1. What are the Five Pillars of Islam?
A. The five pillars of Islam define the basic identity of Muslims - their faith, beliefs and practices - and bind together a worldwide community of believers into a fellowship of shared values and concerns. Shahadah, profession of faith, is the first pillar of Islam. Muslims bear witness to the oneness of God by reciting the creed "There is no God but God and Muhammad is the Messenger of God."Salah, prayer, is the second pillar. The Islamic faith is based on the belief that individuals have a direct relationship with God. The world's Muslims turn individually and collectively to Makkah, Islam's holiest city, to offer five daily prayers at dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset and evening. Zakat, almsgiving, is the third pillar. Social responsibility is considered part of one's service to God; the obligatory act of Zakat enshrines this duty. Sawm, fasting during the holy month of Ramadan, is the fourth pillar of Islam. Originated in the Holy Qur'an, the fast is an act of deep personal worship in which Muslims seek a richer perception of God. Hajj, the pilgrimage to Makkah, is the fifth pillar and the most significant manifestation of Islamic faith and unity in the world. For those Muslims who are physically and financially able to make the journey to Makkah, the Hajj is a once in a lifetime duty that is the peak of their religious life. The Hajj is a remarkable spiritual gathering of over two million Muslims from all over the world to the holy city.
A. The five pillars of Islam define the basic identity of Muslims - their faith, beliefs and practices - and bind together a worldwide community of believers into a fellowship of shared values and concerns. Shahadah, profession of faith, is the first pillar of Islam. Muslims bear witness to the oneness of God by reciting the creed "There is no God but God and Muhammad is the Messenger of God."Salah, prayer, is the second pillar. The Islamic faith is based on the belief that individuals have a direct relationship with God. The world's Muslims turn individually and collectively to Makkah, Islam's holiest city, to offer five daily prayers at dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset and evening. Zakat, almsgiving, is the third pillar. Social responsibility is considered part of one's service to God; the obligatory act of Zakat enshrines this duty. Sawm, fasting during the holy month of Ramadan, is the fourth pillar of Islam. Originated in the Holy Qur'an, the fast is an act of deep personal worship in which Muslims seek a richer perception of God. Hajj, the pilgrimage to Makkah, is the fifth pillar and the most significant manifestation of Islamic faith and unity in the world. For those Muslims who are physically and financially able to make the journey to Makkah, the Hajj is a once in a lifetime duty that is the peak of their religious life. The Hajj is a remarkable spiritual gathering of over two million Muslims from all over the world to the holy city.
2. How do Muslims complete Salat?
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3. What are 5-7 Islamic Holy Days or Celebrations?
A. There are a number of Islamic holy days and celebrations. A very important religion is Ramadan, the 9th month of the Muslim year which is celebrated from beginning to end as holy; many regard it as the holiest time of the Muslim year where Muslims are expected to fast all day, every day. Eid Al-Adhha is a “feast of sacrifice,” celebrated from the 10th through the 13th of Zul-Hijjah, marking the anniversary of Abraham’s attempt to sacrifice his son Ishmael on God’s orders (Jews and Christians believe it was Isaac). Yom Arafat, the 9th of Dhu Al-Hijja, occurs just before the celebration of Eid Al-Adhha, when people on the Haj assemble for the “standing” on the plain of Arafat, located near Mecca. Laylat Al-Baraa commemorates the night when all who repent are granted forgiveness, and Muslims believe that on this night, God sets each person’s path for the coming year, that they are pre-destined by God to some particular fate that is outside their control. Al-Hijra, the 1st of Muharram, marks the beginning of the Muslim New Year.
