Pre questions What is the

• • Pre questions: What is the symbol of Islam? What are followers of Islam known as? What is the world’s largest religion? What country has the largest number of Islamic followers? Who is the greatest prophet of Islam? True/False: Followers of Islam believe in Jesus. The god of Islam is known as: Anything in particular you would like to learn about Islam?

ISLAM IN THE U. S.

Facts about Islam • • Only around 20% of Muslims are Arabs 2 nd largest religion with over 1. 5 billion Around 2. 6 million Americans Muslims are not allowed to gamble, drink or eat pork. • Holy day is Friday – worship at a mosque • Holy Cities – Mecca, Medina, Jerusalem

Famous Muslims

Islam – A Brief Background • Christians, Jews, and Muslims all trace their lineage through Abraham. (Abrahamic Religions) • Muslims are descendents of Ishmael, Abraham’s first son with Hagar, the maid of his wife Sarah. • Jews descend from Isaac, Abraham’s second son and 1 st with wife Sarah. • Hagar and Ishmael are cast out (Genesis says he died at the age of 137) • Muslims and Jews/Christians share many of the same stories and beliefs (although they may be slightly different: ex: Adam and Eve, Abraham,

Rembrandt: Abraham’s Sacrifice: Jews and Christians think this is one son, Muslims believe it to be the other.

Background continued • Islam means to submit (to God). • The term Muslim means one who submits • Monotheistic – God is Allah meaning one god or the god. • Islam is complete and total submission to the will of Allah by following strict rules. • Muslims believe Adam, Abraham, Noah and Jesus practiced Islam and were all prophets. • Do not view Jesus as son of God. • Regards the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament as divine revelations, however they believe they have been compromised. • Muhammad is the final and greatest prophet of God. (he is not worshipped)

Who Was Muhammad • Born 570 AD in Mecca (currently Saudi Arabia) • Raised by uncle and married a rich widow @ 24. • At 40 he received his 1 st revelations from God and the angel Gabriel. • Began preaching the belief in 1 god in a polytheistic culture. • Became the target of an assassination plot and fled to Medina where he became the leader. • In 630 his forces recaptured Mecca and destroyed all idols and unites the region. • Dies in 632. • Watch Empires: Islam: Empire of Faith: The Messenger from United Streaming (56 min)

Watch Empires: Islam: Empire of Faith: The Messenger From United Streaming

Muhammad preaching a sermon.

The Qur’an • Islamic holy book composed of the revelations of God through his prophet Mohammed. • Mohammad’s 1 st vision was when Gabriel came to him and said “recite”. • Memorized by over 10 million Muslims. • Viewed as the unchanged and final authoritative word of God. • Composed of 114 Surahs (chapters)

Interesting Fact • Since the Qur’an was given in Arabic and is the unchanged word of God it loses its authenticity when translated into English.

5 Pillars of Islam outlined by the Qur’an 1) Confession of one’s faith in God and his prophet Muhammad 2) Ritual Prayer – 5 prayers daily facing Mecca and the Ka’aba. 3) Almsgiving (charity) – 2 ½ % of your wealth given to the needy. 4) Fasting – no food, drink, or intercourse from sunrise to sunset during the month of Ramadan. 5) Pilgrimage (Hajj) – those who are able must make 1 trip in their life to Mecca.

Prayer facing Mecca

Circling the Ka’aba point of all • Unifying focal Muslim prayers. • Built by Abraham and Ishmael as a house of monotheistic worship. (not original structure) • Pilgrims circle it 7 times counter clockwise to demonstrate the unity of the believers in the worship of the One God

The Black Stone (Meteorite) at the corner of the Ka’aba • Believed by many to have been placed at the Ka’aba by Abraham.

Ka’aba

Hajj: Stoning of the Devil

Islam and the Afterlife • No son of God to forgive sins so Allah will judge based on deeds performed and their devotion to him. • On the day of judgment, all will be physically resurrected and judged. • Devout believers = directly into paradise with abounding pleasures • Less devout may enter hell and later be brought into heaven or be sent to the “heights” (similar to purgatory) • Those who reject Islam will be cast into hell for eternity.

The Major Sects of Islam • Read handout and incorporate the following into your notes: – What are the 2 major sects? – What prompted the division of the religion? – Which branch is the majority and what percentage of the world’s Muslim population practice it? – Which branch is more authority oriented over consensus oriented? – How do the two sects differ in their belief about civil and religious authorities? – What is a third sect of Islam?

The 2 Major Sects, Shia and Sunni: Reading Activity

Shia and Sunni • Split came after the death of Mohammed. Initially it was more political than a differing of religious ideas. • Shia believe that Ali, son-in-law and cousin of Mohammed was the 1 st Caliph (successor of Mohammed) • Sunni accept a succession of 4 legitimate Caliphs including Ali. . . the leader could be elected • Today conflict between the groups largely traces back to this, however there are some religious differences. • Sunni is largest with roughly 80 -85% of Muslims…Sunni roughly 15 -20%. • Shia governments are often theocracies: example Iran

Shia and Iran • Shia muslims make up the majority in Iran and Iraq. They place heavy emphasis on Islamic clerics. The Supreme Ruler of Iran is a spiritual leader named Ayatollah Khamenei. All decisions must be approved by him. He is very anti-American and Israel.

Interesting Fact • In 1981 Khamenei lost use of his right arm in an assassination attempt. A bomb disguised as a tape recorder blew up next to him at a press conference.

Jerusalem: Contested site • Jerusalem is divided between Jews and Arabs. • Dome of the Rock (built 68891): Islam holy shrine built over the rock from which Mohammad ascended into heaven to receive the word of Allah. • Jews believe this is the rock that Abraham prepared to sacrifice Isaac on…Also the location of the Temple of Solomon which many Jews want to rebuild.

Sacred rock

Divided Jerusalem

Find on Google Earth

The Rock

Sharia Law