IslamIslam

Unit ThreeUnit Three

IntroductionIntroduction

Islam means “submitting to God” and a person Islam means “submitting to God” and a person following this religion is called a Muslim, one who following this religion is called a Muslim, one who “submits to God and finds peace in Him”“submits to God and finds peace in Him”

Muslims believe that the angel Gabriel gave a Muslims believe that the angel Gabriel gave a series of revelations from God to Muhammad, the series of revelations from God to Muhammad, the last prophet sent to humanity by God.last prophet sent to humanity by God.

Islam is the second largest and fastest growing Islam is the second largest and fastest growing religion in the world, with 1.2 billion believers.religion in the world, with 1.2 billion believers.

Over 50 countries have a population that is mostly Over 50 countries have a population that is mostly Muslim.Muslim.

Over 650,000 Muslims live in Canada.Over 650,000 Muslims live in Canada.

At the end of this unit you should At the end of this unit you should know………..know………..

The origins of Islamic beliefs.The origins of Islamic beliefs. Role and contributions of Muhammad.Role and contributions of Muhammad. The origins of the Qur’an or Koran.The origins of the Qur’an or Koran. Islamic beliefs, practices, festivals and rituals.Islamic beliefs, practices, festivals and rituals. Understand the significance of fasting and prayer Understand the significance of fasting and prayer

to Muslims.to Muslims. The symbols of Islam.The symbols of Islam. Key events in the development of Islam.Key events in the development of Islam. Religious groups within Islam.Religious groups within Islam. The status of women in Islam.The status of women in Islam.

OriginsOrigins Muslims believe the central figure in the emergence of the Muslims believe the central figure in the emergence of the

religion of Islam was the prophet Muhammad. religion of Islam was the prophet Muhammad. Muhammad received direct revelations from God through the Muhammad received direct revelations from God through the

Angel Gabriel. With these revelations “burned into his heart” Angel Gabriel. With these revelations “burned into his heart” Muhammad led Arabia in belief in the oneness of God.Muhammad led Arabia in belief in the oneness of God.

Muslims regard Muhammad with great reverence and say Muslims regard Muhammad with great reverence and say “peace be upon him” whenever they mention his name.“peace be upon him” whenever they mention his name.

He was born in 570CE in Makkah (now Mecca). At the time He was born in 570CE in Makkah (now Mecca). At the time people were divided into tribes, his being Quraysh, the most people were divided into tribes, his being Quraysh, the most respected one. respected one.

In the year 610, Muhammad had his encounter with Gabriel in a In the year 610, Muhammad had his encounter with Gabriel in a cave on Mount Hira. Gabriel embraced him and commanded cave on Mount Hira. Gabriel embraced him and commanded him to read a passage and Muhammad responded that he him to read a passage and Muhammad responded that he couldn’t or wouldn’t. Gabriel insisted, and after three requests couldn’t or wouldn’t. Gabriel insisted, and after three requests Muhammad agreed. This is what he read………Muhammad agreed. This is what he read………

Read! In the name of thy lordRead! In the name of thy lord

and cherisher, whoand cherisher, who

Created man out of a mere clot ofCreated man out of a mere clot of

congealed blood:congealed blood:

Proclaim! And thy lord is mostProclaim! And thy lord is most

Bountiful.Bountiful.

He who taught (the use of) the penHe who taught (the use of) the pen

Taught man that which he knew notTaught man that which he knew not

Qur’an 96:1-5Qur’an 96:1-5

For the next 23 years Muhammad received a For the next 23 years Muhammad received a series of revelations. These were assembled to series of revelations. These were assembled to form the sacred text of Islam called the Qur’an form the sacred text of Islam called the Qur’an (Koran).(Koran).

