Learning About World Religions

Islam

How do the beliefs and practices of Islam shape Muslims’ lives?

Notes · Section 1

Background

  • UmmahThe single Muslim community, made of many peoples and cultures
  • 1 in 4 peoplein the world is Muslim. Islam is the 2nd largest religion.
  • People of the BookMuslims’ name for Jews and Christians
Notes · Section 2

The Qur’an

  • Qur’anThe holy book of Islam. Muslims believe it is God’s word.
  • Angel GabrielMuslims believe he brought God’s messages to Muhammad
  • “Standing miracle”What Muhammad called the Qur’an
  • Caliph UthmanMade the official edition of the Qur’an, about 651 C.E.
Notes · Section 2

The Sunnah

  • SunnahThe example of Muhammad: his words and deeds
  • HadithWritten reports of Muhammad’s words and deeds
  • 2nd to the Qur’anThe Sunnah is second only to the Qur’an in authority
Built on the Qur’an and the Sunnah

The Five Pillars of Islam

The most basic acts of worship for Muslims

The First Pillar

Shahadah الشهادة

Declaration of faith
  • One GodBelief in one God is called monotheism
  • Becoming MuslimSay it aloud before two Muslim witnesses

لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ

مُحَمَّدٌ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ

“I bear witness that there is no god but God, and that Muhammad is the messenger of God.”

The Second Pillar

Salat الصلاة

Daily ritual prayer
  • 5 times a dayDawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset, after nightfall
  • MuezzinThe crier who chants the call to prayer
  • MosqueA Muslim house of worship
  1. Dawn
  2. Noon
  3. Mid-afternoon
  4. Sunset
  5. After nightfall
Watch the videoPlays right here
The Third Pillar

Zakat الزكاة

Charity
  • “Purification”What zakat means. Giving makes the rest of your wealth pure.
  • 2.5%Share of surplus wealth Muslims give each year
  • Helps the poorPays for food, clothing, shelter, orphanages, and hospitals
The Fourth Pillar

Siyam الصيام

Fasting (going without food)
  • Ramadan9th month of the Islamic calendar: the month of fasting
  • Daybreak to sunsetNo food or drink during daylight hours
  • Eid al-FitrThe celebration when Ramadan ends
RamadanDay 1
MealBefore dawn FastingDaybreak to sunset MealAfter sunset
Watch the videoPlays right here
The Fifth Pillar

Hajj الحج

Pilgrimage to Mecca
  • MeccaThe holy city. Able adults go at least once in their life.
  • Ka’bahThe shrine pilgrims circle seven times
  • Eid al-Adha“Farewell” celebration honoring Abraham’s sacrifice
Around the Ka’bah · 1 of 7
Notes · Section 8

Jihad الجهاد

  • “To strive”What jihad means: the effort to become closer to God
  • Lesser jihadThe outer struggle against oppression
  • Greater jihadThe inner struggle against evil within oneself
Notes · Section 9

Shari’ah الشريعة

  • Shari’ahIslamic law: duties to God and to other people
  • Qur’an + SunnahThe main sources for understanding shari’ah
  • 5 categoriesForbidden, discouraged, allowed, recommended, obligatory

Summary

  • Shared roots
  • Qur’an & Sunnah
  • Five Pillars
  • Jihad
  • Shari’ah

Shared roots Islam, Judaism, and Christianity all believe in one God and have holy books.

Qur’an & Sunnah God’s word plus Muhammad’s example: the two foundations of Islam.

Five Pillars Faith, prayer, charity, fasting, and the pilgrimage to Mecca.

Jihad For most Muslims, an inner struggle to become closer to God.

Shari’ah Islamic law that guides daily life and duties to God and others.

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