ISLAM THE PROPHET MUHAMMAD Muhammad was born into

ISLAM

THE PROPHET MUHAMMAD Muhammad was born into a powerful Meccan family. He was raised by his grandfather and uncle. He worked as a merchant at a very young age. At the age of 25, Muhammad became a trader and business manager for Khadijah, a wealthy businesswoman. Khadijah eventually became Muhammad’s wife. Important Islam = Muslim Christianity= Christian Buddhism= Buddhist Judaism= Jewish Hinduism= Hindu Muslims believe in other prophets such as Jesus and Moses. However, they believe Muhammad was the last prophet.

Muhammad spent a lot of his time alone in meditation and prayer. At about the age of 40, Muhammad’s life was changed forever. According to Muslim belief, he was meditating in a cave when he heard the voice of Gabriel was an angel who told Muhammad he was a messenger of Allah (God). Muhammad began to preach that Allah was the one and only god and that all other gods must be abandoned. In Mecca at this time they were polytheistic. A lot of people did not like Muhammad’s new ideas. However, Khadijah and some of Muhammad’s friends supported him. Islam= submission to the will of Allah Muslim= one who has submitted. Muslim God= Allah Jewish God= Yahweh Christian God= God

THE HIJRAH Muhammad was afraid for his life, so he left Mecca in 622. He migrated to a town called Medina. In Medina he gained many new supporters. This migration from Mecca to Medina is called the Hijrah. In 630 Muhammad returned to Mecca and destroyed the idols in the Ka ‘aba and had the call to prayer made from its roof.

Most Meccans pledged their loyalty to Muhammad, and many converted to Islam. By doing so, they joined the umma , or Muslim religious community. Muhammad died two years later, at about the age of 62. However, he was able to unify the entire Arabian Peninsula under Islam. The Qur’an is the holy book for Muslims. The Qur’an is written in Arabic and is where the basic teachings and story of Muhammad are written.

THE FIVE PILLARS OF ISLAM To be a Muslim, all believers have to carry out five duties.

FAITH “THERE IS NO GOD BUT ALLAH, AND MUHAMMAD IS THE MESSENGER OF ALLAH”

PRAYER PRAY FIVE TIMES A DAY FACING TOWARD MECCA. MOSQUE- ISLAMIC PLACE OF WORSHIP

ALMS (Charity) GIVE TO THE LESS FORTUNATE

FASTING DURING THE ISLAMIC HOLY MONTH OF RAMADAN, MUSLIMS FAST BETWEEN DAWN AND SUNSET. A SIMPLE MEAL IS EATEN AT THE END OF THE DAY.

HAJJ (not the Hijrah) ALL MUSLIMS WHO ARE PHYSICALLY AND FINANCIALLY ABLE MUST MAKE A TRIP (PILGRIMAGE) TO MECCA AT LEAST ONCE IN THEIR LIVES.

The Split Muhammad had not named a successor or instructed his followers how to choose one. Relying on ancient tribal custom, the Muslim community elected as their leader Abu-Bakr, a loyal friend of Mohammad. In 632, Abu-Bakr became the first caliph (successor to Muhammad). SUNNI SHI’A (Shi’ites) Believe that Muslim rulers should follow Sunna, or Mohammad’s example. Believe that all Muslims should be descended from Muhammad. Do not recognize the Sunna. Claim the Shi’a have distorted the meaning of various passages in the Quran. Claim the Sunni have distorted the meaning of various passages in the Quran. 83 % of the population 16 % of the population Umayyad (661 -750) Abbasid (750 -1258)

GOLDEN AGE Muslims had several practical reasons for supporting the advancement of science. Rulers wanted qualified doctors treating them. Religious people relied on mathematicians and astronomers to calculate the times for prayer and the direction of Mecca. Muhammad also, strongly believed in the importance of learning. House of Wisdom- Opened up in the early 800’s. A library, academy and translation center. See page 275 and 277 in text

Hijab- More common in less conservative Muslim countries. Ex- Jordan and United States

Burqa- Covers the entire face and body. Most common in Afghanistan. Introduction to Islam Video of a woman who covers Queen Rani of Jordan

Extremists The ideas of extremists, fundamentalist, and radicals are out of the ordinary. Some Muslim radicals may feel threatened by technology and the west, which results in extreme behavior. Their interpretation of the Quran is in the minority.