Islam Its roots Muhammad was born in Saudi

Islam

Its roots Muhammad was born in Saudi Arabia near Mecca Related to Abraham Became an orphan at age 7 Raised by his merchant uncle Married Khadija 15 years later started hearing voices and having visions At age 40, the Angel Gabriel appears to him, tells him there is one true God and that he must save his people Spends the next 20 years doing that Gabriel also tells Muhammad the words of the Quran which Muhammad writes down and shares with his people Muhammad preached Love, Equality, Social Justice, Fairness, and to Cherish Women

Basic Facts Practitioners are called Muslims 1. 2 Million Muslims worldwide 18% live in Arab World; 20% live in Sub Saharan Africa; 30% live in South Asia; Indonesia has largest population of Muslims Holy text is the Quran Accepts the teachings of Jewish and Christian prophets, including Jesus, but reject the idea that Jesus is the son of God Places of worship called a Mosque Iconoclastic Similar dietary restrictions to Jews

5 Pillars of Islam Pillar #1: Belief Pillar #2: Worship Pillar #3: Fasting Pillar #4: Almsgiving Pillar #5: Pilgrimage/Hajj

Sunnis vs. Shiites: What’s the Difference? Sunnis Shiites Recognize the heirs of the first 4 Caliphs elected by Muhammad Recognize the descendants of only the 4 th Caliph, Ali Between 80 and 90% of Muslims are Sunnis About 10% of the world’s Muslims are Shiites Value God’s power in the physical world Value martyrdom and sacrifice

Women of Islam What’s in the Quran Husbands cannot beat their wives Husbands cannot kill their wives Women can petition to have a marriage dissolved if a husband is abusive Women have the right to live un-persecuted What we see in the media Fathers/Husbands treat women as property and stage public executions Women must cover their bodies/hair

Shirin Neshat