Muhammad began to preach these revelations Muhammad began to preach these revelations and at first , few listened. Some even saw him as a and at first , few listened. Some even saw him as a threat and plotted to kill him. He continued his threat and plotted to kill him. He continued his mission for 9 years until his wife died, followed mission for 9 years until his wife died, followed soon after by the death of his uncle, in 619. This soon after by the death of his uncle, in 619. This became known as became known as the year of sorrowthe year of sorrow..

With his life in danger, Muhammad fled to the city With his life in danger, Muhammad fled to the city of Yathrib, now Medina. This is known as the of Yathrib, now Medina. This is known as the HijrahHijrah, which means migration, which means migration..

Muslims believe that before leaving Makkah, Muslims believe that before leaving Makkah, Muhammad went through two special Muhammad went through two special experiences….experiences….

1. The 1. The “Night Journey” “Night Journey” involved Muhammad, involved Muhammad, accompanied by Gabriel, on a winged horse called accompanied by Gabriel, on a winged horse called the the Buraq (lightning), Buraq (lightning), travelling from Makkah to travelling from Makkah to Jerusalem. Jerusalem.

2. Upon arriving they ascended through the seven 2. Upon arriving they ascended through the seven heavens. The heavens. The AscensionAscension is known as the is known as the Mi’rajMi’raj..

First heaven, they met Adam, second they met First heaven, they met Adam, second they met John and Jesus, then five more heavens where John and Jesus, then five more heavens where they met Joseph, Enoch, Aaron, Moses and lastly they met Joseph, Enoch, Aaron, Moses and lastly Abraham.Abraham.

Finally, Muhammad approached the Throne of Finally, Muhammad approached the Throne of God, coming within two bow lengths of God God, coming within two bow lengths of God Himself.Himself.

After the hijrah, Muhammad established a Muslim After the hijrah, Muhammad established a Muslim community in the city of Medina (the city of the community in the city of Medina (the city of the prophet).prophet).

The Quraysh of Makkah were alarmed by this and The Quraysh of Makkah were alarmed by this and offered Muhammad wealth, beautiful women and offered Muhammad wealth, beautiful women and the absolute leadership of the Quraysh. When this the absolute leadership of the Quraysh. When this failed they saw that the only alternative was to kill failed they saw that the only alternative was to kill Muhammad. Muhammad.

Jihad has been translated to mean Holy war, but Jihad has been translated to mean Holy war, but actually it means “striving.” Muslims are called to actually it means “striving.” Muslims are called to strive to follow God’s commands. strive to follow God’s commands.

Three battles proved to be significant in the Three battles proved to be significant in the unification of Arabia, under the religion of Islam.unification of Arabia, under the religion of Islam.

Battle of BadrBattle of Badr – Muhammad’s army of 313 – Muhammad’s army of 313 defeats Makkah’s army of 1000.defeats Makkah’s army of 1000.

Battle of UhudBattle of Uhud – Makkan’s return with an – Makkan’s return with an army of 3000 to score a victory. Despite army of 3000 to score a victory. Despite their victory they return home without going their victory they return home without going the extra three kilometers to sack Madinah.the extra three kilometers to sack Madinah.

Battle of the TrenchBattle of the Trench – Makkans return with – Makkans return with an army of 10,000. Muhammad orders a an army of 10,000. Muhammad orders a trench be built around the city. The Makkans trench be built around the city. The Makkans are unable to take the city and return home.are unable to take the city and return home.

These battles solidified the position of Islam These battles solidified the position of Islam in Madinah.in Madinah.

The Conquest of MakkahThe Conquest of Makkah

In 630CE, in what is commonly referred to as the “conquest In 630CE, in what is commonly referred to as the “conquest of Makkah”, Muhammad led a group of 10,000 into of Makkah”, Muhammad led a group of 10,000 into Makkah, with little opposition. Makkah, with little opposition.

The citizens of Makkah were assembled before him and The citizens of Makkah were assembled before him and Muhammad forgave them for their persecution of Muslims Muhammad forgave them for their persecution of Muslims and told them they were all free.and told them they were all free.

