Islam
Islam is a monotheistic religion based on revelations received by the Prophet Muhammad in the 7th century, which were later recorded in the Qur'an (Koran), Islam's sacred text. The faith spread rapidly and today Islam is the second largest religion in the world. The Arabic word islam means "submission," reflecting the religion's central tenet of submitting to the will of God. Islamic practices are defined by the Five Pillars of Islam: faith, prayer, fasting, pilgrimage and alms. - See more at: http://www.religionfacts.com/islam/index.htm
Basic Facts about Islam (click for link) Adapted from a brochure of the General Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns of the United Methodist Church. Used with permission. Why do we need to know about Islam? Understanding that we are all children of God, good creations, it is important for us to understand and to value the perspectives of our Muslim neighbors. Dialogue helps us gain knowledge about Islam and build relationships with brothers and sisters in a related Abrahamic faith tradition. What is Islam? The word Islam means “to submit” or “to obey,” derived from a word for peace. Muslims believe that they are to conform their lives in accordance with a divinely revealed path of submission to God. Islam teaches that God is merciful and compassionate. God promises the faithful peace and equality and entrance to eternal life. Who is Allah? Allah is the Arabic word for the one God. Muslims believe that there is no other God but God, and that there are no divisions in the Godhead. Who is Muhammad? Muhammad was born in the year 570 C.E. Muslims believe that, when he was 40, the angel Gabriel appeared to him in a cave where he was meditating, and, over the next 23 years, revealed to him messages from God. These messages were compiled into the Qur’an. Muslims do not regard Muhammad as divine with God, but as the last of the prophets. Muslims believe that the prophets of the Hebrew Scriptures and Jesus were true prophets, but in Muhammad the prophetic tradition was perfected. Who Is a Muslim? A Muslim is a person who is a member/follower of the religion of Islam. The word “Muslim” means one who “is submitted” to the will of God. There are Muslims all around the world, with large populations in Africa, Central and Southeastern Europe, and Asia as well as in the Middle East. In the United States, about 1/3 of Muslims are African American. There are about 6-7 million Muslims in the U.S. Most Muslims are not Arabs, and not all Arabs are Muslim. How did Islam Begin? Islam was founded in the 7th century C.E. by the prophet Muhammad based on revelations he received from God. The community took shape around the Qur’an and the teaching and example of Muhammad in the cities of Mecca and Medina in today’s Saudi Arabia. What Are Some of the Basic Aspects of Islam? There are Five Pillars, or basic practices and beliefs of Islam:
How Does Islam relate to other religions? Islam is one of the Abrahamic family of faiths that also includes Judaism and Christianity. Muslims recognize Abraham, Moses, Jesus and other Biblical figures as part of this tradition. What Are the Branches of Islam? There are two primary branches, the Shi’ite and the Sunni. The majority are Sunni. Those who believe that Ali (Muhammad’s cousin and son-in-law) was the rightful successor to Muhammad, and that leadership of the community should remain in the family line of the prophet, are called Shi’ite. Sufism is a form of Islamic mysticism. Sufis place emphasis on the inward experience of God, and on individual acts of spiritual discipline. What Is Jihad? “Jihad” means struggle or exertion in the way of God. The “greater jihad” is the struggle against temptation and evil within oneself. The “lesser jihad” is working against injustice or oppression in society. Sometimes this external form of jihad can include using armed force, within prescribed ethical limits. Did You Know? Islam is the fastest growing religion in the World. Right now there are about 1.2 billion Muslims in the world. By 2025, Islam is expected to grow by 50%. Christianity is the next fastest growing, expected to grow by 31%. There are currently about 2 billion Christians in the world. Indonesia has the greatest number of Muslims in a country, with over 170 million adherents. Pakistan has the next largest Muslim population, with 136 million. |
Comparative religions is the study of religions concerned with the systematic comparison of the doctrines, practices, and history of five of the world's major religions. There are many benefits to such a course of enquiry but in general the comparative study of religion yields a deeper understanding of the fundamental philosophical concerns of religion and of the differences and similarities in beliefs among people who practice these religions. A person who has undertaken such a course of study has a much richer and more sophisticated understanding of human beliefs and practices regarding religious practice.
In this class, we will be studying Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam.
In this class, we will be studying Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam.
Challenges
Challenge #1—Individual: Create an illustrated dictionary of Muslim terms. Include any terms you find throughout the unit that are new to you or are used in a new way. Also include in your dictionary a map of the major world centers of Islam. Due May 15
Challenge #2—Individual: Prepare and PHYSICALLY DEMONSTRATE a ritual of Islam. You may choose to do the demonstration live or via video. The demonstration MUST be given on the date the assignment is due---that’s the only day scheduled for presentations. Due May 15
Challenge #3—Individual or with a partner: Consider what you have learned about the history and development of Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. With that information, outline what you believe are the core issues currently facing countries in the Middle East and how these issues might be solved. Due May 24
Challenge #4—Individual: Create a presentation explaining the Five Pillars of Islam to a class of 2nd graders. You may NOT use posters or a power point in this presentation. Due May 17
Challenge #5—You may design an extra credit project of your choosing. The project proposal must be presented to me in writing and approved no later than May 20. Due May 24.
Challenge #2—Individual: Prepare and PHYSICALLY DEMONSTRATE a ritual of Islam. You may choose to do the demonstration live or via video. The demonstration MUST be given on the date the assignment is due---that’s the only day scheduled for presentations. Due May 15
Challenge #3—Individual or with a partner: Consider what you have learned about the history and development of Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. With that information, outline what you believe are the core issues currently facing countries in the Middle East and how these issues might be solved. Due May 24
Challenge #4—Individual: Create a presentation explaining the Five Pillars of Islam to a class of 2nd graders. You may NOT use posters or a power point in this presentation. Due May 17
Challenge #5—You may design an extra credit project of your choosing. The project proposal must be presented to me in writing and approved no later than May 20. Due May 24.