Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems Lesson 5 - Islam.pptx

This lesson is intended world religion topics.

1. Lesson 5: Islam

2. Learning Objectives Identify the spiritual ang biological ancestors of Muslims. Narrate some key event in the life Muhammad , the founder of Islam. Explain the basic features of Islam’s sacred text, namely the Qur’an and Hadith Explain the Five Pillars of Islam, namely shahadah , salat , zakat , sawm , and hajj . Distinguish between the Sunni Islam and Shiite Islam . Explain the different element of Sufism or Sufi Islam .

3. Facts about Islam

4. Islam and Muslims The word Islam literally means “ surrender ” or “ submission ”. In the context of the religious tradition of Islam, the word specifically means “ surrender or submission to God ”   The word Muslim or Moslem, means “ one who submits to God ”. The god of Muslims is called “ Allah ” in Arabic. Submission to God in Islam implies: Accepting and putting into action the doctrines of Islam, which is contained in the Five Pillars of Islam Accepting other beliefs that Muhammad is God’s last prophet or messenger.

5. Ishmael

6. Muhammad ( Mohammad or Mohammed)

7. The Life of Muhammad

8. Kabah (cube) A square-shaped shrine in Mecca which is a center of pilgrimage Contained a black meteorite which was worshipped Night Journey or Night of Ascent The time when Muhammad was brought up to heaven by angel Gabriel and met the prophets Abraham, Noah and Moses

9. Hijra ( Higira ) The historical migration of Muhammad from Mecca to Yathrib, now called Medina , to escape from the persecution of Muhammad and his followers 3 Sacred Cities of Islam Yathrib (Medina) Mecca Jerusalem

10. T he Qur’an and Hadith

11. Qur’an The holy book of Muslim Means the “ The Recitation ” Consists of 114 chapters Contains the main doctrine of Islam Hadith A book that helps understand and interpret the doctrines in Qur’an Means “ reports or recollection ” Consists of written narration of Muhammad’s life, which report, his words, actions, decisions, and characteristics as a person Refers to the entire collection of narration Also called Sunnah (referring to the words, actions, and decisions of Muhammad)

12. Shari’ah Means “ pathway to be followed ” i.e , the path leading to the watering place Refers to the Islamic Law or Islamic legal system A system of duties, responsibilities, or rules which Muslims must follow as a matter of religion Distinctions Qur’an contains God’s messages to Muhammad. These messages are the final message of God to humanity through Muhammad. Hadith is a written record of the words, actions, decisions, character, and practices of Muhammad. Shari’ah refers to the Islamic legal law, which was based on the Qur’an and Hadith. It was formulated to serve as specific guidelines to Muslims in their everyday affairs and activities.

13. Doctrines and Practices

14. Tawhid Refers to the belief of the oneness of God  Other names of the God of Muslims ar-Rahmn (the Most Compassionate) ar - Rahm (the Merciful) as- Salm (All Peaceful) al- Ghaffr (the Forgiver) al- Latf (the Gentle, Knower of Subtleties )

15. The Afterlife Jannah is a place of eternal happiness where good people are put by God Jahannam is a place of suffering where evil people are put by God

16. Angels and Jinns Angels are made of light. They were created before mankind, and created to follow the commands of Allah. They cannot deviate from obeying His command, therefore they do not have a free will and they are free of sin. The Jinns are beings created by Allah, who created them from fire and with a free will, as opposed to the angels. The Jinn live on earth in a world parallel to mankind but they are invisible to us.  Just as humans, Jinns are also required to worship Allah and follow Islam.

17. The Prophets Adam (the first prophet) Abraham Ishmael Noah Moses Elisha David John the Baptist Jesus Muhammad (the last prophet)

18. Testimony of Faith (Shahadah) The most important and the foundation of the other pillars Requires Muslims to publicly profess or affirm their faith in the oneness of God and in the authority of Muhammad as the messenger of God. It is done by publicly reciting in Arabic the Islamic creed which can be translated in English as “ There is no god but God Allah ” and “ Muhammad is the messenger of God ” The Five Pillars of Islam

19. 2 . Prayer (Salat) Requires Muslims to pray five times each day i.e., a) before dawn , b) at midday/noon , c) mid-afternoon , d) sunset and, e) nighttime A person called muezzin usually announces the times of prayer from top of a tower called minaret Wudu is a purification ritual or a ritual of washing

