Introduction to Islam

Islam

• Islam's symbol is a crescent moon and star.
• Idol worship was common in Mecca during the 6th century (belief in many gods).
• In 610 CE, Muhammad received revelations from Allah through the Angel Gabriel. The revelations were the Quran. Muhammad was illiterate.
• In 622 CE, Muhammad fled Mecca for Medina because he was threatened and harassed (Hijrah).
• In Medina, he gathered supporters and returned to Mecca.
• Islam spread throughout the Middle East under the caliphs.
• Muhammad did not name a successor or have sons, resulting in the development of Muslim sects.
• Allah means "God" in Arabic.
• Pictures/images of Allah are not allowed.
• Muhammad is the founder of Islam and the religion is based on his teachings.
• Muhammad was born in Mecca in 570 CE and orphaned at a young age. He was raised by his grandfather then his uncle.
• Muhammad was illiterate but married a wealthy woman named Khadija who supported him.
• Muhammad frequently meditated on Mount Hira.
• The Angel Gabriel appeared to Muhammad and gave him revelations.
• Muhammad began teaching in Mecca at the age of 40 but was threatened and harassed there.
• The Hijrah (flight to Medina) happened in 622 CE and marks the start of the Islamic calendar.
• Muhammad later returned to Mecca with followers and triumphantly spread the teachings of Islam (630 CE).
• Muhammad is buried in Medina.
• Islam is a monotheistic religion; Islam means "submit to the will of Allah."
• Muslim means "one who submits."
• Daily prayers are performed 5 times a day facing Mecca.
• Prayer times are: Pre-dawn, Lunch, Late afternoon, After Sunset, Before Bed.
• The Sabbath is Friday.
• Places of prayer are called Mosques.
• Prayer leaders are called Imams.
• Islam has two major sects: Sunni and Shi'ia..
• Sunni (80% of Muslims) believe the successor to Muhammad (or Caliph) should be democratically elected.
• Shi'ia believe the Caliph should be a blood relative of Muhammad
• The Middle East and North Africa are areas with large Muslim populations.
• Indonesia is the country with the most Muslims (202.9 million).
• Islam is the world's second-largest religion with 1.2 billion followers, which is 20% of the world's population.
• Islam is a rapidly growing religion.
• The Quran is Islam's holy book. It contains revelations received by Muhammad. Its considered a miracle as Muhammad was illiterate.
• Important practices in Islam are the 5 Pillars:
• Pillar 1 (Shahada): Declaration of faith in Allah.
• Pillar 2 (Salah): Daily prayer facing Mecca.
• Pillar 3 (Zakah): Alms or charity, giving to the poor.
• Pillar 4 (Sawm): Fasting during Ramadan (9th month of the Islamic calendar). Food and drink are not permitted between dawn and sunset.
• Pillar 5 (Hajj): Pilgrimage to Mecca. All Muslims are expected to travel to Mecca at least once in their lifetime. Approximately 2 million Muslims travel each year.
• Islamic sacred law is called Sharia.
• Holy days include Eid al-Fitr (end of Ramadan, 3 days) and Eid al-Adha (end of Hajj season, 4 days).
• Muslims don't worship Muhammad; they worship Allah.
• Many Muslims are not Arab. People from Africa and Indonesia make up a majority.
• Mecca is Muhammad's birthplace and an important place in Islam.
• Medina is where Muhammad is buried and a significant place in Islam.
• Ka'bah is in Mecca and it is the holiest place in Islam.
• Dome of the Rock (Jerusalem) is the oldest Islamic structure. It contains a stone from which Muhammad ascended into heaven.

Important Practices: Additional Notes

• Sharia is Islam's sacred law and sets out the way of worship.
• Alcohol and pork consumption are prohibited according to Sharia.