Introduction to Islam

Islam is one of the world's major religions, with over 1.8 billion
followers globally. It is a monotheistic faith centered around the
belief in one God, known as Allah, and the teachings of the
Prophet Muhammad as revealed in the holy Quran.
Symbols
Crescent Moon
and Star

The star and crescent has become the acknowledged

representation of the Islamic faith. The symbol can be
seen in the national flags of states that came about
following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire in the
20th century.
Historical Background

Islam originated in Arabia in the early 7th century C.E. The

prophet Muhammad founded this religion. Through his
teachings and revelations, Islam spread and was widely
accepted throughout the region. The fundamental principles of
Islam include the worship of one God, Allah, and the adherence
to the teachings and practices taught by Muhammad. The holy
books of Islam, such as the Qur'an, serve as a guide for Muslims
in their faith and way of life. Islam has had a significant
influence on politics, culture, and society in the regions where it
spread, and to this day, it remains one of the second-largest
religions in the world.
The Prophet Muhammad
Muhammad, the prophet of Islam, is revered by Muslims as the final messenger of God.
Born in Mecca in the 6th century CE, he received the divine revelations that became the
Quran, the sacred scripture of Islam. Muhammad's life and teachings form the foundation
of the Islamic faith.
Sacred Scriptures

The sacred writing of Muslims is called Quran (or Koran in English)

that literally means “recitation” or “reading” it is the central
religious text of Islam, believed to be the word of God as revealed to
the Prophet Muhammad. The hadith is the collection of the deeds and
sayings of Muhammad and his followers ( “ traditional reports or
sayings”) which serve as a secondary source of guidance for Muslims.

Together, the Quran and Hadith form the foundation of Islamic beliefs.
practices, and laws, providing guidance on everything from spiritual
matters to social interactions.
Belief and Doctrines

Islam is a lifestyle designed by God, guided by

prophets like Jesus and Moses. It addresses daily
living topics like justice, education, marriage, and
clothing. Muslims believe in a single, loving God and
the Day of Judgment, with eternal punishment
depending on actions. Islam promotes a unified
community, with loyalty over family commitment,
and discourages fighting among Muslims.
 The Five Pillars of Islam
1 Shahada (creed)
This is the basic statement of the
Islamic faith: "There is no god but
Allah, and Muhammad is the
Messenger of Allah." It's a
declaration of faith that every
3 Zakat(Almsgiving/Poor tax)
Muslim is required to proclaim.
This is a form of alms-giving and a
religious obligation for all Muslims
who meet the necessary criteria of
wealth. It's a fixed percentage
(usually 2.5%) of a person's savings
that is given to the poor and needy.
2 Salat (Obligatory Prayer)
Muslims are required to perform five
daily prayers as a means of
worshipping Allah. These prayers are
performed at dawn, noon, afternoon,
sunset, and night.
4 Sawm (Fasting) 5
Hajj
(Pilgrimage to
During the holy month of Ramadan, Mecca)
Every Muslim who is physically
Muslims are required to fast from and financially able is required
dawn to sunset. This means to make a pilgrimage to the
holy city of Mecca at least once
abstaining from eating, drinking, and in their lifetime. The Hajj is
other physical needs, it's a time of performed in the 12th month
purification and spiritual growth of the Islamic calendar.
These pillars form the foundation of
a Muslim's life and are considered
the framework of Muslim life. They
are acts of worship and a means to
a holistic approach to life.
WORSHIP AND OBSERVANCE

The Islamic calendar consists of 12 lunar months,

with a year of 354 days. It adjusts the difference
between solar and lunar calendars by adding one
day to the last month 11 times per 30 years.
WORSHIP AND OBSERVANCE

.
 WORSHIP AND OBSERVANCE
Month 10: Shawwal ("The Month of • Id al-Fitr The Festival of Breaking the Fast at the
Hunting") beginning of Shawwal concludes the fasting season.

Month 12. Dhu al-Hijja (The Month of Hajj") • Month of pilgrimage (Hoji) to Месса.

• Yawn Arafat On the 9th, fasting pilgrims

perform the wuquf standing before God on
Mount Arafat.

• 'Id al-Adha: The Festival of Sacrifice on the

10th recalls the sacrificial ram God gave to
Abraham in place of his son, and coincides
with the end of Hajj.
Shi’a

Shi'ite Muslims, the largest faction within Islam,

believe Ali ibn Abi Talib was the rightful spiritual
and political successor of Muhammad. After
Muhammad's death in 632 C.E., three close
associates became caliphs, with the Umayyad
Dynasty taking over the caliphate.
Sunni

Sunni Muslims, constituting 87%-90% of Islam

adherents, follow Muhammad's sunnah and
believe any approved Muslim can rule. Various
groups exist within the Sunni sect due to national
or social differences. Sunnis are the majority in all
Muslim countries except Iran, Iraq, Azerbaijan,
Yemen, and some Gulf States..
Sufi

Sufism is a branch of Islam focused on achieving a

mystical connection with God. Originating in the
ninth century, Sufis, who can be Sunni or Shi'ite,
emphasize a simple lifestyle, discipline, and
spiritual experiences. They are often identified by
their coarse woolen attire, symbolizing their
renunciation of worldly pleasures.
 Islam and Women

In Muslim societies, women's roles

and rights vary widely, ranging from
severe restrictions to positions of
power. Despite societal constraints,
the Quran assures women's rights,
but also fosters a perception of male
superiority.
Selected Issues

Islam, one of the fastest-growing religions, had

two major expansions during its foundation and
the twentieth century, significantly influencing all
aspects of human society..