History of Islam - Chippewa Falls Middle School

1 History of Islam The History of Islam centers around one person, Muhammad (also spelled Muhammed or Mohammed). He was born around 570 and was raised by his extended family after the death of his parents. As he grew, he became dissatisfied with polytheism and came to believe in one God, Allah. He began to have religious visions around age 40. During these visions, Muhammad would receive "messages" or "revelations" from Allah. He would memorize them and teach them to his followers. These visions are now recorded in the Qur'an (or Koran). Muhammad continued to receive these visions and messages until his death in 632 The Expansion of Islam Muhammad's new faith was not widely accepted in his hometown of Mecca. Therefore, he and his followers moved to Medina which means "City of the Prophet".

2 This movement is known as the Hijirat or "the flight". It marks the turning point in Islam and serves as the beginning date on Islamic calendars. At first, Muhammad was sympathetic to both Christians and Jews, but after their rejection of his teaching, he turned from Jerusalem as the center of worship for Islam to Mecca. He realized he must return to Mecca, and he did, conquering the city. Islam quickly spread throughout the area. When Muhammad died, he left no document appointing a successor. Some people thought that one of the original converts who had taught with Muhammad, some wanted a member of a powerful political family in the area, and others felt that 'Ali, the cousin and son-in-law of Muhammad had been divinely designated as successor. An early believer, Abu Bakr was appointed, but died within two years.

3 Eventually, a power struggle developed as different groups of Muslims believed their method of establishing a successor were the best. The largest argument was over whether the successor should be elected or chosen through heredity. This controversy produced two major sects of Islam known as the Sunnis (followers of the prophet's way) and the Shi'a. The Sunnis are the majority in Islam today. The Shi'a are the group of Muslims who believe that the successorship should remain within Muhammad's family, and that leaders are spiritually chosen, not politically chosen. They carry with them the pain of Muhammad's son-in-law, 'Ali, who was murdered by Mu'awiya in order to obtain power. Today, the Shi'a dominate Iran. Sufism is a mystical branch of Islam . Strict Sufis believe that orthodox Islam is too mechanical and impersonal.

4 This group of Islamic mystics seek for direct personal experience of the Divine. Some Muslims think of Sufism is outside the religion of Islam ; others see it as simply the esoteric side of the religion. Nationalism in the Arab world since the rise of Israel as a political power has kept Islam strong. It is a rapidly spreading religion because of its cultural and political appeal and its universal message of peace, temperance and the brotherhood of man. Basic Beliefs of Islam The teachings of Islam are comprised of both faith and duty (din). One branch of Muslim learning, "Tawhid", defines all that a man should believe, while the other branch, "Shari'a," prescribes everything that he should do. There is no priesthood and no sacraments. Except among the Sufis, Muslims receive instruction only from those who consider themselves adequately learned in theology or law.

5 The basis for Islamic doctrine is found in the Qur'an (Koran). Muslims believe the Qur'an is the word of God, spoken by the angel Gabriel to Muhammad. The Qur'an was only in oral form while Muhammad was living, which means it was constantly interpreted by Muhammad and his disciples. It was written down in the caliphate of Abu Bakr. It alone is infallible and without error. The Qur'an is comprised of 114 surahs, or chapters, arranged from longest to shortest. For Muslims Muhammad was the last and most perfect of God's seven prophets or messengers to mankind. In addition to the Qur'an, other documents are also referred to by followers of Islam . A number of additional sayings of Muhammad were complied in the Hadith ("tradition"). The Torat (of Moses), Suhuf (books of the prophets), Zabur (psalms of David), and the Injil (gospel of Jesus) are also studied and considered to be revelations, although they are believed to have been corrupted through time.

6 Six Articles of Faith The six articles of faith are the main doctrines of Islam . All Muslims share beliefs in the following: 1. Allah. Like Judaism and Christianity, Islam believes there is one true Allah (The Arabic translation of the word God). Allah alone is the creator of all the universe. 2. Angels. Angels exist and interact with human lives. They are comprised of light, and each have different purposes or messages to bring to earth. Each man or woman has two angels who record his actions; one records good deeds, the other bad deeds. 3. Scripture. There are four inspired books, the Torah of Moses, the Psalms (Zabin) of David, the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Injil) and the Qur'an. All but the Qur'an have been interpreted and changed by Jews and Christians.

7 4. Prophets. God has spoken through numerous prophets throughout time. The six greatest are: Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad. Muhammad is the last and greatest of Allah's messengers. 5. Afterlife. On the last day there will be a time of resurrection and judgment. Those who follow Allah and Muhammad will go to Islamic heaven, or Paradise. Those who do not will go to hell. 6. Divine Creed. The Five Pillars of Faith The five pillars of faith are duties each Muslim performs to demonstrate his or her faith. 1. Testimony of Faith (Kalima)- One must state, "There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is the Prophet of Allah." publicly to become a Muslim. 2. Prayer (Salat)- Prayer must be done five times a day (upon rising, at noon, in mid-afternoon, after sunset, and before going to sleep) towards the direction of Mecca.

8 The call to prayer is sounded by the muezzin (Muslim crier) from a tower (minaret) within the mosque. 3. Almsgiving (Zakat)- Muslims are legally required to give one-fortieth of their income to the needy. Since those whom alms are given are helping the giver achieve salvation, there is no sense of shame in receiving charity. 4. Fasting (Sawm- During the holy month of Ramadan, faithful Muslims fast from sunup to sundown each day. This develops self-control, devotion to God, and identity with the needy. 5. Pilgrimage (Hajj)- Each Muslim is expected to make the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lifetime if they have the means to do it and are physically capable of the trip. It is an essential part of gaining salvation, so the old or infirm may send someone in their place.)

9 It involves a set of rituals and ceremonies. Another concept in Islam is Jihad, or to Strive. Jihad denotes the struggle to keep the faith and the ability to practice it freely. This can be a personal battle or one against leadership. Islamic Terms Allah The Supreme Being. The name of God. Hadith The sacred sayings of Muhammad, handed down by oral tradition and finally written down. Hajj Pilgrimage to Mecca. One of the five pillars of the Islamic faith. Hegira Muhammad's flight from Mecca to Medina in 622 Islam "submission to the will of Allah" Koran (Qur'an) The inspired word of God given to Muhammad by the angel Gabriel. Mecca The birthplace of Muhammad, and the holy city of Islam . Medina Holy city named for Muhammad after he fled there in 622 Muhammad Prophet and founder of Islam .

10 Born around 570 , died 632 Moslem (Muslim) Follower of Muhammad. "one who submits" Mosque Islamic place of worship. Muezzlin Moslem crier who announces the hour of prayer. Ramadan The ninth month of the Moslem year, when Muhammad received the Qur'an from heaven, now a month of fasting. Salat Moslem daily prayer ritual. One of the five pillars of Islam . Shi'ites Moslem sect which insists that Muhammad's son-in-law 'Ali was Muhammad's rightful successor. Sufi A Muslim mystic and/or ascetic. Sunnites Largest Moslem sect which acknowledges all of Muhammad's successors. Surahs What the chapters of the Qur'an are called