Islam

“Surrendering One’s Will to

G-d”

Overview

• Founded by Muhammad in the 7th century C.E.

• “Islam” means to surrender or submission to G-d’s will

The Final Prophet

• Muhammad born in Mecca (modern day Saudi Arabia)

• Commercial center and major crossroads for trade in the 6th and 7th centuries

• In 610 C.E., when he was in his forties he began to have visions or revelations from G-d

• Said he was a messenger equal to prophets like Abraham, Noah,and Jesus

Persecution

• He was persecuted in Mecca

• Fled to Medina in 622 C.E. with his followers

• Already a group of people who followed his teachings and believed in his special powers

• Relocating allowed Muhammad to strengthen his power

Sunnis and Shiites

• Muhammad died in 632 without an heir

• Following his death adherents split into two main groups

1. Shiites - 10% of Muslims, believe that Ali ibn Abi Talib spiritual/political

2. Sunnis – majority, recognizes the the 1st four caliphs – Abu Bakr, Uthman ibn Affan; and Ali as the rightful successors to Muhammad

Basic Beliefs for All

1. The profession of faith2. Praying 5x daily3. Must pay the zakat – an

obligatory tax on possessions and cash

4. Fast during Ramadan (9th month of the lunar

calendar)5. Pilgrimage to Mecca at

least once in their lifetime

Jihad

• Internal struggle to be a better Muslim

• Small minority in the 21st century believe that jihad allows them to oppress or force others into Islamic belief

1st Pillar-Profession of Faith

• The one and only G-d

to whom all beings must surrender

• G-d is powerful, just, and merciful

• His will was revealed to his messenger, Muhammad, and is recorded in the Koran

2nd Pillar-Salat

• Preceded by ritual cleansings

• Sequence of standing, bending, kneeling, and reciting phrases in Arabic

• Thanks and praise to Allah included in every prayer

• Friday worship, around noon, is a full service including a sermon or scriptural interpretation

3rd Pillar-Zakat

• Charity to the poor• Some countries $ collected by

the gov’t as a tax• other countries it’s voluntary

and similar to the Christian tradition of tithing and offerings

• Sincere concern for community and social service is more important than prayers

• Considered a hypocrite if you pray but ignore the needy in the community

4th Pillar-Ramadan• During this month believers fast

from eating, drinking, or smoking during daylight

• Historical context of this fast is based on the belief that Allah revealed the words of the Koran to Muhammad during this month

• Id al-Fitr begins when the waxing crescent moon becomes visible and reveals the beginning of the 10th lunar month

• People visit each other and exchange gifts and food

• Because the lunar calendar has only 355 days, the dates change each year according to the Western calendar

5th Pillar- The Hajj

• The pilgrimage to Mecca

• The hajj is undertaken the 2nd week of the 12th month of the Muslim year

• A devout Muslim is encouraged to participate in the sacred hajj at least once in a lifetime

The Role of Women

• Do not play a central role in Muslim public worship

• Women should dress modestly

• Burqa completely covers everything but their eyes or a head scarf

The Future of Islam

• Islam has evolved and adapted to fit local cultures

• Split into factions and sects• Spawned wars and uprisings• Often misrepresented by

outsiders• The core beliefs of: 1. devotion to a merciful G-d 2. the hope of a resurrection

into a better life 3. the deep sense of

community • Fastest growing religion in the

world. Why?

Final Question: What is the legacy of Islam today?