2. ISLAM
Began in the 7th Century - 1.2 billion
followers
Second largest world religion, and fastest
growing
Plays a major role in world affairs, making it
important to gain a proper understanding of it
3. ISLAM
“Surrender” or “Submission”
Monotheistic; “Allah”- The God
Islam: Submission of every moment of one’s
life to Allah
“Muslim” means “one who submits”
4. THE FOUNDATIONS OF ISLAM
Qur’an – the primary sacred text of Islam
The Prophet Muhammad (~570-632)
The primary teachings – from the Qur’an and
the life of Muhammad (the Sunna)
The Muslim community or Umma
5. ISLAM VS. CHRISTIANITY
Share many elements – for example, one
God, the figures of Abraham, Moses, Jesus
Abba vs. Allah
Dr. Scott Hahn’s Blasphemy with Breakfast
6. THE STORY OF NOAH
Questions Answers from the
Qur’an (handout)
Answers from the
Bible (Gen 6:5-
9:17)
Who is Noah?
What is God’s
command to him?
Why is humanity
punished?
What are Noah’s
feelings?
How does the
destruction occur?
Who survives?
7. QUR’AN
“Recitation”
Ultimate authority and divine in nature
Offers a system of faithful living or way of life:
Pious devotion (faith) and;
Moral behavior (actions)
Consists of 114 Surahs (Chapters)
8. THE PROPHET MUHAMMAD
Born in Mecca (Saudi Arabia) around 570 AD
Mecca – Ka’ba: the ancient shrine
traditionally associated Abraham
9. THE PROPHET MUHAMMAD
Orphaned at a young age, raised by an uncle
Enjoyed comfortable social status
Married a wealthy widow at age 24
Became a prosperous merchant
10. THE PROPHET MUHAMMAD
Age 40 – Summoned by God to become a
prophet
Proclaim the word of the supreme and single
God, Allah
Slowly, Islam gained influence
11. THE PROPHET MUHAMMAD
622 – Muhammad moved to Yathrib (Medina
– “City of the Prophet”)
Quickly rose as a leader and instituted Islam
In 630, Medina overtook Mecca (and the
Ka’ba), resulting in the growth of Islam
632 – Muhammad dies in Medina
12. FIVE PILLARS
Qur’an outlines 5 obligations essential to
lives of Muslims
1 - Confession of one’s faith in God and in
his prophet Muhammad
Basis for Islamic culture
13. FIVE PILLARS
2 – Ritual Worship
Formal periods of worship 5 times a day
Consists of recitations and petitions directed
toward the city of Mecca and the Ka’ba
14. FIVE PILLARS
3 – Almsgiving
A “purification” tax on property for the benefit of
the poor
Fixed amount, usually about 2.5% of one’s
wealth
15. FIVE PILLARS
4 – Fasting
Observed during the holy month of Ramadan,
the ninth month of the Muslim year
Refrain from eating/drinking from dawn to sunset
5 – Pilgrimage: Hajj
Every Muslim capable is expected to travel to
Mecca at least once in their lifetime.