20. 3. Charity for the Poor (Zakat) Requires Muslims to donate a certain percentage of their resources to the poor It is usually done at the end of the month of Ramadan

21. 4. Fasting during Ramadan (Sawm) It is done during the month of Ramadan Done to promote spiritual growth or purification by disciplining an individual’s desire, foster spiritual unity among Muslims, empathize with the suffering and the poor, and reinforce dependence of God Requires Muslims to abstain taking food and water in a certain period of time

22. 5. Pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj) Requires Muslims who are physically and financially capable to visit the holy place of Mecca at least once in their lifetime A Muslim male who has undertaken the journey to Mecca is called hajji while a female Muslim who has undertaken the same journey is called hajjiyah

23. Jihad Literally means “ struggle ” Sometimes called as the sixth pillar Any kind of struggle to defend the faith

24. Other Islamic Practices

25. Males are allowed to have four wives whom he must treat equally Muslims are forbidden to eat pork, drink alcohol, and engage in usury and gambling. Muslims also practice circumcision. During marriage arrangement, a bridegroom’s family provides dowry, or an offer of money or property to the family of the bride as part of the contract Muslims also observe Day of Sacrifice (Id al-Adha) , which is celebrated at the end of the month of the Hajj; Day of Breaking the Fast (Id al- Ftr ) , which is observed at the end of the month of Ramadan; Muharram , which celebrates the migration of Muhammad and his followers to Yathrib Muslims also celebrate Muhammad’s birthday and other birthdays of the holy men and women of Islam.

26. Denominations and Challenges

27. Caliphs (successors) Headed Islam after the death of Muhammad The first four caliphs Abu Bakr (632 – 634 CE) Umar (634 – 644 CE) Uthman (644 – 656 CE) Ali (656-661 CE) The Rightly Guided Caliphs Called for the golden age of Islam

28. The Sunnis The largest denomination of Islam (75 to 90 percent of all Muslims today) Believed that a caliph should be elected by the community Anyone who is righteous and just , and living according to the teachings of Qur’an and the Hadith could be a caliph

29. The Shiites Making up the about 10 to 15 percent of all Muslims today Believed that only descendants or blood relative of Muhammad could be his successor According to the only Ali was the legitimate and rightful one making him the first caliph Claimed that Muhammad named Ali as his successor Also believe that only descendants or blood relatives of Muhammad can be imams or spiritual leaders of Islam

30. The Sufis Sufi Islam came about after the reign of the Rightly Guided Caliphs Sufism Mystical version of Islam Called Tasawwuf (to dress in wool) in Arabic Comes from the Arabic word “ suf ” which means wool, the material that makes up the garments worn by Sufi ascetics Emphasized what is thought to be essential in Islam, its spirituality which has been undermined or lost when Islam become a world power Dedicate their life in meditation and expressing oneself in loving God through poetry

31. Salient Features of Sufism Fundamental principle : God, man and the relation of love between God and man is fundamental to Sufism. Central Ideas : The idea of soul, divine proximity, divine love and self annihilation are central to the theory of Sufism. Love of humanity : According to Sufism, love of God meant love of humanity and thus, they stressed that service to God is nothing but service of humanity. Belief in Equality : Sufism transcends all religious and communal distinctions and treats all human beings as equal. Self discipline : Sufism also lays stress on self discipline and considers it essential to gain knowledge of God. Inner Purity : Unlike orthodox Muslim sects, who lay emphasis on external conduct. Sufism lays stress on inner purity. (https://www.drishtiias.com/)

32. Relevance of Sufism in the present times Non Violence : Sufism believes in love and devotion to God. It has no place for violence in its order. Equality of Beings : It does not believe in any societal classification such as religion, caste, class or gender. With growing differences between people, Sufism gives the message of essential equality of all human beings. Social Welfare : It stresses on social welfare which has led to the establishment of works of charitable nature, opening of orphanages and women service centres . Morality : At a time when struggle for power is the prevailing madness, Sufism reminds men of their moral obligations. In this world which is torn by strife and conflict, It gives the message of peace and harmony. Meditation : Another idea emphasized by Sufism is meditation. With growing stress in our body and mind, meditation gives a sense of calm, peace and balance that can benefit both your emotional well-being and your overall health. ( https://www.drishtiias.com/)

33. Challenges The Israeili -Arab wars The Muslim internal war between the Sunnis and the Shiites Islam has also been associated with some terrorist acts, whether rightly or wrongly Negative views about Muslims, discrimination and prejudice, or public misconceptions about Islam