A major transformation took place; the people now began A major transformation took place; the people now began to accept Muhammad’s teachings and he left without to accept Muhammad’s teachings and he left without leaving a single soldier behind.leaving a single soldier behind.

In 632, Muhammad, along with 140,000 Muslims, visited In 632, Muhammad, along with 140,000 Muslims, visited Makkah to perform his last pilgrimage. He stopped at Makkah to perform his last pilgrimage. He stopped at Mount Arafat and delivered what is known as his “farewell Mount Arafat and delivered what is known as his “farewell sermon.” Some of the things he said in this sermon are as sermon.” Some of the things he said in this sermon are as follows: follows:

Believe in one God.Believe in one God. Equality for everyone, no matter what race or Equality for everyone, no matter what race or

class.class. The sanctity of life, honor and property.The sanctity of life, honor and property. Better treatment of women.Better treatment of women. The Qur’an serves as the basis of law and human The Qur’an serves as the basis of law and human

life.life.

In this sermon Muhammad offered forgiveness for In this sermon Muhammad offered forgiveness for anyone who had done wrong and summarized the anyone who had done wrong and summarized the core of Islamic teaching.core of Islamic teaching.

In June of 632 Muhammad died at the age of 63.In June of 632 Muhammad died at the age of 63.

Prophet Islamic Perspective Jewish Perspective Christian Perspective

Noah Warned people of the error of their sinful ways, built an arc, survived the flood, rebuilt civilization and shared new laws governing God’s creation.

Same as Islam Same as Islam

Abraham One of seven prophets who received scriptures from god. Taught people to Abandon idolatry. He is the source of two prophetic familes: the Arab lineage through his son Ismael and Ismael’s mother Hagar.

Seen as the patriarch of the Jewish faith. Taught people to worship one God. The Hebrew line developed from his son Isaac, who was the son of Sarah.

Same as Judaism

Moses Sent to proclaim the one God to the idolaters of Egypt. Moses is mentioned over 200 times in the Qur’an and is highly regarded in Islam. Used miracles to demonstrate God’s power to the Egyptians. Received the ten commandants from God.

Agrees with the Islamic position but adds that Moses was sent by God to free the Hebrews from slavery in Egypt and leading then to the promised land. He was also sent to give the Jews God’s law. (10 commandments)

Same as Judaism

Jesus Jesus was born dramatically by the virgin Mary and performed many miracles. The Qur’an denies that Jesus was divinely appointed by God or that he died on the cross. They believed he never died, ascended into heaven and will come again to help humanity.

Holds no formal view of Jesus.

Jesus is the son of God and part of the holy trinity. Jesus was born of the virgin Mary, suffered persecution, was crucified and died, and rose again after three days. He ascended into heaven and will come again to judge the living and the dead.

Holy PlacesHoly Places

Mecca is the holiest city of the Muslim faith. Mecca is the holiest city of the Muslim faith. Contained in its Mosque (Muslim holy place Contained in its Mosque (Muslim holy place of worship) is the Ka’bah, which Muslims of worship) is the Ka’bah, which Muslims revere as the house of God.revere as the house of God.

Every Muslims daily prayers are directed Every Muslims daily prayers are directed towards this cubical stone structure.towards this cubical stone structure.

The second holiest city of Islam is Medina, The second holiest city of Islam is Medina, where Muhammad took refuge and began where Muhammad took refuge and began his teachings. his teachings.

Called the “city of the Prophet” , it is the site Called the “city of the Prophet” , it is the site of the first Mosque of Islam, known as the of the first Mosque of Islam, known as the prophet’s Mosque.prophet’s Mosque.

The Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem is the The Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem is the third holiest site in Islam.third holiest site in Islam.

Muslims consider it the place where Muslims consider it the place where Muhammad ascended into heaven.Muhammad ascended into heaven.

It is also the place Muhammad visited on his It is also the place Muhammad visited on his night journey.night journey.

