nd 2 Islam largest Religion in the World21

nd 2 Islam: largest Religion in the World-21% of the entire world and rapidly growing Islam means obedience or peace through submission to the will of Allah-the Islam God

Beginnings of Islam Followers are called Muslims and are found primarily in the Middle East ► Most important event for the Islamic faith was the revealing of Allah’s word to a man named Muhammad in early 7 th Century AD ► Muhammad became known as the messenger of Allah; or the prophet ►

Muhammad Born in Mecca Grew up a camel driver and was unhappy with the lawlessness of his people and troubled because they worshiped many gods ► Said the angel Gabriel spoke to him while he was praying one day and told him Allah was the only God ► He began speaking the message and was forced out of Mecca to Medina-this migration is called the Hajj. ► His followings grew so strong that they conquered Mecca in 629 AD ► ►

The Koran/Quran ► Holy book of Islam written by Allah through Muhammad ► Advocates general beliefs and the 5 Pillars of Islam

Muslim Beliefs Belief in Allah ► Belief in angels ► Belief in the Koran ► Belief in the prophets: Abraham, Moses, David, Jesus, and Muhammad ► Belief in the day of judgment and life after death ► Belief in predestination ►

The Five Pillars of Islam ► The Shahadah: The declaration of faith; “There is no god but Allah and Muhammad is prophet. ► The Salah: The five daily prayers said at dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, dusk, and after dark. ► The Zakat: Give 2½% of savings to the poor each year. ► The Sawm: Fasting during the 9 th Muslim month. ► The Hajj: Make a pilgrimage to Mecca in their lifetime.

The Hajj In 1999 there were 2 million Muslims in Mecca for the Hajj: 1 mill. from Saudi Arabia; 6000 from the US ► Hajj consists of several ceremonies commemorating faith in the prophet Abraham ► Muhammad said that if the Hajj is performed properly the person would return as a “newly born baby free of all sins” ►

Ramadan ► Holiest period in the Islamic year ► Commemorates the month when revelations began ► During this month most Muslims over the age of 12 are expected to abstain from food and drink from the first light of dawn until sunset…fasting ► This year Ramadan began on June 29 - July 27, 2014

Links to Other Faiths ► Christianity, Judaism, and Islam are the 3 related faiths. They all revere Abraham as a spiritual ancestor. ► Different books: Bible, Torah, and Koran ► Concept of Deity: The Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit; Allah the one god