ISLAM

Objectives of the Lesson

  • Examine the brief history, core teachings, fundamental beliefs, practices, and related issues of Islam.

Brief Description of Islam

  • Islam is a monotheistic religion founded by Prophet Muhammad in the 7th century.

  • Based on the Quran and the belief in one God (Allah).

Meaning of Islam

  • The word "Islam" comes from an Arabic root word meaning peace and submission.

  • Example of peace in Islam: the greeting "As-salamu alaykum".

  • Islam teaches that peace is found by submitting to Allah in heart, soul, and deed.

Definition of a Muslim

  • A Muslim is someone who believes in and consciously follows Islam, derived from the same root word as Islam.

Historical Context

  • Arabia: The origin of Islam lies in Mecca and Medina.

  • Pre-Islamic Religious Life: Marked by a mix of polytheism, the beliefs of Judaism, Christianity, and Iranian religions.

  • In 610 C.E., Muhammad receives a visit from the angel Gabriel.

The Quran

  • The Quran means "recitation" and is the sacred text of Islam.

  • It serves as the highest authority in both religious and legal matters.

  • Contains 114 suras and a total of 6236 ayat.

  • Provides detailed guidelines for day-to-day living as a Muslim.

Six Articles of Islamic Faith

  1. Belief in God (Allah)

    • Monotheism (tawhid = "divine unity") with 99 names of God.

    • The same God is shared by Jews, Christians, and Muslims.

    • Allah has no associate or partner; the trinity concept is rejected.

  2. Belief in the Unseen

    • Angels: Created beings with no free will, guiding and protecting people.

    • Spirits (Jinn): Spiritual beings that can be good or evil.

  3. Belief in Prophethood

    • Muslims believe in thousands of prophets — referred to as nabi for prophets and rasul for messengers.

    • There is a Chain of Prophets in Islam.

  4. Belief in Revelation

    • Acceptance of holy books revealed in the past, representing Progressive Revelation.

    • Includes books like those of Moses and Psalms of David.

  5. Belief in the Day of Judgement

    • Belief in the Resurrection of the Dead.

    • There will be a Judgement/Afterlife — with eternal rewards for the righteous and punishment for the wicked.

  6. Belief in Divine Decree

    • Human nature and free will — understanding right from wrong, and how God corrects us.

    • Destiny/Fate/Predestination: Belief that God has written our destinies and knows everything.

Five Pillars of Islam

  • The Five Pillars of Islam serve as the foundation of Muslim practice, promoting religious discipline and social cohesion.

  1. Shahada (Faith)

    • Declaration: "There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His Messenger."

    • Arabic version: أشهد أن لا إله إلا الله وأشهد أن محمدًا رسول الله.

    • Incorporates the Tashahhud, which is a declaration of faith recited in prayer, affirming the oneness of Allah and the prophethood of Muhammad.

  2. Salah (Prayer)

    • Muslims pray five times a day at prescribed times: Fajr, Dhur, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha.

  3. Zakat (Charity)

    • Muslims who meet financial thresholds must give 2.5% of their savings annually to those less fortunate.

  4. Sawm (Fasting)

    • Observed during Ramadan, with fasting from dawn to sunset.

  5. Hajj (Pilgrimage)

    • Mandatory pilgrimage to Mecca that must be undertaken at least once in a lifetime by those who are able (physically and financially).

Shariah of Islam

  • Shariah refers to the Islamic legal system derived from the Quran, Hadith (sayings of Prophet Muhammad), Ijma (consensus), and Qiyas (analogy).

  • It encompasses moral, ethical, and legal aspects of daily life, guiding Muslims on how to live according to Allah's will.

Five Categories of Actions in Shariah

  • Fard (Obligatory): Actions that are mandatory for Muslims to perform; failing to do them incurs a penalty. Examples include daily prayers and fasting during Ramadan.

  • Mustahabb (Recommended): Actions that are recommended, which earn reward from Allah but are not obligatory. Examples include additional prayers and charitable giving beyond the required Zakat.

  • Mubah (Permissible): Neutral actions that are neither rewarded nor punished; these include many daily activities, like eating and dressing, as long as they comply with Islamic principles.

  • Makruh (Discouraged): Actions that are not forbidden but are discouraged; avoiding them brings reward. Examples include excessive consumption of food.

  • Haram (Forbidden): Actions that are absolutely prohibited in Islam, and engaging in them incurs a penalty. Examples include theft, murder, and adultery.

Islamic Sects

  • Sunni

    • Major sect, comprising 85-90% of Muslims worldwide.

  • Shia

    • Comprises about 10-15% of the Muslim population.