Islam

🌍 Key Places of Importance in Islam

🕋 Mecca

• Holiest city in Islam.

• Birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad.

• Site of the Kaaba – the most sacred structure, towards which Muslims pray.

• Destination for the Hajj (pilgrimage), one of the Five Pillars of Islam.

🕌 Medina

• Known as the “City of the Prophet.”

• Where Muhammad fled during the Hijrah (migration) after facing persecution in Mecca.

• Site of the Battle of the Trench.

• Important early Islamic community.

✨ Jerusalem

• Site of Muhammad’s Night Journey (Isra and Mi’raj), where he ascended to heaven.

• Location of the Dome of the Rock (built on the site of the former Jewish Temple).

👑 Leadership in Islam

📖 Important Concepts and Terms

• Islam: Means “submission”. Refers to submitting to the will of Allah.

• Muslim: One who submits to Allah.

• Allah: The name Muslims use for God.

• Qur’an: Holy book of Islam, believed to be the literal word of God as revealed to Muhammad.

• Ayat: Means “signs”; refers to the verses of the Qur’an.

• Pilgrimage: Religious journey (e.g., Hajj).

• Polygamy: Islam allows a man to have up to 4 wives under specific conditions.

⚠ Prohibited in Islam

• Idolatry: Worship of images, statues, or objects.

• Polytheism: Belief in more than one god.

• Haram: Forbidden actions or foods (e.g., pork, alcohol).

• Shirk: Associating partners with God or attributing divine qualities to others.

🌟 The 5 Pillars of Islam

1. Shahada – Declaration of faith: “There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His messenger.”

2. Salat – Prayer: Muslims must  pray 5 times daily facing Mecca.

3. Zakat – Charity: Giving a portion of one’s yearly wealth to those in need.

4. Sawm – Fasting during Ramadan, from dawn to sunset.

5. Hajj – Pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in a lifetime, if able.

📅 Key Dates

• Muhammad: Born c. 570 CE, died 632 CE

• Final prophet in Islam, received revelations of the Qur’an.

🕌 Major Islamic Empires (in order)

1. Umayyad (661–750)

2. Abbasid (750–1258)

3. Ottoman (1299–1924)

🌟 Muhammad as Role Model

• Seen as the ideal human in Islam.

• His life is followed through the Sunnah (example) and Hadith (sayings).

• Model in faith, leadership, family, and daily conduct.

⚔ Islam vs. Christianity on War

Topic Islam Christianity

War -  Allowed for self-defense (Jihad) -Generally discouraged; peace preferred

Rules -  No harm to innocents or nature -  Early Church was pacifist

Viewpoint -   Can be just if ethical -    War is seen as result of sin

🔁 Similar Concepts: Christianity ↔ Islam

Islam Christianity

Allah God

Qur’an Jesus (Word of God)

Muhammad Mary (Messenger of the Word)

Mosque Church

Imam Priest/Pastor

Zakat Tithing

Sawm (Fasting) Lent

Hajj Pilgrimage

Jannah Heaven

Jahannam Hell