Why did Islam spread so easily?

• Muslims surrendered to God• During a turbulent time Islam brought unity.

• Islam created social justice for all people.

9.3 Qur’an and Sunnah

• What is the Qur’an?• Qur’an is Islam’s sacred book and is considered the words of God.

• What is the Sunnah?• The examples set by Muhammad• How are they different?

Five Pillars of Islam

9.4 Profession of Faith (shahadah)

9.5 Daily Worship (salat)9.6 Almsgiving (zakat)9.7 Fasting ( siyam)9.8 Pilgrimage (hajj)

Five Pillars of Islam

9.4 Profession of Faith (shahadah)

“There is no god but God, and Muhammad is the messenger of God.”

Profession of Faith (shahadah)

3. How does Allah relate to the God of Christians and

Jews?

Christians, Jews and Muslims worship the same God.

Five Pillars of IslamProfession of Faith (shahadah)

4. Muslims believe that angels do Allah’s work throughout the universe.

Judgment is that some people will go to “paradise” while others will not.

9.5 #2 Daily Worship (salat)

1&2. Muslims pray towards Makkah (Mecca) five times a day, wherever they are.

3. They must perform ritual washings of their hands, face, arms and feet.

9.5 Daily Worship (salat)

What do beads, rugs, mosques, the qibla, muezzins, and imams how to do with worship?

• Prayer beads are used to recite God’s characteristics

• Rugs are for kneeling on• Mosques are the place to gather for prayer• Qibla shows the direction of Makkah• Muezzins call others to prayer• Imams are prayer leaders

9.6 #3 Almsgiving (zakat)

• 1. Muslims are charitable because they believe that wealth is purified by giving some of it away.

• Sharing your “wealth” helps to control greed

• Giving to others reminds people of God’s gifts to oneself.

9.6 Almsgiving (zakat)• Muslims are asked to give 1/40 of their surplus

wealth and possessions.

• Zakat pays to orphanages, hospitals, soups kitchens, and provides clothing and shelter for the poor.

• Also zakat pays debts for the poor and helps stranded travelers.

• Jews, Christians and Muslims are all encouraged to give a portion of their wealth to support others.

9.7 Fasting (siyam)1. Siyam is daily fasting during Ramadan (30 days),

the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar.

2. It is performed from sunrise to sunset. No eating or drinking is allowed.

What rule about food is observed during Ramadan? 3. Muslims break the daily fast at sunset with dates

and other food and drink. At the end of Ramadan, there are special foods, gifts exchanged and giving to the poor.

4. Ramadan encourages generosity, equality, and charity. It is a time to forgive people, give thanks and avoid arguments.

9.8 Pilgrimage (hajj)1. The hajj promotes fellowship and equality.2. Muslims wear simple white clothing on this

special journey.3. The Ka’ba is a shrine built by Abraham to honor

God.4. During the hajj, Muslims also travel along a

special passage between two small hills, as Hagar (wife of Abraham) did when she searched for water for her son. Muslims camp in tents at Mina, pray at the plain of Arafat, and some climb Mount Arafat. Before returning home Muslims will circle the Ka’ba seven more times. (remember picture of people circling the stone)

9.9 jihad (struggle)1. Jihad gives Muslims a way to respond

positively to external and internal challenges.

2. The “lesser jihad” relates to the external struggle against oppression, the outer battle.

3. The “greater jihad” is the fight against oneself.

4. During war, Muslims SHOULD honor agreements made with enemies and SHOULD NOT mutilate the dead, harm innocent people, or destroy property, orchards, crops, sacred objects, or houses of worship.

9.10 Shari’ah (Islamic Law)

1. Shari’ah is the body of Islamic law based on the Qur’an and the Sunnah. Islamic law guides Muslims in their personal behavior. It was developed by caliphs and scholars who used the Qur’an and the Sunnah to solve problems that arose.

2. Shari’ah promotes obedience to the Qur’an and respect for others.

3. Three examples of behaviors that shari’ah regulates are to not eat pork, drink alcohol, or gamble. Muslims must dress modestly.

4. Over the years shari’ah has been influenced by western codes of law. These laws continue to change in response to modern ways of life.