Islam

The Five Pillars of Islam The Testimony of Faith -

Shahadah Ritual Prayer -Salat Alms -Zakat Fasting -Ramadan -

Sawm Pilgrimage -Hajj

The Testimony of Faith There is only one God -

Allah Muhammad is His

prophet Muhammad is not the

father of any of your men, but he is the messenger of God and the Seal of the Prophets. And God has full knowledge of all things.” Qur’an: 33:40

Ritual Prayer Five daily prayers

Between dawn and sunrise -Fajr After midday -Dhuhr Midway between midday and

sunset -Asr Right after sunset -Maghrib Approximately one hour after

sunset -Isha’a Face Mecca Self Cleansing -wudhu Must be in Arabic

Alms 2.5% of one’s capital in excess of one’s basic

needs given to the poor. Voluntary charity (sadaqah) beyond 2.5% gains

favor.

Fasting No eating, drinking, smoking,

unruly thoughts, or engaging in sexual intercourse from dawn to sunset during the month of Ramadan, the ninth month in the Islamic calendar (September 23rd - October 22nd in the calendar most of us know and use).

Exceptions: Pre-pubescent Children (under 13), pregnant women, and the sick.

Pilgrimage During the month of Zul

Hijjah (December 22, 2006 - January 21, 2007)

Arrive in Jeddah and walk to Mecca (about miles)

Obligatory for every Muslim who has the ability

Exceptions: Ill health or debt.

Jihad Struggle for Allah

Internal—Struggle against self

External - Holy war Only defensive

actions can be used.

Misunderstood and misused concept in Islam by some

History of Islam Arabia - 7th century C.E. Muhammad (570-632 CE)

Born in outskirts of Mecca Orphaned at an early age Became a merchant trader Married a wealthy widow Around 40 years old, experienced a

“divine revelation” through the arch angel Gabriel in a cave outside Mecca

God’s final revelation to mankind. Not preaching new religion only

reaffirming God’s message that Jews and Christians had violated.

Sunni and Shi’a 85% Sunni, 15% Shi’a approximately Question of leadership (Caliph) upon

Muhammad’s death Sunni Muslims believe the Caliph

that is most capable should lead the faith

Iran, Iraq (Kurds), Yemen, Bahrain, Syria, and Lebanon

Shi’a Muslims believe the Caliph should descend from Muhammad’s own family

Ali - Muhammad’s cousin/son-in-law

Iraq (minus Kurds), Bahrain, Azerbaijan, Syria, Pakistan, Turkey, Yemen.

The Big Picture Religion’s effect

on the world Theocratic States

UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Yemen, and Iran

Sharia – Sacred law of Islam

The spread of Islam