With its obvious connection with Christianity With its obvious connection with Christianity and Judaism, Jerusalem is considered the and Judaism, Jerusalem is considered the holiest city in the world.holiest city in the world.

Islamic BeliefsIslamic Beliefs

Muslim belief is summarized in their creed, Muslim belief is summarized in their creed, which is called the which is called the Shahadah.Shahadah.

This creed is the organizing principle around This creed is the organizing principle around which all other beliefs are formed.which all other beliefs are formed.

“ “ There is no God but God and Muhammad is There is no God but God and Muhammad is the Messenger of God.”the Messenger of God.”

Muslim’s believe God’s proper name is Allah.Muslim’s believe God’s proper name is Allah. The belief in an omnipotent, omniscient and The belief in an omnipotent, omniscient and

omnipresent God is central to the Muslim faith.omnipresent God is central to the Muslim faith. Remember, the word Islam means submission to Remember, the word Islam means submission to

God! Islam is therefore not only a belief in one God! Islam is therefore not only a belief in one God but also a way of life. God but also a way of life.

Muslims believe in equality between the body and Muslims believe in equality between the body and soul, permitting a full enjoyment of all the good soul, permitting a full enjoyment of all the good that God has created, while at the same time that God has created, while at the same time giving everyone duties towards God, such as daily giving everyone duties towards God, such as daily prayer, fasting, charity, etc.prayer, fasting, charity, etc.

They also believe in the universality of the call, They also believe in the universality of the call, without distinction of class, race or tongue. Only without distinction of class, race or tongue. Only God is superior.God is superior.

The Day Of JudgmentThe Day Of Judgment

Muslims believe that everyone has a soul which after death Muslims believe that everyone has a soul which after death moves on to an afterlife.moves on to an afterlife.

“ “ Well-being in this world and well-being in the hereafter.” A Well-being in this world and well-being in the hereafter.” A Muslim should not neglect one for the other.Muslim should not neglect one for the other.

The body is reconfigured after death so that it may stand The body is reconfigured after death so that it may stand before God on the Day of Judgment. It is on this day that before God on the Day of Judgment. It is on this day that the soul is sent to Paradise or Hell.the soul is sent to Paradise or Hell.

Paradise is described as beautiful and majestic. It is the Paradise is described as beautiful and majestic. It is the reward for living a just life.reward for living a just life.

Hell is described as a place of torment and anguish. Hell is described as a place of torment and anguish. You can avoid hell by sincerely submitting to God and You can avoid hell by sincerely submitting to God and

obeying his commands. obeying his commands.

The Five Pillars of IslamThe Five Pillars of Islam

The First Pillar – Shahadah – Declaration The First Pillar – Shahadah – Declaration of Faithof Faith..

Consists of two declarations, “There is no Consists of two declarations, “There is no God but God” and “Muhammad is the God but God” and “Muhammad is the messenger of God.”messenger of God.”

The Shahadah is Muslim’s announcement to The Shahadah is Muslim’s announcement to the world that they sincerely believe in and the world that they sincerely believe in and follow the Qur’an.follow the Qur’an.

The Second Pillar – Salat – Mandatory prayer The Second Pillar – Salat – Mandatory prayer five times a day.five times a day.

Prayer five times a day is mandatory; before Prayer five times a day is mandatory; before dawn, mid-day, late afternoon, after sunset and dawn, mid-day, late afternoon, after sunset and after dark.after dark.

Muslims recite prayers and a series of Muslims recite prayers and a series of movements as part of the salat.movements as part of the salat.

Prior to prayer a person must perform a ritual Prior to prayer a person must perform a ritual cleansing known as cleansing known as WuduWudu, , which means “making which means “making pure or radient.pure or radient.

