By: Hunter Tharpe, Josh Stroud, Riley Williams, Jacob Sowers

Islam Study GuideOverview of Islam: Islam has over one billion followers, making it on the largest religions in the world. The teachings of Islam is based off of the teachings of the prophet Muhammad. Islam is a monotheistic religion, which was uncommon when it originated in the 7th century. Origins of Islam: Many historians believe that Islam originated in Mecca and Medina, in present-day Saudi Arabia, during the 7th century CE. 100 years after the founding, Islam expanded to Iberia in the west, to the Indus Valley in the east. Founders of Islam: The prophet Muhammad, who was born in 570 CE, is often regarded as the founder of the Islamic faith. Muhammad is believed to be the last prophet sent by the Islamic god, Allah. There were lots of prophets before Muhammad, including: Adam, Noah, Abraham (Ibrahim), Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Job, Moses (Musa), Aaron, David, Solomon, Elias, Jonah, John the Baptist, and Jesus. Sacred Texts: The Islamic Holy Book is called the Qur’an. People of the Islamic faith believe that it is the literal word of God. Many Muslim beliefs and practices are rooted in the Qur’an. The overall theme of the Qur’an is that humans are not created in vain, and that we will be held accountable for our actions on Earth.Core Beliefs/Tenants: The main tenants of Islam are called the Five Pillars of Islam. These five pillars are the things that all Muslims are obligated to do during their lifetime. The first pillar is called Shahada, which is the declaration of faith. The second pillar is called Salah, which is prayer. Muslims are required to pray five times each day, and face in the direction of Mecca when doing so. The third pillar is Zakat, which is charitable giving. Muslims are required to pay a certain percentage of their income to the less fortunate. The fourth is Saum, which is fasting during the month of Ramadan. During this time, Muslims reflect on their actions and try to purify their thoughts. The fifth and final pillar is Hajj, which is a pilgrimage to Mecca. Muslims are required to travel to Mecca at least once in their lifetime, if financially possible. Islamic Impact: The main impact of Islam is that it has unified most of the Middle East under one religion. Another impact of Islam is wars between Islam and Judeo-Christian states has always took place, even today. The ongoing conflict is in Jerusalem, where the temple mound is. Some Muslims have developed a radical view of Islam, which has led to the rise of terror organizations, such as ISIS. As of current, 1.3 billion people are of the Islamic faith.

By: Hunter Tharpe, Josh Stroud, Riley Williams, Jacob Sowers

Spread and Growth: As evident of the map below, Islam spread throughout the Middle East after its founding in southwest Saudi Arabia. As of today, Islam is still the predominant religion in the Mideast and North Africa.

https://moodle.cpsd.us/moodle/file.php/21/Images/islam_byzantine_norton_map_to_8th_c.jpg

Illustrations:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kabir-helminski/is-the-morality-of-islam-_b_9979612.html

http://www.worldviewu.org/islam/ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/joseph-e-b-lumbard/understanding-the-quran-and-extremism_b_9528766.html

Timeline: 570 C.E.: The prophet Muhammad is born in Mecca. 610 C.E.: Muhammad feels called to tell his people to follow Islam. 633 C.E.: Muhammad passes away. 655 C.E.: Islam spreads throughout North Africa. 711 C.E.: Islam spreads to Spain and India. 1000 C.E.: Islam continues spread to Central Africa. 1099 C.E.: Christian crusades take Jerusalem from the Muslims, they eventually take it back. 1453 C.E.: Islamic crusaders take Constantinople and rename it Istanbul, which is what it is still called today. 1924 C.E.: With the Ottoman Empire defeated in WWI, the last Islamic Empire falls. 1979 C.E.: The Islamic Republic of Iran is created. This is the first attempt at a Islamic state in the modern era.

Image of Muslims praying,while facing Mecca.

This map shows where Islam originated, and where it spread.

The crescent moon and star is the symbol of Islam.

The Qur’an is the Islamic Holy Book.