Welcoming. Connecting. Belonging.

An introduction to the faith, culture of Islam and Muslim

peopleDecember 17, 2013

Welcoming. Connecting. Belonging.

In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Merci-Giving

Welcoming. Connecting. Belonging.

ISLAM

• Muslim

Submission, self-surrender

Welcoming. Connecting. Belonging.

Some flags of Islamic countries

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Muslims in the World

• 2 billion, Muslims represent just over 24% of the world's population = 1 of 5 humans in the world is a Muslim

• Second largest religion in the world• Fastest growing including Europe and America

Welcoming. Connecting. Belonging.

Welcoming. Connecting. Belonging.

Beliefs of Islam

• Allah• Angels• Scriptures• Messengers• Predestination• Hereafter

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Belief:Allah – Oneness of God

(Tawhid)• Say: He is God, the One and Only; God, the

Eternal, Absolute; He begets not, nor is He begotten; And there is none like Him. (The Quran, Surah 112)

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Belief: The Angels - Angels: “intelligent robots” made of light energy who can assume physical form to carry out God’s will -- 4 top: 1. Gabriel (brings revelations)2. Azra’il (angel of death), 3. Michael ( is the bringer of

blessing and controls the weather), and

4. Israfil: Angel of Death (blows the horn signaling the end of the universe)

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Belief: ScripturesThe Qur’an

• Revealed over 23 years in Makkah and Madinah

• Both memorised and recorded in writing, today’s copy is proven to be exactly the same as at the time of revelation

• 114 Surahs (chapters) divided in Ayahs (signs/verses)

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Belief:Messengers - Muhammad

• Descendant of Ismail (Ishmael), the first son of Abraham.• Born in Mecca, Arabia, in the year 570• Received first revelation at the age 40 through angel

Gabriel. Year 610 • Died in the year 632 C.E, after preaching Islam for 23

years. • Seal of the chain of prophets; no more prophets to follow.

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Belief: Predestination (Qadr)

• We are accountable for our deeds, but cannot influence the events we encounter, which are intended to test us.

• Our knowledge is limited, but the Creator has complete knowledge of past present and future.

• The belief in predestination helps in times of affliction but is not intended to prevent us from trying our best.

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Belief:The Hereafter

• Life is part of a journey from God back to God

• Life has a purpose; we are on trial with regard to our behaviour

• The soul is eternal and will be raised again

• Perfect justice does not exist on earth; full justice can only be achieved in the Hereafter

• Nobody will escape accountability

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The Dar al-Islam

The Dar al-Islam

11 22 33 44 55

The Worldof Islam

The Worldof Islam

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1. The Shahada1. The Shahada

11

The testimony.

The declaration of faith:

There is no god worthy of worship except God, andMuhammad is HisMessenger [or Prophet].

There is no god worthy of worship except God, andMuhammad is HisMessenger [or Prophet].

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2. The Salat2. The Salat The mandatory prayers performed 5 times a day: * dawn * noon * late afternoon * sunset * before going to bed

Wash before praying.

Face Mecca and use a prayer rug.

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2. The Salat2. The Salat The call to prayer by the muezzin in the minaret.

Pray in the mosque on Friday.

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3. The Zakat3. The Zakat Almsgiving (charitable donations).

Muslims believe that all things belong to God.

Zakat means both “purification” and “growth.”

About 2.5%/ 20%, 12.5% of your income.

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4. The Sawm4. The Sawm Fasting during the holy month of Ramadan.

Considered a method of self- purification.

No eating or drinking from sunrise to sunset during Ramadan.

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Eid MubarakEid Mubarak

End of the Ramadan holiday.

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5. The Hajj5. The Hajj The pilgrimage to Mecca.

Must be done at least once in a Muslim’s lifetime.

2-3 million Muslims make the pilgrimage every year.

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5. The Hajj5. The Hajj Those who complete the pilgrimage can add the title hajji to their name.

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Halal and Haram

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Halal/Haram: Food

• Carrion, blood and pork are amongst the forbidden food items

• Meat must be slaughtered in the name of Allah and all blood must be drained

• Only non-carnivorous animals are permitted for consumption

• Most sea animals are permitted• Alcohol and intoxicating drugs are prohibited completely• Food prepared by the People of the Book

(Jews/Christians) is permitted; food dedicated to other gods is prohibited

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Halal/Haram: BehaviourProhibited actions:

• Murder

• Theft

• Usury

• Gambling

• Intimate relationships outside marriage

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Variations within Islam

• Sunni• Shi’a• Sufi• Different races,

different cultures

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Sunni

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Shi'a

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Islamic Art

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A mosque in Yemen

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Istanbul’s Blue Mosque

http://www.mccullagh.org

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A mosque in N.W. China

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Mecca

Pilgrims circumambulate the Ka’ba, a cube encased in silk containing a black stone (meteorite?) (pre-Islamic sacred place?)

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Welcoming. Connecting. Belonging.

Thank you for your time!

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