ISLAM supremacy of the divine will (Al-qadar)
What is Islam? and life after death.
Islam is an Abrahamic, monotheistic
faith/religion Pillars of Islam
Islam means “ submission to the will of The five pillars of Islam are five basic rules in
God” Islam that all Muslims should follow.
Islam is the religion, Muslims are the
follower Shahadah
Muslims worship “Allah” (Arabic word for Shahadah means that there is only one
god) god, creator, the organizer, the planner
They believe that Muhammad was the and the sustainer of the universe.
final prophet Shahadah means “Allah” has the most
beautiful names and qualities mentioned
Historical Background by the Quran or prophet Muhammad
Muhammad the founder of Islam was (saw)
born in mecca (in modern day Saudi Shahadah means that Muhammad
Arabia) in 570 A.D. at that time, the (saw) is the messenger of Allah
religious setting of the Arabian
peninsula is a rather primitive Poly- Salah
demonism and worship of stones, stars, Salah is performing prayer. The Muslims
caves, and trees. are enjoined to perform five obligatory
Muhammad’s preaching of these visions prayers every day to keep himself in
in mecca met with considerable relation with his lord, to invoke and
resistance. The reason for this was implore him, and to refrain himself from
because Muhammad’s message committing lewdness and indecency.
threatened not only popular polytheism,
but the political and economic powers. Zakat
As a result, Muhammad found his first Allah ordained every Muslim who
followers among the lower class and possesses a certain amount of property
those who were ripe for a new social (in other reference 2.5%) to pay
order. annually of these possessions to the
poor, or to the other categories
Holy Text, Principles, and mentioned in the Quran.
Philosophy
Sawm
the fourth pillar of Islam is to fast during
Holy Text of Islam the month of Ramadan, the ninth month
In Islam, there are two main sacred of the Hijiri calendar (lunar calendar).
texts: Qur’an (also spelled “Koran”- Before the dawn of the first day of
means “to recite”-the Qur’an is the literal Ramadan, the Muslim intends to fast
word of god) and the Hadith (Hadeeth- this month and abstains every day from
the words inspired by god). These drinking, eating or practicing anything
books teach and illustrate Islamic related to sex till after the sunsets.
beliefs, values, and practices.
Hajj
Basic Belief Pilgrimage (Hajj) is the fifth pillar of
According to Islam you have to believe Islam. it is a duty for a Muslim to
in Allah, angels of Allah “Malaikah”, the perform pilgrimage to the house of Allah
books of Allah (Kutubullah), the once in a lifetime, however it is
messengers of Allah (Rusulullah), the permissible to him to do pilgrimage
day of judgement (Vawmuddin), the voluntarily more than once.
ISLAMIC PHILOSOPHY Fountains
Is a branch of Islamic studies, and is a Bright Color
longstanding attempt to create harmony
between philosophy (reason) and the Music
religious teachings of Islam (faith). Islamic music is mostly played in public
services. devotional music is enjoyed by
Culture and Tradition contemporary Muslims all over the
world. the common music forms include
Culture And Tradition Arab classical music.
An Islam spread throughout the world Salah or prayer, at least five times a day
its culture and traditions were influenced Shahadah or the worship of one god
by Mongol, Persian, Turkish, Berber, only.
Indian and Indonesian cultures. the
current Islamic practices and customs
are the result of amalgamation of local Issues Concerning the Religion
culture and Muslim beliefs.
Education
Qur’an Believes (other believes) Islamic
countries are obsessed with angels and
Qur’an is considered to be the source of
demons, god and Satan. In other words,
many aspects of Islamic culture. certain
if something fails on the job or in school
acts or rituals that Muslims do almost
(let’s say an employee is fired from his
subconsciously are actually
job for poor performance or a student is
encouraged, or allowed by Allah, or
expelled because of excessive
mandated in the Quran.
absences or disciplinary problems), then
the failure is due to the fact that god has
Arts and Architecture decided that it is not meant to be or
The abstract, decorative and floral Satan and his devilish schemes have
designs are unique to Islamic art and caused it to fail.
architecture. Muslim art is always
devoid of depictions of the animate, The Fight For The Muslim Vote: The
especially human beings according to British Election
the dictates or Muslim religion. Muslims Relations with Non-Muslims
Another point of contention is whether
Festivals and Marriage the Non-Muslim should be treated with
festivals like Eid ul-fitr, Eid ul-adha and respect or not. The prophet of Islam and
Lailat al Miraj are classic examples of his followers were respectful to
the influence of the religion in the lives members of other religions in their
of Muslim people. according to Muslim society.
culture, marriage is in the words of
Muhammad “half of religion”. Western's Misunderstanding About
the Culture of Muslims
Arts and Architecture One is the fact that Islam, as a religion,
Domes started out violently - not only with
Large Courtyards Muhammad himself but also in the
Central Prayer Halls following decades as Islam spread by
Minarets war throughout the Middle East.
A Wall Niche Indicating the Direction to
Mecca Chinese ‘Forcing Muslims to Eat Pork
Arabic Calligraphy and Drink Alcohol’ for Lunar New
Iwans to Separate Sections Repetitive Year Festival
Art forms
Accusation comes after officials in
Xinjiang launched ‘anti-halal’ campaign
Chinese authorities have reportedly
forced Muslims in Xinjiang region to eat
pork and drink alcohol during the
country’s lunar new year holiday amid
an alleged crackdown on Islam.
Schism
When Muhammad died, there was debate
over who should replace him as leader.
This led to schism in Islam, and two major
sects emerged: the Sunnis and the Shiites.
Sunnis make up nearly 90 percent of
Muslims worldwide, they accept that the
first four caliphs were the true successors
of Muhammad.
Other, smaller Muslim denominations within
the Sunni and Shiite groups exist some of
this include:
Wahabbi: this Sunni sect made up of
members of the Tameem tribe in Saudi
Arabia, was founded in the 18th century.
Followers observe an extremely strict
interpretation of Islam that was taught
by Muhammad bin Abd Al-wahhab.
Alawite: this Shiite form of Islam is
prevalent in Syria. Followers hold similar
beliefs about the imam Ali but also
observe some Christian and Zoroastrian
holidays.
Nation of Islam: this mostly African-
American , Sunni sect was founded in
the 1930’s in Detroit Michigan.
Kharijites: this sect broke from the
Shiites after disagreeing over how to
select a new leader. They are known for
radical fundamentalism, and today are
called Ibadis.