Islam
Submission to the one God, Allah
The world’s fastest-growing and second-largest religion
Central teachings are derived from the Quran, the primary
sacred text and Islam’s earthly center.
Muhammad, the final prophet,. exemplifies human
perfection.
Muhammad
Muhammad was born about 570 c.e. into the leading tribe
of Mecca..
Muhammad was an orphan and was raised by his uncle.
He was a hard-working boy, honest and dependable who
began his life as a shepherd and later went into the trading
business.
He was a caravan manager for a wealthy widow, Khadija,
whom he eventually married.
Muhammad was 25 and Khadija was about 40!
They had at least 6 children and a long and happy
marriage.
Muhammad as a prophet
The angel Gabriel commanded Muhammad to “recite”!
Citizens of Mecca were hostile to the message.
Muhammad fled north to Yathrib, (Medina)
This was known as the Hijra, an event on which
the Muslims base their calendar.
Most of Arabia were converted to Islam by the
time of Muhammad’s death in 632.
Allah
Muslims have 99 names for Allah or God.
Prophets are the link between people and Allah.
Abraham is the father of the Arab people.
Moses and Jesus are also revered.
Muhammad is the last and the “seal” of the prophets.
Muslims consider human nature as essentially good, sin
occurs when people forget their natural goodness.
Th e Five Pillars of Islam
 Confession of faith in one God and acknowledgment of
Muhammad as a unique prophet.
Prayer 5 times a day.
Fasting during Ramadan
Wealth sharing - 2.5 percent of their gross income.
Pilgrimage to Mecca once in a person’s life..
Social Teachings
Shariah Law - Divine law governing most Islamic
countries.
Islam regards men and women as equals but with
different roles.
Jihad represents the struggle of individuals and society
to act in accordance with shariah law.
Mecca
The Hajj
Expansion and Varieties of Islam
Within one century after Muhammad’s death, Islamic
civilization spread throughout the Middle East, Persia,
North Africa, and almost all of Spain.
Currently, the greatest concentration of Muslims is
across the northern half of Africa, all of the Middle East,
southwestern and South Asia, and the islands of Malaysia
and Indonesia.
Islam is the fastest growing religion in the United States.
Sunni and Shi/ism
The majority of Muslims are Sunni.
They follow the established custom, or sunnah, meaning
the Sunnah of the prophet, Muhammad.
Shi/ism believes in Imams. They are religious leaders who
are direct descendants of Muhammad.
Iran and Iraq are Shi’ites.
Sufi’s
The term comes from the Islam’s word, suf -the coarse
wool garment that is worn by Sufis.
Sufism strives to experience Allah as immanent dwelling within each worshipper.
The Sufi experiences oneness with Allah and gains
spiritual fortitude.
Sufis are not necessarily popular among Muslims.
Sufis live monastic lives with a shaykh as their head.