Sometimes the entire body has to be cleansed in a Sometimes the entire body has to be cleansed in a process known as process known as ghuslghusl, which is mandatory after , which is mandatory after sexual intercourse, menstruation, nocturnal sexual intercourse, menstruation, nocturnal emissions or childbirth.emissions or childbirth.

The Third Pillar – Zakat – Mandatory alms The Third Pillar – Zakat – Mandatory alms giving.giving.

Paying the Paying the zakat zakat alms is compliance to a alms is compliance to a divine injunction gladly performed by sincere divine injunction gladly performed by sincere Muslims for the sake of and in the name of Muslims for the sake of and in the name of God. It means to “purify or increase”God. It means to “purify or increase”

Islamic law states that a person should give Islamic law states that a person should give alms valued at 2.5% of their surplus wealth alms valued at 2.5% of their surplus wealth over the period of one year.over the period of one year.

The Fourth Pillar of Islam – Sawm – The Fourth Pillar of Islam – Sawm – Mandatory fasting.Mandatory fasting.

For the entire month of Ramadan Muslims For the entire month of Ramadan Muslims are forbidden to eat, drink, smoke or have are forbidden to eat, drink, smoke or have sexual relations from dawn until dusk.sexual relations from dawn until dusk.

It is an act of worship where the Muslim It is an act of worship where the Muslim community dedicates a month to community dedicates a month to considering the benevolence of God and considering the benevolence of God and abstaining from some of the pleasures of life abstaining from some of the pleasures of life in order to develop spiritual purity.in order to develop spiritual purity.

Exceptions are made for those who are old, Exceptions are made for those who are old, sick, or on a journey, as well as young sick, or on a journey, as well as young children.children.

The Fifth Pillar of Islam – Hajj – The Fifth Pillar of Islam – Hajj – Mandatory pilgrimage to Mecca.Mandatory pilgrimage to Mecca.

The Hajj is undertaken by any Muslim in the The Hajj is undertaken by any Muslim in the world who has the health and means to world who has the health and means to make the pilgrimage.make the pilgrimage.

The last day of the Hajj commemorates the The last day of the Hajj commemorates the day God asked Abraham to sacrifice his son day God asked Abraham to sacrifice his son Ismael at Mina. Pilgrims throw seven Ismael at Mina. Pilgrims throw seven pebbles at three tall stone structures (called pebbles at three tall stone structures (called the the jamraatjamraat) that represent satan.) that represent satan.

The MosqueThe Mosque

Every Friday Muslims offer congregational prayers at the Every Friday Muslims offer congregational prayers at the local Mosque. This is mandatory.local Mosque. This is mandatory.

Most Mosques have a dome and/or minaret (tower) from Most Mosques have a dome and/or minaret (tower) from which the call to prayer is issued. They also have a steady which the call to prayer is issued. They also have a steady supply of water to perform the wudu before prayer.supply of water to perform the wudu before prayer.

Before entering, worshippers remove their shoes and pray Before entering, worshippers remove their shoes and pray on the floor which is covered with carpets. Women pray on the floor which is covered with carpets. Women pray separately so both genders can avoid distractions.separately so both genders can avoid distractions.

Prayers are led by an Prayers are led by an ImanIman, who speaks from an elevated , who speaks from an elevated platform called a platform called a minbarminbar. .

Each mosque has a small arch on one wall that points to Each mosque has a small arch on one wall that points to the Ka’bah. Called a the Ka’bah. Called a mihrabmihrab, it provides a focal point for , it provides a focal point for prayer. prayer.

FestivalsFestivals

The Ramadan Fast – during the month of The Ramadan Fast – during the month of Ramadan.Ramadan.

Eid al-Fitr – festival of the breaking of the fast, first Eid al-Fitr – festival of the breaking of the fast, first day of the tenth month of the Islamic year.day of the tenth month of the Islamic year.

Eid-al-Adha – tenth day of the twelfth month, it is Eid-al-Adha – tenth day of the twelfth month, it is the great festival of sacrifice.the great festival of sacrifice.

