Islam Origins of Islam Abraham had son with
Islam
Origins of Islam • Abraham had son with Hagar—Ishmael • Sarah was jealous-Hagar & Ishmael sent into the desert • Hagar searches for water between two rocks seven times • Angel tells her not to fear —well appears at Ishmael’s feet • Mecca built there
• Before Abraham dies he visits Ishmael • God tells him to build a holy shrine • Ka’bah—large cube structure • Inside is a small black stone believed to be given to Abraham from an angel • Was white—black from kisses
Muhammad’s Early Years • Born 570 in Mecca • Parents died early, raised by other family • Job as a camel driver-contact w/ other cultures • Worked for widow. Khadijah and marries her— became rich
Muhammad’s Revelation • Around age 40, starts spending time alonecave near Mecca • Angel Gabriel appears to him—he thought he was going insane • He slowly accepts role as a prophet in the line of Moses and Jesus • He declares that there is one God and rejects idols
Mecca to Medina • Muhammad gains followers, also enemies • Wife and uncle die—bad times, attempts to kill M. • M. journeys to Heaven with Gabriel, meets Moses, Jesus and Allah • M. tells Muslims to settle in Medina, escapes there himself—journey known as the Hijrah and start of Islamic calendar (622)
Muslims take Mecca • M. able to unite some tribes (Muslims and Jews prayed together) in Medina • M. tells to pray to Mecca not Jerusalem—groups split and violence breaks out • Raids on caravans, full battles begin • Muslims win and take Mecca • M. circles Ka’bah 7 times and smashes idols
Last Years of Muhammad • By age 60, Islam was all over Arabian Peninsula • His last trip to Mecca-says only Muslim may pray there and asks for Islamic unity • Gets ill and dies at 61, no son—who is successor?
Sunni and Shiite • Sunni Characteristics • 90% of Muslims • Considered more mainstream • Believe in leadership of caliphs • Believe total Muslim community will be judged on judgment day • Shiite Characteristics • 10% of Muslims • Considered more extreme in beliefs • Only descendents of Ali (a caliph related to Muhammad) should lead • Judgment through imams
The Five Pillars of Islam • 1 st Pillar—Shahada – Brief prayer proclaiming Allah is the one and only god – Many Muslims belief it should be in Arabic because that is how Muhammad received it
nd 2 Pillar--Salat • Pray five times a day: dawn, noon, afternoon, sunset and evening • Muslim countries a call to pray is announced from Mosque tower—minaret • Women pray behind men or in separate area, imam leads pray in mosques • Involves several bowing positions
• Giving of a percentage of income to the poor and needy (often 2. 5%) • Belief this is a requirement to Heaven rd 3 Pillar--Zakat
4 th Pillar--Sawm • Fasting during month of Ramadan • No food or drink from sunrise to sunset • Religious purification and devotion • Children and elder do not have to follow • Read the entire Koran (chapter a day) • Festival of Eid-Al-Fitr— celebrates end of Ramadan, feast, parties, guests, gifts, off of work
th 5 Pillar--Hajj • Pilgrimage to Mecca—required if possible • Men wear same simple clothes • Week and a half • Circle Ka’bah, touch stone, run the hills 7 times, quiet prayer, stones at pillars, animal sacrifices
The Mosque • Most important prayers on Fridays • Most are small, larger/central mosques called jami’ • Dome with minaret • Rugs on floors, no artwork except calligraphy • Part of one wallmihrab-where imam stands, also direction of Mecca
Rites of Passage • Aqiqa—naming of child, 7 days after birth • Marriage-unites both families, Koran says man can have up to 4 wives • Death—release from suffering of life, quick and simple burial, no coffin or gravestone, face Mecca
- Slides: 16