Islam

The religion of Allah and Mohammed

Core Beliefs of Islam Belief in Day of Judgment • Paradise for those who follow God’s guidance.• Hell for those who do not follow God’s help.

Belief in Angels of God • Muslims believe in angels.• Angels are beings who worship God and do as he orders.

Belief in Books of God• Muslims believe message of God has been revealed by holy books and

writings in the Quaran.• The Quran given to Muhammad by Allah, through the Angel Gabriel

Rituals and Rites of passage Birth and Childhood• First word a new baby hears is Shahada. • This is the first pillar and the profession of faith• No god but Allah and Muhammad is his messenger.

Marriage• Marriage and family are a big part of Islam.• Marriage used to be arranged, but things have changed • Ceremony is simple, celebrations are happy.

Death• See it as a release from suffering of life until last judgment.• Funeral is simple prayers.• Burial is quick.• No coffin, no grave marker.

Symbols And Objects Hijab• Islam culture says women have to cover their heads.• Allah said that women should not show off their beauty.

Minbar• Found in a mosque, usually has stairs. • Imam preaches Friday sermon here. • Like a lectern in a church.

Star and Crescent• A principal symbol. • Used on top of minarets and on flags and stamps.

Holy Writings

Koran• Holy book for Muslims• Muslims look to it for guidance • Written in Arabic

Hadith• Life and teachings of Muhammad • Models of his life for Muslims to live by • Tools for understanding the Koran

Five Pillars of Islam• Holy writings telling duties for all who are Muslim• Like 10 commandments, spiritual foundation for all to follow

Stories of origin and important people.• Muhammad: Born in Mecca. The angel Gabriel came to him to

start preaching the message that there is only one God, Allah.

• Abraham: With his son Ishmael, told by god to build a sanctuary near the well at Zamzam. This is known as the Ka’bah, the holiest place.

• Imam: Leads prayers and preaches. Not different from his followers but is trained and dedicated to Islam.

The Mosque: A holy place for worship• Muslims are called to prayer five times a day, ideally in

the mosque. If necessary, facing Mecca wherever you are.

Most mosques are built with minarets and domes. A minaret is a tower with an onion shaped top.• The prayer room is the most important room in a

mosque and always faces Mecca, the holy city, where the Ka’bah (holy stone) is located.

Celebrations and Holidays Ramadan• It is the 9th month in Islamic calendar, begins on the crescent moon of that month. • Adults fast between dawn and sunset and eat only light snacks after that .

Eid-Al-Fitr• In Muslim countries it is a 3 day holiday that begins after Ramadan.• They give presents and get together to rejoice. • Give food and money to less fortunate to observe the holiday.

Eid-Al-Adha• 4 day celebration after pilgrimage, or Hajj, to Meccah • Festival of sacrifice, based on Abraham sacrificing Ishmael• Recognizes the accomplishment of finishing pilgrimage