1) Describe the origins of the Islamic faith including the founder and geographic details.
2) List the Five Pillars of Faith of Islam.
3) Describe how Islam is related to both Christianity and Judaism.
The essential belief of Islam is this: There is no God but God and Mohammed is His prophet. Mohammed is not seen as a god, but as a messenger sent from God.
There are five basic beliefs, called Pillars of Faith, which every devout Muslim follows.
Islam was founded in 610 A.D. by Mohammed. According to Islamic belief, Mohammed was praying and meditating in a cave near the summit of Jabal al-Nur, when he was visited by the Angel Gabriel and given specific instructions from God. The purpose of humanity is to serve God and to live with high moral standards.
The revelation that Mohammed received continued over the span of 23 years, until his death at the age of 63. The instructions given form the basis of the Koran, the Islamic holy book. Since these instructions were given in Arabic, it is customary for many Muslims to learn the Arabic language. The reason behind this practice is because the Koran is considered to be the last official words from God and as such, is perfect and flawless.
Muslims consider other monotheistic faiths, notably Judaism and Christianity, to be formed from similar core beliefs as Islam. In fact, Abraham -- the father of the Jewish faith -- is also one of the patriarchs of the Islamic faith. The Koran calls Jews and Christians "People of the Book" in reference to their common Abrahamic roots.
The Five Pillars of Faith:
In order to become a practicing Muslim, the following five beliefs must be acknowledge and practiced.
1. Shahadah: State aloud that "there is no God but God and Mohammed is His prophet".
2. Daily Prayer: Five times each day, at sunrise, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset, and at night.
3. Zakat: Giving of 2.5% of one's wordly goods to the poor.
4. Fasting: During the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast during the daylight hours. This is done to remind people of God and also as a form empathy to the poor and needy.
5. Pilgrimage (Hajj): Once in a lifetime, a practicing Muslim will journey to Mecca, to the Ka'bah, a structure believed to have been built by Abraham during his travels through the desert
Holidays and Customs:
Ramadan: A time of fasting and prayer lasting 30 days. No food or drink is consumed during daylight hours, but at night families and friends meet together to break their fast and eat together.
Eid-ul-Fitr: At the end of Ramadan, there is huge celebration in which families dress in their best clothes and feast on celebration meals. This is also the time when Muslims send cards to one another and make offerings to the poor.
Eid-ul-Adha: This celebration coincides with the Hajj (the pilgrimage). It is to remember the time when Abraham was willing to sacrifice his own son in order to prove obedience to God. Muslims consider Abraham to be a prophet of God, just as Jews and Christians do.
2. What are the Five Pillars of Faith? Do all Muslims practice these pillars?
3. Why is the Koran considered to be such an important and revered document?
4. Compare and contrast Islam with Judaism and Christianity. How are the three religions the same? How is Islam different?
(Call to Prayer)
2. Go to the following page link and read through the various positions of Salat (the prayer position)
3. View the following video clip from Schlesinger Video by clicking here.
3. Find 3 recent news articles regarding some part of Islam (the Hajj, the Koran, etc.) and cut/paste these articles into a short descriptive essay. Submit to your teacher.
