An introduction to the faith, culture of Islam and Muslim people

Welcoming. Connecting. Belonging.

An introduction to the faith, culture of Islam and Muslim

peopleDecember 17, 2013


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


ISLAM

• Muslim

Submission, self-surrender


Some flags of Islamic countries


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


Beliefs of Islam

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


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)


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)


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)


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.


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.


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


The Dar al-Islam

The Dar al-Islam

11 22 33 44 55

The Worldof Islam

The Worldof Islam


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].


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.


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

Pray in the mosque on Friday.


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.


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.


Eid MubarakEid Mubarak

End of the Ramadan holiday.


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.


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


Halal and Haram


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


Halal/Haram: BehaviourProhibited actions:

• Murder

• Theft

• Usury

• Gambling

• Intimate relationships outside marriage


Variations within Islam

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

different cultures


Sunni


Shi'a


Islamic Art


A mosque in Yemen


Istanbul’s Blue Mosque

http://www.mccullagh.org


A mosque in N.W. China


Mecca

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


Thank you for your time!

This presentation is supported by

An introduction to the faith, culture of Islam and Muslim people

Documents

Transcript of An introduction to the faith, culture of Islam and Muslim people