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Module 3 On Islam

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Module 3 On Islam

Uploaded by

Xavier Mendoza
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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World Religions and Belief Systems

Module 3: On Islam
fr. j lois Sarmiento

A. Islam is the second-largest religion in the world after Christianity, with about 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide. As one of
the three Abrahamic religions—the others being Judaism and Christianity—it too is a monotheistic faith that
worships one god, called Allah.
• The word Islam means “submission” or “surrender,” as its faithful surrender to the will of Allah.

B. Allah is the only One God, the Creator, the Sustainer. Allah is not a foreign god, nor is he an idol. Arabic-speaking
Christians use the same word for the Almighty.
• In the Quran, we read that Allah is Compassionate and Merciful. He is Kind, Loving and Wise. He is the
Creator, the Sustainer, the Healer. He is the One who Guides, the One who Protects, the One Who Forgives.
There are traditionally 99 names, or attributes, that Muslims use to describe Allah's nature.

C. Muhammad sometimes spelled Mohammed or Mohammad, was born in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, in A.D. 570. Muslims believe
he was the final prophet sent by God to reveal their faith to mankind.
• According to Islamic texts and tradition, an angel named Gabriel visited Muhammad in 610 while he was
meditating in a cave. The angel ordered Muhammad to recite the words of Allah. Muhammad began
preaching throughout Mecca the messages he received. He taught that there was no other God but Allah
and that Muslims should devote their lives to this God.

D. Quran sometimes spelled Qur’an or Koran is considered the most important holy book among Muslims.
• It contains some basic information that is found in the Hebrew Bible as well as revelations that were given
to Muhammad. The text is considered the sacred word of God and supersedes any previous writings.
• Most Muslims believe that Muhammad’s scribes wrote down his words, which became the Quran.
(Muhammad himself was never taught to read or write.)
• The book is written with Allah as the first person, speaking through Gabriel to Muhammad. It contains 114
chapters, which are called surahs.
• Scholars believe the Quran was compiled shortly after Muhammad’s death, under the guidance of Caliph
Abu Bakr.

E. Two Main Divisions of Islam


Sunni and Shia are the two main sects of Islam. They agree on most of the fundamental beliefs and practices of
Islam, a bitter split between the two goes back some 14 centuries. The divide originated with a dispute over who
should succeed the Prophet Muhammad as leader of the Islamic faith he introduced.
• Sunni followers (Sunnite) believe that their leader should be elected.
• Shia followers (Shiite) believe that their leadership should stay in the bloodline of Muhammad the
Prophet.

F. Islamic Calendar, Symbols


• The Islamic calendar, also called the Hijra calendar, is a lunar calendar used in Islamic religious worship. The
calendar began in the year A.D. 622, celebrating the journey of Muhammad from Mecca to Medina.
• The Islamic calendar indicates the proper days of Islamic holidays and celebrations, including the period of
fasting and prayer known as Ramadan, which occurs during the ninth month of the calendar.
• The crescent moon and star has been adopted in some predominantly Muslim countries as a symbol of Islam.
Although the crescent moon and star image was originally a symbol of the Ottoman Empire.
• The color green is also sometimes associated with Islam, as it was reportedly a favorite color of Muhammad's
and is often featured prominently in the flags of predominantly Muslim countries.

G. Five Pillars of Islam


Muslims follow five basic pillars that are essential to their faith. These include:
• Shahada: to declare one’s faith in God and belief in Muhammad
• Salat: to pray five times a day (at dawn, noon, afternoon, sunset, and evening)
• Zakat: to give to those in need
• Sawm: to fast during Ramadan
• Hajj: to make a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once during a person’s lifetime if the person is able.

H. Sharia Law
Islam’s legal system is known as Sharia Law. This faith-based code of conduct directs Muslims on how they should
live in nearly every aspect of their lives.
• Sharia law requires men and women to dress modestly. It also outlines marriage guidelines and other moral
principles for Muslims.
• If crimes are committed, Sharia law is known for its harsh punishments. For example, the punishment for
theft is amputating a person’s hand. Adultery can carry the penalty of death by stoning. However, many
Muslims do not support such extreme measures.
I. Muslim Prayer, Holidays
Muslim prayer is often conducted in a mosque's large open space or outdoor courtyard.
• A mihrab is a decorative feature or niche in the mosque that indicates the direction to Mecca, and therefore
the direction to face during prayer.
• Men and women pray separately, and Muslims may visit a mosque five times a day for each of the prayer
sessions. In addition to hosting prayers, mosques often function as public gathering places and social
centers.
The two major Muslim holidays are:
• Eid al-Adha: celebrates the Prophet Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son for Allah.
• Eid al-Fitr: marks the end of Ramadan—the Islamic holy month of fasting.

K. Islam Quick Facts

• The word “Islam” means “submission to the will of God.”


• Followers of Islam are called Muslims.
• Muslims are monotheistic and worship one, all-knowing God, who in Arabic is known as Allah.
• Followers of Islam aim to live a life of complete submission to Allah. They believe that nothing can happen
without Allah’s permission, but humans have free will.
• Islam teaches that Allah’s word was revealed to the prophet Muhammad through the angel Gabriel.
• Muslims believe several prophets were sent to teach Allah’s law. They respect some of the same prophets
as Jews and Christians, including Abraham, Moses, Noah and Jesus. Muslims contend that Muhammad
was the final prophet.
• Mosques are places where Muslims worship.
• Some important Islamic holy places include the Kaaba shrine in Mecca, the Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem,
and the Prophet Muhammad’s mosque in Medina.
• The Quran (or Koran) is the major holy text of Islam. The Hadith—composed of saying, actions and
approvals of Muhammad-- is another important book. Muslims also revere some material found in the
Judeo-Christian Bible.
• Followers worship Allah by praying and reciting the Quran. They believe there will be a day of judgment,
and life after death.
• A central idea in Islam is “jihad,” which means “struggle.” While the term has been used negatively in
mainstream culture, Muslims believe it refers to internal and external efforts to defend their faith. Although
rare, this can include military jihad if a “just war” is needed.

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