creativity in the desert. 2 nd largest religion fastest growing islam = religion muslim =...
TRANSCRIPT
General Facts
2nd largest religion
Fastest growing Islam = religion Muslim =
adherent “One who
submits (to God)” Majority found in
North Africa & Asia
Arabs Before Islam Tribal society on the Arabian Peninsula
Caravan traders, nomadic shepherds Tribal organization Claimed descent from Abraham Blood feuds
Pre-Mohammad Religion animism Mecca
trading & religious center Ka’ba controlled by Umayyad Clan
Mohammad’s History
Early Life City of Mecca Marriage & Business
Worked for Khadijah trading goods Married Kahdijah, 15 years his senior Marriage was idyllic
Contemplative person Went to a cave at Mount Hira to meditate
While there…
Mohammad’s History
Angel Jibreel appeared Revelations from Allah
Taught the basics of Islam Qur’an (Koran)
similiar to the doctrine and covenants
Non-revealed teachings called hadith Stories & sayings of Mohammad
Obligation to teach the world Mohammad = the Prophet Mohammad not accepted in
Mecca and left Why was he not accepted?
Mohammad’s History The Hijrah (Hegira)
Mohammad’s trek from Mecca to Yathrib marks 1st year of
Muslim calendar Settled in Yathrib Message was
accepted Jewish converts &
interactions Umma = Muslim
community Yathrib renamed
Medina “City of the Prophet” 1st Muslim community 1st mosque still exists
Mohammad’s History Returned to Mecca
Now a religious, political, & military leader War against Umayyads Destroyed idols Changed Ka’ba to a mosque Umayyads convert
Died in 632 CE Who will lead? Abu Bakr (best friend) chosen as Caliph
Religious & political successor of Mohammad Ali overlooked (cousin)
Question of leadership sets up rift in Islamic faith Sunni vs. Shiite
Wars of Islamic Expansion led by Umayyads
Islamic Beliefs
5 Pillars of Islam
1. Profess the faith2. Pray 5 times daily3. Fasting during the month of Ramadan4. Give alms to the poor5. Make a Hajj
A Universal Religion
Appeals to people of many different backgrounds: Accepted many monotheistic beliefs of Jews &
Christians 5 Pillars can be followed easily by everyone Polygamy permitted Well-to-do encouraged to care for the needy No priesthood developed
Prayer leaders instead Equality of all people in the eyes of Allah
vs. in the eyes of man
Islamic Beliefs
Interactions with Christians & Jews Dhimmi = “People of the Book” Believe in the same God Need to accept Mohammad as last prophet Christ is “word of God”
He did not die and was not resurrected Definition of who were dhimmi changed as
Islam expanded ex. Hindus of India would later be included
Islamic Beliefs
Jihad Means suffering or struggle Can be personal or national
To draw closer to God People must unite in war to follow Allah’s will
Today Terrorists call for jihad because of threat BUT – innocent are killed and Muslims are not united in
these jihads
Shari’a Law Based on Qur’an & hadith Muslim way of life; customs