1 The Religion of Islam By Mr. Eichmann
2 The Life of Muhammad Born in Mecca in 570 A.D.Father died before he was born Raised by his uncle Master the skill of leading caravans Married Khadija, a wealthy widow
3 Visitation Visited by the angel GabrielTold that he would be the prophet for Allah (God) Began converting Arabs in Mecca from polytheism to monotheism
4 Medina Forced to leave Mecca by city leaders and flees to Medina (heijra) –Beginning of Muslim Calendar Converts people to Medina to Islam and leads army to capture Mecca (630 A.D.) Kabba becomes the center of the Islamic nation
5 More terms Related to IslamIman – A religious teacher or leader Arabic – The language used in the Qu’ran and by the Islamic world
6 The Five Pillars of IslamBelief in one God (Allah) Pray five times a day Give alms to the poor Fast during the month of Ramadan Make pilgrimage to Mecca at least one in your lifetime (hajj)
7 Interesting Facts Second largest in the world (behind Christianity)Fastest growing religion in the world Indonesia is the largest Muslim country Arab people make up only a small percentage of Islamic believers
8 Reasons for African-American Acceptance of IslamCould be considered an African religion, (northern and western Africa) Christianity seen as the religion of slaveholding nations Provides confidence and discipline Important in American Civil Rights Movement (Malcolm X)
9 Two Interpretations After Muhammad’s death, two forms of Islam developed in Arabia.
10 Social Beliefs of the Shi’aDescendents of Muhammad (Imans, sheiks, Ayatollahs) need to lead followers in proper laws of Islam Shi’a societies tend to be more conservative, calling for strict interpretation of the Qu’ran and its teachings. Follow the Shariah closely (stricter dress codes, crime laws)
11 Governments under Shi’a (Shi’a) RuleGovernment is a theocracy – It is overseen by religious leaders to make sure Islamic codes are enforced and followed (theocracy) Can have a religious leader (Ayatollah) or president approved by religious leaders Examples include (Iran – president approved by theocracy) or former government of Afghanistan (Taliban)
12 Social Beliefs of the SunniIt is up to each person to interpret the Qur’an in their own way. Society tends to be less strict and willing to accept change (clothing, habits) Some Sunni groups, however, can be conservative in their interpretation (example: ISIS)
13 Government Under Sunni RuleLeaders do not have to be religious, as long as promote and protect the faith of Islam Examples include the former government of Iraq (former dictatorship), Saudi Arabia (kingdom) , Lebanon, ISIS state
14 Muslim Rule Under the CaliphateIslam spreads throughout Middle East, southern Spain, northern Africa, and Asia Achieves this in less than 100 years after death of Muhammad (700s-800s) Muslim cities ruled by a Caliph, who represented both the government and religious leader of the community Significant caliphates: Baghdad, Mecca, Cordova, Spain Significant Muslim African empires: Mali and Songhai.
15 Achievements of the CaliphatesAdvances in shipbuilding and navigation lead to trade with Asia (astrolabe, cartography (mapmaking)) Exploration – The explorer Ibn Battutah traveled to Africa, India, China, and Spain in the 1320s. Mathematics – Algebra and Arabic numbers (1,2,3,…) Architecture and Art – Influenced by Greek and Roman styles to create mosaics, calligraphy, and large mosques. Literature – Folktales and stories (The Arabian Nights, Aladdin, Ali Baba, Sinbad) Music – Development of stringed instrument called the oud (later developed into the lute, then the guitar) Medicine – Combined Greek and Indian knowledge; first pharmacies and medical encyclopedias
16 “Jihad” in Arabic To "struggle in the way of God" or "to struggle to improve one's self and/or society". Also interpreted as “Holy War,” meaning to defend the beliefs of Islam against “infidels” (non-Muslims or those who do not follow the laws of Islam properly).
17 Conflict Between The Arab World (Middle East) and Western World (Europe, America)European nations take over Arab territories during the 1800s and rule them, take their resources, and give the people few rights. Western world increases demand for petroleum in the 20th century, leading to corporations making deals with Arab leaders for access to oil Western disinterest in corrupt Arab leaders who do little to help suffering of their people (leaders keep profits from oil to themselves, kingdoms or dictatorships with little individual rights) Negative aspects of Western culture (profanity, consumerism, pornography) against teachings of Islam and coming into Muslim nations through the media (television shows, Internet, etc.) Western nations support creation of the state of Israel and ignore suffering of Arab Palestinians. Western leaders tend to look down upon conservative Muslims as backward or out of touch with modern society (ex. Dress, treatment of women, codes of law, etc.) Muslims who live in Western nations not treated equally or face persecution for their religious beliefs (France, America, Australia) Differing interpretations on the use of terrorism used by extremist Islamic groups (Palestine Liberation Organization, Hezbollah, Hamas, Al Qaeda, etc.)
18 The Western Definition of “Terrorism”The unlawful use or threatened use of force or violence by a person or an organized group against people or property with the intention of scaring or forcing societies or governments to meet their demands. Terrorist cell – A group of 3-5 members that works independently of other cells but has connections to a terrorist organization.
19 Organizations Seen as Terrorist Organizations in the Western WorldPalestine Liberation Organization (PLO) – formed in the 1950s fighting against Israel and for a Palestinian state. The Islamic Jihad – Palestinian Organization calling for the destruction of Israel Hamas (Islamic Resistance Movement in Arabic) – A Sunni rival of the Islamic Jihad in the Palestinian territories Hezbollah (party of God in Arabic) – Shi’a organization in southern Lebanon which also has fought against Israel Al Qaeda – (“Foundation” or “The Base” in Arabic) Worldwide Shi’a organization formed by Osama Bin Laden with cells in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
20 Arguments Concerning TerrorismArab argument – Terrorism encompasses all forms of terror (war, hunger, threat of nuclear weapons) Western argument- Terrorism only defined by specific acts of violence
21 Arguments Supporting TerrorismArab argument – Organizations who use violence give Arabs a voice for their concerns, which are often ignored Western argument – Those who use violence are terrorists, and these organizations need to find peaceful means to discuss their differences
22 Arguments Concerning TerrorismArab world – Need to use terrorism to get respect from the western world Western world – Terrorism is a cowardly act not worthy of respect Arab world – Being “unseen” gives us an advantage Western world – People with concerns must be out in the open and willing to negotiate.
23 Arguments Concerning TerrorismArab world – Those that sacrifice their lives for Islam are martyrs and heroes in the eyes of Allah. Western World – Suicide bombings are an immoral act and cannot be justified.
24 Differences Between Older Forms of Terrorism and Al-QaedaOlder forms - Organizations would commit an act, then claim responsibility for the violent act Al-Qaeda – Organization never claims responsibility and forces those attacked to find out for themselves
25 Differences Between Older Forms of Terrorism and Al-QaedaOlder Forms – Focus on a regional issue and goal Al-Qaeda – Focus on a national movement to promote “radical” Islamic ideas Older forms - Focuses on small targets Al Qaeda - Focuses on large targets that symbolize something important or meaningful
26 Differences Between Older Forms of Terrorism and Al-QaedaOlder forms – Attacks limited to a regional area Al-Qaeda – Attacks occur throughout the world (ex. World Trade Center, train station in Spain, London Subway System, tourist center in Indonesia)