Transcript iranx - 2013iran2

What are the major religious beliefs
of Islam, why did certain religious
groups feel that revolution against
the Shah was necessary, and how
does this belief impact the citizens
of Iran, the U.S., and or the rest of
the world?
Major Religious Beliefs of Islam
• There is one, unique, incomparable God
• God alone has right to be invoked, supplicated, prayed to, or shown any
act of worship
• Arabic word Allah means God
• Believe in the existence of the angels and they are honored creatures
• The Quran is the holy book
• Believe in prophets and messengers of God
• In God’s final message to man he said that the Prophet Muhammad will
be the last prophet sent to Earth.
• Day of Judgment: all people will be resurrected for God’s judgment
according to their beliefs and deeds
• Five Pillars of Islam:
1.Shahadah: there is no god except God, Muhammad is God's Messenger
2.Salat: ritual prayer five times a day
3.Sawm: fasting and self-control during month of Ramadan
4.Zakat: 2.5% of one’s savings go to the poor and needy
5.Hajj: pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in a lifetime
Star and Crescent is the best-known
symbol used to represent Islam
Revolution Against the Shah
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Shah: Emperor of Iran
A dictator was put into power by Western forces
Forced Westernization on Iran
The results of this Westernization included:
Increase in communist activity
Change in the Islamic calendar to the Imperial
Tyrannical/Oppressive rule
Monarchy was destroyed
Religious groups believed that the introduction of Western
culture would change their way of life and traditions. Their
ideals were different than the ones being forced upon them
and felt that they had to fight back to prevent their culture
from disappearing.
Impact of Revolution
• The citizens in Iran were subject to demonstrations where protests
against the government often turned to violence.
• The entire country was separated.
• The world was impacted because during this time the height of the
Cold War between the U.S. and the Soviet Union continued
-Iran was seen as a potential target for the spread of Soviet
Communism.
-The U.S. in result, supported the actions and Westernization that the
Shah was putting forth.
• With increasing tension, young Irans attacked the US embassy and
took 66 hostages.
- 8 Americans were killed in result of this attack
• The Iran revolution against the Shah was felt globally
Citations
1. http://www.islam-guide.com/ch3-2.htm
2. http://www.iranchamber.com/history/islamic
_revolution/islamic_revolution.php
3. http://teacher.scholastic.com/scholasticnews
/indepth/upfront/features/index.asp?article=
f091806_TP_Iran