.

• Muslims believe in the same line of prophets that Christian and Jews believe in.• Starting with the prophet Abraham.

Religious Text

• The main religious text that Muslims use is the Koran (also spelled Qu’ran)

• Muslims believe that the Koran was revealed to Muhammad over the course of 23 years.

• The purpose of the Koran was to clear up any errors in the other religious texts.

• Serves as a guide to help Muslims live in accordance with Allah’s law.

The five Pillars of Islam

• Declaration of Faith

• Praying five times a day in the direction of Mecca.

• Giving money to the poor.

• Fasting during holy times.

• Pilgrimage to Mecca, at least once in your life.

Praying in the direction of Mecca at a Muslim Mosque

Muslim Pilgrims on the Haji, or pilgrimage to Mecca

Photo Taken by Ali Mansuri

Worship Buildings

• Muslim’s worship in religious structures called mosques.

• Mosque also have a tower called a minaret, which is used to call Muslims to prayer.

• The mosque serves as a place where Muslims can come together for prayer, education and even as a place for the settling of disputes.

• Muslim prayer leaders at mosque are called Imams.

Traditional Style Mosque

Photo by Gérard Ducher

Traditional Style Mosque

Photo by Travis Reitter

Contemporary Mosque

Photo by Asjad Jamshed

Contemporary Mosque

Works Cited

• Unknown. ”BBC Religion Guide on Islam.”       BBC Religion Guide. 30 June 2010.  Web. 14 July. 2010.     http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/islam/

• Islam." Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica Online School Edition. Encyclopædia Britannica, 2010. Web. 14 July 2010  <http://school.eb.com/eb/article-9105852>.