A. There are a number of Islamic holy days and celebrations. A very important religion is Ramadan, the 9th month of the Muslim year which is celebrated from beginning to end as holy; many regard it as the holiest time of the Muslim year where Muslims are expected to fast all day, every day. Eid Al-Adhha is a “feast of sacrifice,” celebrated from the 10th through the 13th of Zul-Hijjah, marking the anniversary of Abraham’s attempt to sacrifice his son Ishmael on God’s orders (Jews and Christians believe it was Isaac). Yom Arafat, the 9th of Dhu Al-Hijja, occurs just before the celebration of Eid Al-Adhha, when people on the Haj assemble for the “standing” on the plain of Arafat, located near Mecca. Laylat Al-Baraa commemorates the night when all who repent are granted forgiveness, and Muslims believe that on this night, God sets each person’s path for the coming year, that they are pre-destined by God to some particular fate that is outside their control. Al-Hijra, the 1st of Muharram, marks the beginning of the Muslim New Year.
4. What is the difference between Sunni and Shi’ia Muslims?
A. There is a big difference between Sunni and Shi’ia Muslims. The Shia Muslims believe that following the Prophet Muhammad's death, leadership should have passed directly to his cousin/son-in-law, Ali bin Abu Talib. Sunni Muslims make up the majority (85%) of Muslims all over the world, so Shi'ia has a lot less population of Muslims. Sunni Muslims counter that there is no basis in Islam for a hereditary privileged class of spiritual leaders, and certainly no basis for the veneration or intercession of saints but Shia Muslims believe that the Imam is sinless by nature, and that his authority is infallible as it comes directly from God.
A. There is a big difference between Sunni and Shi’ia Muslims. The Shia Muslims believe that following the Prophet Muhammad's death, leadership should have passed directly to his cousin/son-in-law, Ali bin Abu Talib. Sunni Muslims make up the majority (85%) of Muslims all over the world, so Shi'ia has a lot less population of Muslims. Sunni Muslims counter that there is no basis in Islam for a hereditary privileged class of spiritual leaders, and certainly no basis for the veneration or intercession of saints but Shia Muslims believe that the Imam is sinless by nature, and that his authority is infallible as it comes directly from God.
5. How are Muslims connected to Abraham?
A. Abraham is called Ibrahim by Muslims. They see him as the father of the Arab people as well as the Jewish people through his two sons, Isaac and Ishmael (Isma'il in Arabic). Abraham is considered to be neither a Jewish person, nor a Christian person nor a Muslim, but somebody who is a hernif - somebody who essentially and intrinsically knows that there is really only one God. Many of the stories of the Qur'an relate to Abraham.
A. Abraham is called Ibrahim by Muslims. They see him as the father of the Arab people as well as the Jewish people through his two sons, Isaac and Ishmael (Isma'il in Arabic). Abraham is considered to be neither a Jewish person, nor a Christian person nor a Muslim, but somebody who is a hernif - somebody who essentially and intrinsically knows that there is really only one God. Many of the stories of the Qur'an relate to Abraham.
6. How are women and children?
A. Women and children are treated well. A Muslim woman is equal in right to a Muslim man. If a Muslim man is married to a Muslim woman, then according to the Quran, "The most perfect in faith amongst believers is he who is best in manners and kindest to his wife."-Mohammed. Children are also treated equally, mostly because of the influence from Muhammad. Mohammed: “Fear Allah, and be just between your children.”
A. Women and children are treated well. A Muslim woman is equal in right to a Muslim man. If a Muslim man is married to a Muslim woman, then according to the Quran, "The most perfect in faith amongst believers is he who is best in manners and kindest to his wife."-Mohammed. Children are also treated equally, mostly because of the influence from Muhammad. Mohammed: “Fear Allah, and be just between your children.”
7. What are some signs, symbols, or dress related to Muslims?
A. There are a lot of Muslim signs, symbols and dresses! A crescent and star is the internationally represented symbol of Islam, and the symbol represents faith. Dress is very complicated for both men and women. For men, you have to trim your mustache and save your beard. Women have to wear a dress that covers everywhere except hands or your face.
A. There are a lot of Muslim signs, symbols and dresses! A crescent and star is the internationally represented symbol of Islam, and the symbol represents faith. Dress is very complicated for both men and women. For men, you have to trim your mustache and save your beard. Women have to wear a dress that covers everywhere except hands or your face.
