ISLAM

I. Overview/ Core Teachings and Beliefs

Basic Facts About Islam

Founder Prophet Muhammad
Sacred Texts Qu’ran, Hadith
Doctrines Five Pillars of Islam
God Allah
Sacred Space Mosque
Divisions Sunni, Shi’ite and Sufi
Issues Terrorism, The Holy War, Migration,
Domestic Violence

 Muslims believe that Islam is the faith of all God’s prophets from Adam
onwards, and therefore is the original religion.
The Five Pillars of Islam
 Islam is an Arabic word meaning ‘to submit’, and a Muslim is ‘one who
Muslims believe that belief alone is meaningless. Faith should be expressed by
submits’ -that is, one who lives life in the way God intends.
practicing the five pillars of Islam.
 Muslims worship one God (Allahin Arabic), who is the creator and ruler of
the universe, all-powerful, and with no equal.
 Muhammad the Prophet-Muslims believe that Muhammad was God’s final
prophet. When Muslims speak or write the name of Muhammad they add
‘Peace be Upon Him’ as a mark of respect. Muhammad was an Arab
Caravan trader who was born in Mecca. The angel Gabriel appeared to him
and told him to begin reciting the word of God.
 Qur’an-(or also known as Koran in English) is the central religious text of
Islam. It is the Arabic for “the recitation.” The Quran is divided into chapters
called surah and verses called ayah Muslims believe that the Arabic of the
Qur’an comes directly from God and that the words themselves are alive
and beautiful, the language of heaven. It is also believed to be revealed by
God to Muhammad himself.
 Mosque- Islam teaches that the whole world is a mosque because one can
pray to God anywhere. The building is simply a convenient place for the
Muslim community to meet.
 Shari’ah- “The clear path.” Islam is about how to live, day by day as well as
on a larger scale
o Food and drink- Any meat eaten must be slaughtered in the correct
way, including invoking the name of God. This is called Halal meat.
Pig meat is very strictly forbidden and is regarded with revulsion by
most Muslims.
o Clothing- Women should lower their gaze, guard their modesty and
not display their beauty.
1. The Declaration Of Faith
There is no god but God and Muhammad is his prophet. These words are
repeated in daily prayer and are written on Muslim buildings.
2. Prayer (Salah)
Five daily prayer times are laid down: before sunrise, after midday, late
afternoon, at sunset and during the night. These are obligatory for all
Muslims, unless they are ill or travelling, but private prayer at other times is
also very much part of Islamic life. On Fridays, Muslims are expected to
perform the after-midday prayer together in the mosque.
3. Fasting (Sawm)
The ninth Muslim month, Ramadan, is laid down as a month of fasting: an
adult Muslim refrains from eating, drinking, smoking and conjugal relations
from dawn to sunset. The intention of the fasting is to clear the body in order
to be filled by the spirit of piety and righteousness. It is a time to take stock
and to be reflective.
4. Welfare Tax (Zakat)
The zakat is the minimum amount expected−many Muslims offer far more
than that in private donations or charity.
5. Pilgrimage (Hajj)
If they can afford it all Muslims are expected to perform the pilgrimage to
Makkah during the month of pilgrimage (Dhu-I-Hijia) at least once in a
lifetime. This is a time of fellowship, a place to share and perhaps shed
worries and anxieties and find peace with oneself, with God and with all
creation.
II. Celebrations, Festivals and Rituals
Prayer- Five daily prayer times are laid down: before sunrise, after midday, late
afternoon, at sunset and during the night. These are few words and positions of
prayer, which is always said in Arabic.
A frequently mistranslated term, jihad means “effort” or “struggle” to convince
unbelievers to pursue the Muslim way of life. Strictly speaking, it could mean
a Muslim going to war to wipe out the infidels in the name of Allah (Hopfe
1983). However, the method of a jihadist can be a peaceful one, such as
living a pious life or observing the required obligations to his faith, or through
violent means. Presently, jihad has remained a vague issue especially now
that Arab nations have been less than apprehensive to commit to war as
unified Muslims versus non-Muslims.

3. Migration
The late nineteenth century saw a significant migration of Muslims from Syria,
Lebanon, and Jordan to the US. The Muslim population in the US and Europe
continues to rise. Islam has now become an American religion with around six
million Muslims in population.

4. Women in Islam/ Gender Inequality

 Domestic Violence- “As to those women from whom you fear
disobedience, first admonish them, then refuse to share your bed
with them, and then, if necessary, beat them. Then if they obey
you, take no further actions against them and do not make
Ramadan- ninth Muslim month, month of fasting: an adult Muslim refrains from excuses to punish them. Allah is Supremely Great and is aware of
eating, drinking, smoking and conjugal relations from dawn to sunset. The intention your actions.” -Al-Quran Surah 4. An-Nisaa, Ayah 34
of the fasting is to clear the body in order to be filled by the spirit of piety and
righteousness. It is a time to take stock and to be reflective.
EidUl-Fitr- Celebrates the end of the month of fasting and is heralded by the sight
of the new moon.
Eid-UlAdha- This celebrates the willingness of the prophet Abraham (Ibrahim) to
sacrifice his son, Ishmael when God asked it of him. The sacrifice of a lamb or
goat is an important part of the festival.
Maulid Al Nabi- Birthday of the prophet, Muhammad

III. Selected Issues

1. Militancy and Terrorism
Islam is a religion of mercy that prohibits terrorism. Since Islam is a religion of
peace and mercy, terrorism in all its forms are abhorred by Muslims. Muslims
who promote terrorism and mass slaughter of innocent and helpless civilians
do not embody Islamic ideals. The presence of violence in Islamic society
cannot be attributed to the teachings of Islam but to the failings of human
adherents of the religion (Frager 2002).

2. The Holy War (Jihad)