Chapter 3 Section 2 The Beliefs of Islam

Chapter 3 Section 2: The Beliefs of Islam Write down your homework. Have homework out to be checked. Answer the following question in a paragraph with concrete evidence: What are the major beliefs of Islam, as revealed in the Qur’an and the Sunnah? By Presenter. Media. com

• Background Knowledge According to Muslim belief: Islam is based on worship of the same God that inspired Jewish and Christian religions. Muslims honor the Jewish and Christian prophets. Believe Muhammad revealed the purest version of God’s truth.

• Sacred Writings Muslims recognize the Jewish Torah and the Christian Gospels as holy books. The most sacred text in Islam is the Qur’an The Qur’an * word of God • Record of Muhammad’s revelations • Compiled as a book in 651 • 114 chapters • Discusses the nature of God, creation, and the human soul. • Address moral, legal, and family issues. • Highly poetic

• Sacred Writings • Reciting the Qur’an • Must study the Qur’an in its original language • Meaning is inseparable from the language it was written in • Treat the Qur’an with great devotion (some carry a copy with them) • Memorize passages, recite them to babies/children • First lessons in reading/writing are from the Qur’an

• Sacred Writings • The • • Sunnah Traditions of the prophet Words and actions of Muhammad Guidelines for living a proper life Helps interpret difficult parts of the Qur’an Based on accounts from those who knew Muhammad Recorded his thoughts and actions Passages deal with Islamic law, moral concepts, and ethical concepts Muslims believe God chose Muhammad, so he is a perfect model for behavior. By following the Sunnah, they are being faithful.

• Core Beliefs • Existence of one God, Allah • God created the universe and all things in it. • No human figure represents God • Muhammad was a prophet but did not have divine power • Differs from Christianity, which recognizes Jesus as the Son of God (Divine power)

• Core Beliefs • The Soul and the Afterlife • Each person has an individual and eternal soul • Freedom to choose good or evil • Choices affect what happens after death • Heaven or hell • God will judge and decide • Islam means “surrender” in Arabic – to be a Muslim means to surrender, or make a total commitment, to God.

• Core Beliefs • The Five Pillars • Key religious duties • 1. declaration of faith • 2. prayer • 3. almsgiving (charity) • 4. fasting during the month of Ramadan • 5. pilgrimage, or hajj

• Core Beliefs • Declaration • “There of faith is no God but God; Muhammad is the messenger of God. ” • Recite this phrase often as evidence of faith

• Core Beliefs • Prayer • Pray five times/day • In many parts of the Muslim world, a muezzin (prayer caller) announces the times of prayer from the tower of a mosque (Muslim house of worship) • Kneel and face the direction of Mecca • Begin with first lines of the Qur’an

• Core Beliefs • Almsgiving • Goods or money given to the poor or neady • All Muslims have a duty to share their wealth with the less fortunate.

• Core Beliefs • Fasting • Not eating or drinking • The month in which Muhammad received his first revelation • Eat no food between daybreak and sunset • Tests submission to God • Reminds them of the hunger of the poor

• Core Beliefs • Pilgrimage • Qur’an requires every Muslim to make the hajj at least once • Strengthens the community of Islam • Participate in rituals • Circling the Kaaba (building where a sacred black stone is) • Believe this stone was sent from heaven • Circle the Kaaba seven times hoping to touch or kiss the stone at least once