Islam means submission.
Basic Belief: There is only one God and Muhammed is
his prophet.
Founder: Muhammed (early 600s C.E.)
Sacred Texts: The Quran, the Hadith, the
Sunnah
Quran: God’s message revealed to
Muhammed by the angel Gabriel
Hadith: the life of Muhammed, what he said
and did
Sunnah: rules & regulations of Muslim life
according to Muhammed’s example
Place of worship: mosque
All contain a mihrab - a niche pointing to the
direction of Mecca
A muezzin calls the followers to prayer from the
minaret
Five Pillars of Faith
1. shahadah or creed- statement of belief
There is no god but Allah and Muhammed is His Prophet.
2. salah or prayer- pray 5 times a day towards Mecca, before prayer
Muslims wash their face, hands, and feet
3. zakat or charity- 2.5% of wealth given to the poor; purification of
wealth
4. sawn or fasting- month of Ramadan, fast during daylight hours
5. hajj or pilgrimage- all able Muslims are required to make the
journey at least once
Spiritual Leader: no organized priesthood, anyone can
lead prayer but large mosques will have an imam to lead
prayers and preach
Denominations: Sunni (majority); Shi’ite
Major Holiday: Ramadan- 9th month of the lunar calendar
commemorating the Koran being sent down to the people