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Introduction to IslamIntroduction to Islam

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ISLAMISLAM• Islam is the name of the religion.Islam is the name of the religion.• SILM or SALAM….meaning peaceSILM or SALAM….meaning peace• complete submission to one God and living in complete submission to one God and living in

peace with the creator, with yourself and with peace with the creator, with yourself and with the environmentthe environment

• fastest growing religion in the worldfastest growing religion in the world• a complete way of lifea complete way of life

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ALLAH “God”ALLAH “God”

• Muslims believe that there is only one Muslims believe that there is only one God.God.

• 99 names 99 names

• Christians, Jews and Muslims worship Christians, Jews and Muslims worship the same God.the same God.

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The Prophet The Prophet MuhammadMuhammad

• Muhammad (PBUH) is the last prophet for all mankind

• born in 570 CE in Mecca, Arabia• He was entrusted with the Message of Islam at

the age of 40 over multiple years– Received it from the Angel Gabriel

• The revelation was revealed in the Quran– the message is called Islam

• Islam is for all mankind• Similar to…..?

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Source of Source of IslamIslam

• The teachings of Islam are found in the Quran

• Sharia is the codification of traditional Islamic law

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The Holy QuranThe Holy Quran• exact word of Allah “God”.

• The record of the exact word revealed by Allah “God” and it has been translated into more than 80 languages.

• Memorized by the prophet Muhammad and many of his companions.

• Revealed over a period of 23 years.

• Millions of Muslims memorize the Quran by heart.– madrassas

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MUSLIMSMUSLIMS• Muslims come from ALL parts of the worldMuslims come from ALL parts of the world• The population more than 1.2 billion.The population more than 1.2 billion.• In the United States : 7 million Muslims.In the United States : 7 million Muslims.• There are two major sects of IslamThere are two major sects of Islam

– Sunni (founded by Abu Bakr…father-in-law)Sunni (founded by Abu Bakr…father-in-law)– Shi’ite (founded by AliShi’ite (founded by Ali

…….cousin and son-in-law..cousin and son-in-law.

– Wahabbism– SufismSufism

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Introduction to IslamIndian sub-continent 300 MillionAfrica 200 MillionArab countries 180 MillionSoutheast Asia 170 MillionIran 50 MillionCentral Asia 50 MillionChina 50 MillionTurkey 50 MillionEurope 20 MillionNorth America 7 MillionSouth America 3 MillionAustralia 1 Million

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Source: Kosmin, Barry & Seymour Lachman. One Nation Under God: Religion in Contemporary American Society; Harmony

Books: New York (1993), pg. 88-93.

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The Five Pillars of Islam

1. Declaration of Faith 2. Prayer3. Fasting4. Alms5. Pilgrimage

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The Five Pillars of The Five Pillars of IslamIslam

1. Declaration of Faith•

• ““There is no God but Allah “God” and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah “God”

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The Five Pillars of The Five Pillars of IslamIslam2. Prayers

• Five Obligatory prayers each day.• Direct link between the Muslim and Allah

“God”. • Islam has no hierarchical authority or

priesthood.– Caliphs (political)– Imams (religious)

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Introduction to Islam

Medina

Prophet’s Mosque

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Jerusalem

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The Five Pillars of The Five Pillars of IslamIslam3. Fasting

• Fasting is a total abstinence from food and drinks

• The whole month of Ramadan which is the 9th month of their lunar calendar. (July 20th 2012)

• Starts from dawn to sunset during the entire month of Ramadan.

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The Five Pillars of The Five Pillars of IslamIslam4. Alms

• It is a mandatory charity (2.5% of net worth)

• It is one of the most important principles of Islam.

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The Five Pillars of The Five Pillars of IslamIslam

Pilgrimage - Hajj• Pilgrimage to Mecca • It is required once in a

lifetime for those who have the means (physical and financial).

• Every year more than 2.5 Million Muslims perform this pilgrimage.

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Kabba“House of

God”

Mecca

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The Six Articles of Faith

1. Belief in One God

2. Belief in Angels

3. Belief in ALL the prophets

4. Belief in ALL the books revealed by God

5. Belief in the Day of Judgment

6. Predestination

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Some More Principles of Some More Principles of IslamIslam• Oneness of Mankind

– All people are created Equal• Innocence of Man at Birth• Prescribes moderation• State and Religion

– Islam is the complete way of life– State and Religion are not separate in an

Islamic State• No Idols or images

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Islam And Other Islam And Other ReligionsReligions

• Islam respects other beliefs like Christianity, Judaism

• The Quran advocates dealing justly with the non Muslims.

• Prophet Muhammad emphasized protection of the people of the Book in the Muslim Community

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Jihad in IslamJihad in Islam

• Means to Struggle or strive• Levels of Jihad

– Struggle to improve yourself – Struggle against evil in the society– Struggle in battlefield

• Valid reasons for Jihad in the battlefield– Self Defense– To remove human

tyranny,oppression and persecution

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ETIQUETTE OF JIHAD

• Seek your protection.• Give Peace a Chance Before Battle Starts• Respect All Treaties• Declaration of War when attacked• Spare those who are not fighting against you

• Women• Children• Old men• Religious persons

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Jihad in IslamJihad in Islam• Prohibited from …

– Killing Animals– Destroying Farms– Destroying Infrastructure

• Never Kill the Innocent or Injured • Never hurt the Prisoners of War

– This was created in 7th Century long before the Geneva Convention

– Prisoners of War given very good treatment– Never Mutilate the bodies– Allow the dead to be buried in dignity

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Islam and Islam and TerrorismTerrorism• Islam does not support

terrorism under any circumstances

• Terrorism goes against every principle of Islam

• If a Muslim engages in terrorism s/he is not following Islam

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Schoolgirls in Palestine pray in a moment of silence.

Jordanian women sign condolences at the US Embassy in Amman.

Government buildings in Turkey lower their flags to half mast.

Lebanese General signscondolences at the USEmbassy in Beirut.

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Islam And Islam And WomenWomen

• Why do some women in the contemporary Middle East argue that Western-style feminism is not necessary because women’s rights can be maintained through Islam??

• Highest respect to women in the society.• According to the Koran, they are entitled to

education, owning businesses, inheritance, work and many other rights including the right to vote

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Are these women free?

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Islam And the Islam And the VeilVeil• Dress Modestly

– The Islamic rules for modest dress apply to women and men equally.

– Muslim women cover their heads using scarves called “the Hijab”

• Arabic/Middle Eastern tradition found in many cultures and religions

– Ex. the Virgin Mary used to wear head cover and modest clothes

– How can the veil be seen as liberating• video

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Honor Killing and how the act goes against

Islamic principles• Definition: an ancient tradition where a male

member of the family kills a female relative for tarnishing the family image

• Began in pre-Islamic societies– Much like other practices

• cloistering, veiling

• Appears in many communities in the Middle East and South Asia– Growing issue in western nations

• Many are trying to stop the practice within and outside of the communities– video