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Islam

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Islam

• Muhammad the final prophet– 570-632 CE

• Allah (word for God)

• Monotheistic

• Major Branches: Sunni – 85% and Shiite – 15%

• Koran (Qur’an) is sufficient to direct all aspects of life

• No clergy or building required

• Jews & Christians – people of the book

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Five Pillars

– Belief in one God, Muhammad is his Messenger

– Five daily prayers facing Mecca

– Generous alms (help the poor)

– Fasting during the holy month of Ramadan

– Pilgrimage to Mecca (hajj)

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF A HOLY PLACE

• A place of worship and teaching. -Church

• A space for prayer. -Mosques

• Buildings to house relics and artifacts or entomb a leader. –Pagodas, Temples & Pyramids

• An environmental astronomical calendar

• A destination goal.-pilgrimage

• Create an environment in the image of God or gods

Taj Mahal, Agra in NW India

(mausoleum)

Muslim Landscapes

Alhambra, Granada, Spain

Moorish (Muslim) Córdoba, Spain

Sultan Dascan Mosque, Madrasa

Saint Sophia, Istanbul Turkey

The Kaba in Mecca, Saudi Arabia

The Kaba in Mecca, Saudi Arabia

Islam Discussion Questions

• What does Islam have in common with other religions?

• What misconceptions exist about Islam?