Islam
### World Religions Study Guide – Islam
#### Demographics
- Islam is one of the largest religions in the world, with over 1.8 billion adherents, making up about 24% of the global population.
- The majority of Muslims live in the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia.
- The largest Muslim populations are in Indonesia, Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh.
#### Origin
- When? Islam originated in the 7th century CE (610 CE is when Muhammad received his first revelation).
- Where? It began in Mecca, in present-day Saudi Arabia.
- How? The religion was revealed to Prophet Muhammad over a span of 23 years through revelations from Allah (God), which were later compiled into the Qur'an.
#### Muhammad
- Muhammad is considered the final prophet in Islam. Muslims believe that he was the last messenger sent by Allah to guide humanity.
- He was born in Mecca around 570 CE and received his first revelation at the age of 40. He spent his life spreading the message of monotheism (belief in one God) and social justice.
- He migrated from Mecca to Medina (the Hijrah) in 622 CE, which marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar.
#### Branches of Islam
1. Sunni Islam: The largest branch, making up about 85-90% of Muslims. Sunnis emphasize the community's role in interpreting Islamic teachings.
2. Shia Islam: The second-largest branch, comprising about 10-15% of Muslims. Shias believe leadership should stay within the Prophet’s family, specifically with Ali, the Prophet's cousin and son-in-law.
#### Sacred Time
- Ramadan: The 9th month of the Islamic calendar, during which Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, commemorating the first revelation to Muhammad.
- Eid al-Fitr: The festival marking the end of Ramadan, celebrated with prayers, feasts, and charity.
- Eid al-Adha: The festival of sacrifice, marking the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God.
- Ashura: A day of fasting and mourning, especially significant for Shia Muslims, marking the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (grandson of Muhammad) at the Battle of Karbala.
#### Sacred Texts
1. Qur’an: The holy book of Islam, considered the literal word of Allah as revealed to Muhammad.
2. Hadith: A collection of sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad, used as a guide for Islamic law and practices.
3. Sunnah: The practices and traditions of the Prophet Muhammad, which complement the teachings of the Qur'an.
#### Sacred Places
1. Mecca: The holiest city for Muslims. Kaaba, a cube-shaped structure, is located in the Masjid al-Haram and is the focal point of the Hajj pilgrimage.
2. Medina: The second holiest city, where Muhammad migrated and is buried in the Prophet’s Mosque.
3. Jerusalem: Home to the Al-Aqsa Mosque, which holds significance in Islamic history. It is also believed that Muhammad ascended to heaven during the Isra and Mi'raj from this site.
#### Architecture
- Mosque: A place of worship for Muslims.
- Sahn: The courtyard of the mosque.
- Mihrab: A niche in the mosque indicating the direction of Mecca (qibla).
- Minaret: A tall tower from which the call to prayer is announced.
- Qubba: A dome, often found in mosque architecture.
- Calligraphy: Islamic art, often used to decorate mosques, particularly with verses from the Qur'an.
#### 5 Pillars of Islam
1. Shahadah: The declaration of faith, stating that there is no god but Allah and Muhammad is his prophet.
2. Salat: The five daily prayers, which are a central practice in Islam.
3. Sawm: Fasting during the month of Ramadan.
4. Zakat: Giving a portion of one's wealth to charity, typically 2.5% of savings annually.
5. Hajj: The pilgrimage to Mecca, required once in a lifetime for those who are able.
#### 6 Beliefs
1. Belief in Allah: The one and only God.
2. Belief in Angels: Beings created by Allah who carry out His commands.
3. Belief in the Books of Allah: The scriptures revealed to various prophets, including the Torah, Psalms, Gospel, and Qur’an.
4. Belief in the Prophets: Including Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad, the last prophet.
5. Belief in the Day of Judgment: The belief that all will be resurrected for judgment.
6. Belief in Predestination: Allah’s knowledge and will encompass everything in the universe.
#### Calendar Followed and Impact
- The Islamic calendar is lunar, meaning it is based on the moon's cycle. This causes Islamic months to shift about 10-12 days earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar.
- Major holidays like Ramadan and Hajj follow the lunar calendar.
#### Hijab
- The Hijab refers to the headscarf worn by some Muslim women as an expression of modesty. It is part of broader dress codes prescribed by Islamic teachings, often covering the entire body except the face and hands.
#### Religious Extremism
- Extremism in any religion involves individuals or groups who deviate from the mainstream interpretations of that faith. In Islam, extremist ideologies often distort the core teachings to justify violence or terrorism, which is condemned by most Muslim scholars and communities.
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### Additional Terms
- Islam: The religion that believes in submission to the will of Allah, founded by Prophet Muhammad in the 7th century.
- Allah: The Arabic word for God in Islam.
- Hijrah: The migration of Prophet Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE, marking the start of the Islamic calendar.
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### Short Answer Preparation
- What does the term Islam mean?
- Islam means "surrender" or "submission" to the will of Allah.
- Challenges American Muslims face today
- Discrimination, misunderstanding of their religion, Islamophobia, and challenges in balancing their faith with broader American society.
- Similarities between Islam and Christianity
- Both are monotheistic religions that believe in one God.
- Prophets: Both regard figures like Abraham and Moses as important.
- Both emphasize charity, prayer, and ethical behavior.
- Five Pillars: Individual and Communal Impact
- Individually, they guide daily behavior (e.g., prayer, fasting, charity).
- Communally, they emphasize the unity of the Muslim community, such as through the shared prayer times and the communal aspects of fasting and Hajj.
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This guide covers the key concepts and terms for your study of Islam. Good luck!