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Analogies •Islam : Muslim :: • Christianity : Christian :: • Judaism : Jew :: • Buddhism : Buddhist :: • Hinduism : Hindu :: • Islam : Muslim • Time Period: 610 (135 years after fall of Roman Empire) • Location: Saudi Arabia in SW Asia • Climate: Desert; nomadic lifestyle • Govt: Bedouin tribes headed by sheikhs • Mecca: big city on major trade route; (became the holy city of Islam) • Ka’aba: pagan shrine in Mecca; people visited it & spent $ (it had origins with Abraham) Muhammad: 570-632 • Lived in Mecca after marriage • Was troubled by greed of citizens • Had revelations (divine vision of truth) of Allah through angel Gabriel • Preached that all who believed were equal; they don’t need the Ka’aba • Men in power were threatened…lost $$$. Expelled him! • Muhammad fled to Yathrib (later named Medina…this flight is called the Hijrah) • He gained support, invaded Mecca, won • Mecca = spiritual capital • Medina= political capital • Holy book for Muslims: written after Muhammad’s death by his followers • Shows basic moral values like: – Honor parents, give to poor, no murders, etc. • Governs life within family and community – No gambling, pork, alcohol • Law is based on religion: called Shari’ah • Includes some stories/people from Bible • Hot weather by day led to travel at night • Stars guided the way • Moon lit the way • Islam guides and lights the Muslim’s way through life FAITH •Profess faith in one God, Allah. •There is no other god PRAYER • Pray 5 times a day: – Daybreak, noon, mid-day, sunset, and before bed • Face toward Mecca • Can be done alone, with group, or in a Mosque • Called to prayer by a Muezzin • Wash up and remove shoes A translation of the call to prayer is: God is most great. God is most great. God is most great. God is most great. I testify that there is no god except God. I testify that there is no god except God. I testify that Muhammad is the messenger of God. I testify that Muhammad is the messenger of God. Come to prayer! Come to prayer! Come to success (in this life and the Hereafter)! Come to success! God is great. God is great. There is no god except God. ALMS • Give money to the poor FASTING • Refrain from eating and drinking from sunup to sundown • During the month of Ramadan (Usu. Nov/Dec) • Have large family meal after sunset • Exempt: kids, pregnant, sick and old • Purpose: cleanse self spiritually; show devotion to Allah PILGRIMAGE • At least once in lifetime, make the Hajj • Journey to Mecca (Feb) • Centers in the Grand Mosque and the Ka’aba • Support Muslim community; unity • Non-Muslims not allowed Shiite Muslims • Believe that the caliphs should be of Muhammad’s line • Minority of Muslims • Located mainly in Iran and Iraq • More strict interpretation of Islamic law Sunni Muslims • Do not believe caliphs should have to come from Muhammad’s line • Majority of Muslims worldwide • Minority in Iraq but had more power under Saddam Hussein