Overview Of Islam

1.     What does 'Islam' mean?

The word Islam in Arabic comes from the word Salam, the word Salam means peace, that the word Islam means: make peace.
2.  What were the origins of the Muslim religion?

The origin of Islam is generally accredited to the prophet Muhammad but to the devout Muslim, Islam began long before Muhammad ever walked the earth. The Qur'an was dictated by Muhammad but, according to the Qur'an, it did not originate with Muhammad. The Qur'an testifies of itself that it was given by God through the angel Gabriel to the prophet Muhammad. "This is a revelation from the Lord of the universe. The Honest Spirit (Gabriel) came down with it, to reveal it into your heart that you may be one of the warners, in a perfect Arabic tongue" (Sura 26:192-195). "Say, 'Anyone who opposes Gabriel should know that he has brought down this (the Qur'an) into your heart, in accordance with God's will, confirming previous scriptures, and providing guidance and good news for the believers'" (Sura 2:97).

3. How was it different from religious beliefs in Arabia pre-Mohammed?

It was multi-god and goddess worship like most everywhere else before judaism kicked in

4.  How does someone become a Muslim?

To convert to Islam and become a Muslim a person needs to pronounce the below testimony with conviction and understanding its meaning (This article talks about joining Islam in more detail)

I testify “La ilah illa Allah, Muhammad rasoolu Allah.”

The translation of which is:

“I testify that there is no true god (deity) but God (Allah), and that Muhammad is a Messenger (Prophet) of God.”

5.  How do Muslims practice their religion?

 

·         They worship God (Allah) the one and only one God, with no partner, no ssociate, no son, no resemblance

·         They do good deeds for the benefit of themselves, family, community, environment, and mankind.

·         They follow good conducts and morals

·         They follow Quran guides and prophet Muhammad (PBUH) teachings

·         They observe God in their doings and hence they strive in their doings to satisfy God

The Five Pillars of Islam

Pillar #1:Shahada                                                                                                                     

• What is the meaning of the declaration of faith? 

Declaring your belief in one god.

• Why do you think that this statement is a significant part of being a Muslim?

Because part of being Muslim is the belief in one god.

Video – Islam_vid_muslimpray.mov

Pillar #2 Shalah Prayer:                                                                                                             

• Describe the process that Muslims go through to prepare to pray.

Washing of hands, feet and face

• Describe the process of praying in Islam. How many times each day, and when, do Muslims pray?

5 times a day, morning, afternoon and before sleep

• What do the prayers sound like?  What do the movements look like? 

Prayers are sung so it is easily remembered. Prostrate position of praying.

                                                                                                                                                  

• In which direction do Muslims pray? Why do they face this way?

Facing Mecca because they belive that god is in Mecca and that their prayer is invalid if they don’t do so.

• What are some of the things Muslims say during prayer? 

God is great, merciful, I am nothing compared to him.

• Why do Muslims pray?

To talk directly to God

Video – Islam_vid_zakat.mov

Pillar #3:Sawm                                                                                                                         

• What is Zakaat?  What is emphasized in Zakaat?

Giving to the poor if you can.

• Why do Muslims make donations?  How much money is a person expected to give to charitable causes? 

Two and a half percent of your income is given (minimum), they make donations because God gave us money and part of it is for the poor

• What is the relationship between prayer and money?

The more you give the more you get.

• How is zakaat different from ordinary charity that Muslims might give?

They often give a lot more than usual.

Video – Islam_vid_islam_celeb.mov

Pillar #4: Zakat                                                                                                                         

• As part of the Muslim religion, what does it mean to fast? 

To purify yourself and become closer to God.

• Why do Muslims fast? 

To remind them how blessed they are to have food and how others are not so lucky.

• What and when is Ramadan?   What is Eid al-Fitr? 

The 9^th month on the Islamic calendar is Ramadan. It is the month to fast and purify yourself.

Videos – Islam_vid_hajj (part 1 & 3)

Pillar #5: hajj                                                                                                                            

• How often must Muslims participate in Hajj? 

At least once in their lifetime.

• Where do Muslims go during Hajj? 

Mecca

• What and where is the Kaaba?  Describe this place. 

It is the box that is where god lives. It’s is in the center of Mecca

• How many Muslims participate in Hajj?

They expect around two million every year.

• What is the goal of Hajj? 

To replenish their connection with god.

• What does it mean to enter spiritual purity? What is the purpose of the special garments?

This means to show that you are equal to everyone and everyone is equal to you.

• How does Mubarek describe his experiences as a pilgrim?

It broadened his scope on the world.

• What is the significance of Abraham to pilgrims?

He made the first pilgrimage to Mecca.

Shari'a Law

Shari'a Law draws from a number of different sources eg. Qur'an, Sunna, Hadith, consensus of Muslim scholars, legal precedents.
Shari'a Law has two components
-Those obligations towards Allah (God)
-Those obligations towards others