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.
“La illaha ill Allah,
Muhammadur Rasul Allah”
“I testify that there is none
worthy of worship except Allah,
and I testify that Muhammad is
the messenger of 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.