Milad ul-Nabi – Muhammad’s birthday.Milad ul-Nabi – Muhammad’s birthday. Mi’raj – celebrates the night journey, on the 27Mi’raj – celebrates the night journey, on the 27 thth

day of the seventh month.day of the seventh month. Islamic New Year – first day of the first month.Islamic New Year – first day of the first month.

Early LifeEarly Life Muslims believe children are born free of sin. The child is Muslims believe children are born free of sin. The child is

pure with a natural inclination for goodness and virtue.pure with a natural inclination for goodness and virtue. After a child is born a ceremony called the After a child is born a ceremony called the Adhan Adhan is is

performed. The baby is washed, then the father whispers the performed. The baby is washed, then the father whispers the call to prayer in the child’s right ear and the call to prayer in the child’s right ear and the IqamahIqamah, the , the command to rise and worship, in the child’s left ear.command to rise and worship, in the child’s left ear.

Seven days after the birth, a name-giving ceremony called Seven days after the birth, a name-giving ceremony called the the AqiqahAqiqah is performed is performed. . First the father reads from the First the father reads from the Qur’an, then the child’s name is announced. During the Qur’an, then the child’s name is announced. During the ceremony the child’s hair is cut and its weight in silver is ceremony the child’s hair is cut and its weight in silver is donated to the poor. Males are later circumcised in a hospital. donated to the poor. Males are later circumcised in a hospital. ((KhitanKhitan))

Abdullah, which means servant of God or Abdur-Rahman, Abdullah, which means servant of God or Abdur-Rahman, which means servant of the merciful one, are the names which means servant of the merciful one, are the names Muhammad said would be most pleasing to God. Muslims Muhammad said would be most pleasing to God. Muslims may choose one of these names, one from the list of 99 may choose one of these names, one from the list of 99 beautiful names that describe God or a family name. beautiful names that describe God or a family name.

MarriageMarriage

The hope of a Muslim union in marriage is a strong family, The hope of a Muslim union in marriage is a strong family, whose members seek to know and live the will of God.whose members seek to know and live the will of God.

One controversial aspect of Islamic tradition is One controversial aspect of Islamic tradition is PolygamyPolygamy, , married to more than one person at the same time. Within married to more than one person at the same time. Within the Islamic tradition, polygamous marriages can provide the Islamic tradition, polygamous marriages can provide women with the opportunity to marry in societies where women with the opportunity to marry in societies where there are more women than men. It also provides an there are more women than men. It also provides an opportunity for widows to remarry.opportunity for widows to remarry.

Muslims believe it is a sign of great tolerance and Muslims believe it is a sign of great tolerance and understanding for a woman to agree to share her husband understanding for a woman to agree to share her husband with another woman. A man must first obtain the with another woman. A man must first obtain the permission from his first wife before taking on a second.permission from his first wife before taking on a second.

A Muslim man can marry up to four women.A Muslim man can marry up to four women. The vast majority of Muslim marriages are monogamous.The vast majority of Muslim marriages are monogamous.

DeathDeath

Muslims hope that when they die they reach Muslims hope that when they die they reach Paradise.Paradise.

Burial should preferably take place on the day the Burial should preferably take place on the day the person died. The body is taken to the grave site, person died. The body is taken to the grave site, where mourners throw handfuls of earth into the where mourners throw handfuls of earth into the grave while reciting chapters from the Qur’an. grave while reciting chapters from the Qur’an. Three days of mourning is observed.Three days of mourning is observed.

Muslims believe the deceased is visited by two Muslims believe the deceased is visited by two angels who question the person about his or her angels who question the person about his or her life, faith and good or evil deeds while on earth.life, faith and good or evil deeds while on earth.

Sacred WritingsSacred Writings

The holiest book in Islam is the Qur’an, which means The holiest book in Islam is the Qur’an, which means recitation. It is usually chanted or read aloud. Muslims recitation. It is usually chanted or read aloud. Muslims believe it contains, as revealed by Muhammad over 23 believe it contains, as revealed by Muhammad over 23 years, the word of God!years, the word of God!

