What do Muslims believe

Originated in Saudi Arabia

23% of the world (Christian = 33%)

1. Allah2. Angels3. Holy Books4. Messengers5. Life after death

1)Allah: God (arabic) The one and only God (TAWHID ) He is Creator of all and all is equal He is in total control Unites the entire Muslim community

(UMMAH)

2) Angels: Created from the light of AllahServants of AllahHave no free will therefore sinless

Muslims believe angels are always w/ them

Upon death, angels give reports to Allah and take charge of your soul

3a) Holy Books: QU’RAN

A sacred, heavenly guide

The words come directly from Allah, delivered by the angel Jilbril (Gabriel) to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

All identical and in arabic

3b) Holy Books: Hadith

Book of reports and statement

Record of what the Prophet said/did

Expands on a rule/law in the Qu'ran

i.e. to pray 5 times a day

4) Messengers (Nabis)

Prophets: people Allah uses to warn others

Also revered some Jewish Christian men as prophets:

 a) Ibrahim (Abraham)

 b) Dawud (David)

 c) Musa (Moses)

 d) Isa (Jesus)

 e) Muhammad

*PEACE BE UPON HIM

5) Akhira: Life after Death

The greatest sin is shirk - to worship another idol

 Upon death, your soul is with the angel

Asks you 2 questions:

1) What is your religion?

2) Who do you worship?

Incorrect answers or disbelievers go to hell

Correct and believers experience Allah's mercy, forgiveness, and compassion and enter Paradise

Pillars: the religious and ritual expression of the 5 beliefs of Islam

1) Shahadah (To Witness)

Declaration of belief in the oneness of God (tawhid) and acceptance of Muhammad as God's prophet.

“There is no god but God, and Muhammad is the

messenger of God."

2) Salat: (Prayer)

Muslims are required to pray five times a day, washing themselves before prayer and facing in the direction of Mecca while praying.

3) Zakat: (Obligatory Charity)Yearly payment of 2.5% of accumulated wealth to charity

If a person doesn’t have money, they can “pay” through acts of kindness, helping the needy, etc…

4) Sawm: (Fasting)

Ritual fasting during the month of Ramadan: between dawn and dusk one should avoid food, drink and sexual relations.

Act of purification, self restraint – focus your attention on God

5) Hajj: (Pilgrimage)

It is one of the largest pilgrimages in the world,

a religious duty that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime by every able-bodied Muslim who can afford to do so.

Try praying 5 times a day on a Saturday at specific times. You must obtain the Islamic prayer schedule (www.icqmontreal.com) and explain how was it to have to pray five times a day to Allah?