Islam Teacher Notes PDF

Islam  Origins? Idol worship common in Mecca in 6th century (belief in many gods) In 610, Muhammad receives revelations from Allah through the Angel Gabriel (was told the Koran, even though he was illiterate) In 622 was forced to flee Mecca for Medina ...

Islam  Origins? Idol worship common in Mecca in 6th century (belief in many gods) In 610, Muhammad receives revelations from Allah through the Angel Gabriel (was told the Koran, even though he was illiterate) In 622 was forced to flee Mecca for Medina  Origins? In Medina he gathered many supporters and ultimately returned to Mecca Succeeded by caliphs that greatly expanded Islam throughout the Middle East Muhammad did not appoint a successor nor have any sons, this resulted in development of Muslim sects  What is God Called? Allah (means “God” in Arabic) No pictures/images allowed of Allah  Prophets? Muhammad (means messenger of Allah) Founder of Islam; religion is based on his teachings Born in Mecca in 570 CE; orphaned at an early aged; raised by grandfather and later his uncle Was illiterate Married a wealthy, older woman, Khadija, who supported him  Prophets? Frequently meditated on Mount Hira Angel Gabriel appeared to him and Muhammad received the revelations of Allah Began teaching in Mecca at age 40 but was threatened/harassed there As a result he fled to Medina where he gained many followers (flight from Mecca to Medina in 622 is called Hijirah and is the start of the Islamic calender) A 210 Mile Journey From Mecca to Medina  Prophets Later returned to Mecca with followers and triumphantly began to spread/preach Islam (630 A.D) Buried in Medina Thoughts on Jesus… - Believed: He was a prophet. Born of a virgin. Performed miracles. - Don’t Believe: Son of God, or was crucified and resurrected  Major Beliefs? Monotheistic Islam means “submit to the will of Allah” Muslim means “one who submits”  Days of worship? Daily - Pray facing Mecca 5x/day When? - Pre-dawn - Lunch - Late-afternoon - After Sunset - Before Bed Sabbath - Friday Muslim Prayer Depending on where Muslims are in the world will determine which direction (N,S,E,W). A practioner of Islam in New Hope would face East.  Place of Worship? Mosque What is the leaders of the services called? No clergy; leaders gain influence based on dedication and knowledge Prayer leaders called Imams  Major Sects or Denominations of Islam? Divisions came after death of Muhammad; 2 major sects developed Sunni - 80% of Muslims; believed successor to Muhammad (or Caliph) should be democratically elected Shi’ia - Felt Caliph should be a blood relative of Muhammad Shi’ia & Sunni Distribution  Landmarks and Important Places Mecca – Muhammad’s birthplace Medina – Muhammad is buried there  Landmarks and Important Places Ka’bah – in Mecca – goal of Hajj; means “cube,” holiest place in Islam; most significant part is an oval black stone inside  Landmarks and Important Places Dome of the Rock – mosque/shrine in Jerusalem; oldest Islamic structure (contains black stone from which Muhammad ascended into heaven with Gabriel – taking a tour of heaven and receiving the five pillars of Islam before returning)  Regions and Countries where mostly found Middle East, North Africa Indonesia: Most Populous group of Muslims in a country: 202.9 Million people are Muslim  Number of Followers Worldwide 2nd largest 20% of world’s population - 1.2 billion Fastest growing  Important Practices: 5 Pillars Pillar 1 - Shahadah: Declaration of faith in Allah, represented by the brief prayer “There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah”  Important Practices: 5 Pillars Pillar 2 -Salah: Prayer facing Mecca 5x/day  Important Practices: 5 Pillars Pillar 3 - Zakah: Alms or charity (giving to poor)  Important Practices: 5 Pillars Pillar 4 - Swam: Fasting during Ramadan, the 9th month of the Islamic calendar; food and drink not permitted between dawn and sunset; alcohol and tobacco forbidden the entire month; children and elderly exempt.  Important Practices: 5 Pillars Pillar 5 - Hajj: Pilgrimage to Mecca; all are expected to make at least one time; symbolizes Muhammad’s escape from Mecca to Medina; 2,000,000 Muslims journey each year  Important Practices Sharia – Islam’s sacred law, it sets out the way of worship prescribed in the Qu’ran Prohibited from consuming alcohol/pork  Q2: Question Should foreigners or non-Muslims be forced to follow Sharia/Islamic Religious law if a country adopts/has Sharia law as it’s political law?  Holy Days 2 official religious holidays – Eid al-Fitr - 3 day holiday - end of fasting during Ramadan – Eid al Adha - 4 day celebration - end of Hajj season Other occasions include: Ramadan – fasting month - daily from dawn to sunset Hijira (New Year)  What is the holy book called? Quran - revelations received by Muhammad Considered a miracle – Muhammad was illiterate Any other significant information? Muslims do not worship Muhammad; they worship Allah Majority of Muslims are not Arabs (Africa/Indonesia)