Criticism of the Qur’an is not permitted at anytime.Criticism of the Qur’an is not permitted at anytime. Muslims believe the angel Gabriel conveyed the Qur’an to Muslims believe the angel Gabriel conveyed the Qur’an to

Muhammad and therefore, to all humanity. Even translating Muhammad and therefore, to all humanity. Even translating it into another language is not considered the true word.it into another language is not considered the true word.

The messages of the Qur’an were at first transmitted orally, The messages of the Qur’an were at first transmitted orally, but eventually a manuscript was prepared. All copies have but eventually a manuscript was prepared. All copies have to exactly like the original.to exactly like the original.

The Qur’an is made up of chapters called The Qur’an is made up of chapters called SurahsSurahs, which are named based on , which are named based on significant incidents or words from the text.significant incidents or words from the text.

Each Surah is made up of Each Surah is made up of ayats ayats or verses. It or verses. It literally means signs and everyone, except literally means signs and everyone, except for the ninth chapter, begin with “In the for the ninth chapter, begin with “In the name of Allah, the most compassionate, the name of Allah, the most compassionate, the most merciful.”most merciful.”

The The HadithHadith or or SunnahSunnah is the second most is the second most important source of Islamic law. (important source of Islamic law. (Shari’ahShari’ah))

There are three kinds……sayings directly There are three kinds……sayings directly associated with Muhammad, an action or associated with Muhammad, an action or practice of Muhammad and his silent practice of Muhammad and his silent approval of someone else’s actions. approval of someone else’s actions.

Islamic SectsIslamic Sects

Sunni Sunni – approx. 855 of the world’s Muslims. Derived from – approx. 855 of the world’s Muslims. Derived from the word the word sunnasunna, which means well-trodden path. Believe , which means well-trodden path. Believe and follow the traditions of the prophet.and follow the traditions of the prophet.

Shi’ahShi’ah – known as the “party of Ali” they believe that before – known as the “party of Ali” they believe that before his death, Muhammad chose his son-in-law, Ali, as his his death, Muhammad chose his son-in-law, Ali, as his successor. Because Abu Bakr was chosen instead of Ali, a successor. Because Abu Bakr was chosen instead of Ali, a political division was created that later became doctrinal. political division was created that later became doctrinal. They believe that after Muhammad’s death a series of They believe that after Muhammad’s death a series of infallible leaders called infallible leaders called Imans Imans were to take charge of Islam. were to take charge of Islam. Shi’ahs dominate religion and politics in Iran and have a Shi’ahs dominate religion and politics in Iran and have a minority in Irag, Pakistan, East Africa and India.minority in Irag, Pakistan, East Africa and India.

Women and IslamWomen and Islam

According to the Qur’an, men and women are According to the Qur’an, men and women are equal!!!equal!!!

Women wear a Women wear a hijabhijab, similar to the robes of a nun. , similar to the robes of a nun. They wear it as an expression of their modesty. They wear it as an expression of their modesty. Muslim’s in the west wear it as a way to maintain Muslim’s in the west wear it as a way to maintain their distinct Muslim identity.their distinct Muslim identity.

A woman who wears the hijab will not attract A woman who wears the hijab will not attract unwanted attention to her body and therefore unwanted attention to her body and therefore attention would given to her personality, ideas and attention would given to her personality, ideas and intellect.intellect.

Muslims In CanadaMuslims In Canada

650,000 in Canada.650,000 in Canada. Canadian Society of Canadian Society of

Muslims, founded by Muslims, founded by Dr. M. Qadeer Baig, Dr. M. Qadeer Baig, led a campaign to led a campaign to remove discriminatory remove discriminatory material about Islam material about Islam from Ontario school from Ontario school books.books.