Islam

Unit 2, SSWH 5 a & c

Origins of Islam• Muhammad (founder), Allah sent

him an angel, Gabriel – Muhammad was told he is a messenger.• Islam: “submission to

the will of Allah” in Arabic• Muslim: “one who has submitted”• Muhammad: considered the last &

greatest prophet

Beliefs• 5 Pillars: Faith, Prayer, Alms, Fasting,

& Pilgrimage• People are responsible

for their own actions• Qur’an or Koran: Muslim holy book• People follow the Sunna

(Muhammad’s example) & Shar’ia (law)

Religion Divides• Muhammad died in 632 A.D. &

didn’t tell how to choose a successor (caliph)• Muslims split over the next caliph:

Sunni and Shi’a• “Rightly Guided Caliphs” 4 were

chosen after Muhammad’s death: loyal friends of Muhammad

Sunni• Believed 1st four caliphs were

correct• Believed Muslim rulers should

follow the Sunna, Muhammad’s example• Claimed Shi’a distorted the

meaning of the Qur’an

Shi’a• Believed Ali, Muhammad’s son-in-law,

should have succeed Muhammad• Believed Muslim rulers should descend

from Muhammad• Didn’t recognize the authority of the

Sunna• Claimed Sunni distorted the meaning of

the Qur’an