ISLAM Chapter 9 ORIGINS OF ISLAM The Arabian
ISLAM Chapter 9
ORIGINS OF ISLAM • The Arabian Peninsula aka the “Empty Quarter” Most of the area is uninhabitable desert • Some fringe areas exist where nomadic people carved out a living • Collectively known as Bedouins • They were organized into clan based groups who fought over resources •
MECCA • Started as the largest trading center along the Red Sea by the Umayyad clan of the Quraysh Bedouin tribe. Also a religious center • Contained (still does) a shrine called the Ka’ba • Holds a sacred rock called the Black Stone • Also held idols representing many gods – including one called Allah • The Quraysh saw Allah as a supreme deity in their polytheistic religion •
MUHAMMAD • Born in 570 C. E. • He was a trader and business manager • He travelled for his job and came into contact with many cultures/religions • @ • 40 he has a vision from Allah He is visited by the Angel Gabriel as the messenger of Allah
• Muhammad gets other visions • These form the basic tenants of the Islamic faith • Monotheistic
• Muhammad shares his revelations with friends and relatives • his following got big enough to cause concern for the leaders of Mecca • Saw this new faith as a threat to Mecca’s status as a pilgrimage destination (the Ka’ba) • The leadership in Mecca attacks Muhammad and his followers • They escape to Medina • Known as the hijrah- the official start date for the Islamic religion (622)
MUHAMMAD IN MEDINA • Basically they go to war with Mecca • He was able to lead his troops and defend his followers = more followers • In 628 they sign a peace treaty Muslims can now worship @ the Ka’ba In 629 he rolls into Mecca with 10, 000 supporters • They smash all of the other idols leaving just the Black Stone to symbolize the acceptance of Allah as the one true God • Wins over most of Mecca before his death in 632 •
WHAT DO MUSLIMS BELIEVE IN? • The Quran is the Sacred word of Allah, not just the sayings of Muhammad • finished • Muslim in 650 by Abu Bakar also read/study the hadith • Collection of stories and sayings of Muhammad • Jesus and Abraham were also prophets sent by God but Muhammad was the LAST one. • “The Seal of the Prophets”
5 PILLARS OF FAITH 1. The Confession of Faith • “There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is his Prophet” 2. Prayer • Pray 5 times/day turned towards Mecca Fasting 3. • 4. 1 month/year no food or water from sun-up to sundown (Ramadan) Alms • Give a % of your income to help the needy Hajj 5. • Once in a lifetime, each able Muslim must go to Mecca
THE FUNDAMENTAL DIVISION IN ISLAM Revelations of Mohammed 1. What are the names of the two groups? 2. What makes them different? ? Mohammed Dies 632 ?
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