8. How are Jews, Christians, and Muslims connected to Jerusalem?
A. Jewish, Christian and Muslim are all connected to Jerusalem. Jewish people consider Jerusalem the holiest city in Judaism. Temple Mount, a very important place to Jews, is in Jerusalem. Christians also have to do with Jerusalem. Jesus was brought to Jerusalem, and preached and healed there. Muslims are very connected to Jerusalem because it is a sacred site in tradition, and Mohammed went through there in a journey.
A. Jewish, Christian and Muslim are all connected to Jerusalem. Jewish people consider Jerusalem the holiest city in Judaism. Temple Mount, a very important place to Jews, is in Jerusalem. Christians also have to do with Jerusalem. Jesus was brought to Jerusalem, and preached and healed there. Muslims are very connected to Jerusalem because it is a sacred site in tradition, and Mohammed went through there in a journey.
9. What are 5-7 Holy places for Muslims?
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10.Describe the life of Mohammed and include a timeline that
highlights 7-10 events in his life.
A. Timeline of Muhammad's Life (A.D)
570 - Born in Mecca
576 - Orphaned upon death of mother 595 - Marries Kadijah - older, wealthy widow
610 - Reports first revelations from angel at age of 40
619 - Protector uncle dies
622 - Emigrates from Mecca to Medina (the Hijra)
623 - Orders raids on Meccan caravans
624 - Battle of Badr (victory)
624 - Evicts Qaynuqa Jews from Medina
624 - Orders the assassination of Abu Afak
624 - Orders the assassination of Asma bint Marwan
624 - Orders the assassination of Ka'b al-Ashraf
625 - Battle of Uhud (defeat)
625 - Evicts Nadir Jews
627 - Battle of the Trench (victory)
627 - Massacre of the Qurayza Jews
628 - Signing of the Treaty of Hudaibiya with Mecca
628 - Destruction and subjugation of the Khaybar Jews
629 - Orders first raid into Christian lands at Muta (defeat)
630 - Conquers Mecca by surprise (along with other tribes)
631 - Leads second raid into Christian territory at Tabuk (no battle)
632 - Dies (by illness)
Mohammed's life is very interesting, as he was with many bad events as well as good events. He was Born in Mecca, and his father already died but when he was 6, his mother died of illness. He then became an orphan. Years later, he marries Kadijah and starts getting revelations around 40 years old. He ordered assasinations all around,
highlights 7-10 events in his life.
A. Timeline of Muhammad's Life (A.D)
570 - Born in Mecca
576 - Orphaned upon death of mother 595 - Marries Kadijah - older, wealthy widow
610 - Reports first revelations from angel at age of 40
619 - Protector uncle dies
622 - Emigrates from Mecca to Medina (the Hijra)
623 - Orders raids on Meccan caravans
624 - Battle of Badr (victory)
624 - Evicts Qaynuqa Jews from Medina
624 - Orders the assassination of Abu Afak
624 - Orders the assassination of Asma bint Marwan
624 - Orders the assassination of Ka'b al-Ashraf
625 - Battle of Uhud (defeat)
625 - Evicts Nadir Jews
627 - Battle of the Trench (victory)
627 - Massacre of the Qurayza Jews
628 - Signing of the Treaty of Hudaibiya with Mecca
628 - Destruction and subjugation of the Khaybar Jews
629 - Orders first raid into Christian lands at Muta (defeat)
630 - Conquers Mecca by surprise (along with other tribes)
631 - Leads second raid into Christian territory at Tabuk (no battle)
632 - Dies (by illness)
Mohammed's life is very interesting, as he was with many bad events as well as good events. He was Born in Mecca, and his father already died but when he was 6, his mother died of illness. He then became an orphan. Years later, he marries Kadijah and starts getting revelations around 40 years old. He ordered assasinations all around,