Transcript Islam (peaceful)

Introduction to Islam
Learning Objectives:
1. Awareness of the Islamic faith
2. Muslim traditions
3. Basics about the Quran
4. Dress, behavior, social norms
Islam
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Islam is a monotheistic religion (one God).
A Muslim is an adherent to Islam
Qur'an is considered the verbatim word of God
The prophet Muhammad is the central figure in Islam.
The Five Pillars of Islam
1. The Islamic creed “shahada”. The declaration of faith.
2. Daily prayers “Salah”. Five daily prayers. (call to prayer over loudspeaker, face Mecca)
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3. Almsgiving “Zakāt”. Charitable giving based on accumulated wealth.
4. Fasting during the month of Ramadan (sawm). Ramadan is 30 days of fasting once per
year.
During daylight hours (sun up to sundown)
no eating, smoking, alcohol, sex, or any other pleasures of the flesh
5. Pilgrimage to Mecca (hajj) at least once in a lifetime. Mecca is the holy city of Islam, and
location of the kaaba “black cube building”
Mecca, Saudi Arabia
Islamic denominations
Sunni
- Orthodox denomination of Islam
- Largest % of Islamic population is
Sunni (> 80%)
Baghdad
Shia
-Smaller % of Islamic population (<20%)
-Might pray only 3x per day (not 5).
-Slightly different profession of faith than Sunni’s
Iraq Sunni vs. Shia
-Saddam Hussein and his government was Sunni (Baghdad).
-Saddam favored Sunni’s, denied many things to Shia (Basra) and Kurds.
-Saddam tortured/killed anyone who questioned his authority (i.e. Kurds).
-When Hussein was ousted, Shia & Kurds wanted a voice in the national gov’t.
Basrah
Muslim customs & traditions
•Women wear burkas
•Men are the maintainers and protectors of women
•Women walk behind their husband while in public
Sharia Law (religious law made by religious leaders)
•Severing the hand of a thief
•Cutting the tongue of a liar
•Death penalty for murder, rape, and homosexuality
•It is impossible for legal officials to question the articles of the sharia
•Americans who visit Muslim countries must follow these customs and laws.
A child’s punishment
for stealing
The Qur’an
(Also spelled Koran)
- Muslims believe the Quran to be literal word of God
- Religion of peace
- Fundamental messages: belief, prayer, and good deeds
- Justice must be done to everyone.
- The accused to be considered innocent unless proved guilty.
- Certain things such as pork and dead meat prohibited.
- Strong drinks and wine prohibited.
Dress, Behavior, Social Norms
Muslim men wear long white robes and a variety of headwear
Muslim women often times wear long dark robes, covering head and face
A family member who chooses not to follow Islam
despite their upbringing in a Muslim home is often killed.
No matter where a Muslim is in the world, they must
face Mecca while praying.
All mosques are built to face Mecca EXACTLY !
Islam – discussion questions
1.
How do you feel about Sharia law and its harshness compared to laws in America?
2.
How do you feel about religious leaders enforcing the rules with more authority than police?
3.
How do you feel about the requirement in Saudi Arabia for American tourists (ladies) being required
to wear a burka out in public like Saudi women must do?
4.
How do you feel about the severe punishment a family member receives if they choose a different
religion instead of Islam?
Intro to Islam
Testable material
What book contains the verbatim words of Allah? ___________
A person who believes in Islam is called a _________________
The religion that Muslims follow is called __________________
Muslims take a pilgrimage (“hajj”) to ___________________
Muslims pray ____ times per day
Muslims fast 30 days during _________________
What are the 2 denominations of Islam?
1. _______________________
2. _______________________
Islamic religious law is called ___________________
The Quran is believed to be the literal word of ______
The long dark robe that Muslim women wear is a ___________
A Muslim “church” is called a ________________