E. Napp

Islam In this lesson, students will be able to identify characteristics of Islam. Students will be able to identify and/or define the following terms:

MuhammadThe Five Pillars of the Faith

Muslim (Moslem)Koran (Qu’ran)

E. Napp

Saudi Arabiais a country

in the MiddleEast. It is alsothe birthplaceof the world

religion, Islam.

E. Napp

Muhammad

• Muhammad was born in Mecca, Arabia.

• He became involved in the Arabian caravan trade.

• He eventually married a wealthy widow and spent many hours meditating and praying in the caves around Mecca.

E. Napp

Muhammad wasa religious man.

He frequentlymeditated and prayed in the caves around

Mecca.

E. Napp

One day,Muhammad

believedthat God

spoke to himthrough

an angel.

E. Napp

By the 600s A.D., a new religionwas founded.

The religion of Islamis based on therevelations of the Prophet Muhammad.

E. Napp

Monotheism• Muhammad believed that the one, true

God had spoken to him. Muhammad became a monotheist.

• Muhammad believed that the God who spoke to him was the same God of the Jews and Christians.

• Muhammad believed that he was the Seal of the Prophets or God’s final prophet.

E. Napp

The Koran orQu’ran is the holy book of

Islam. Muslimsor Moslems

(the followers ofIslam) believethat the words

of the Koran areGod’s words to

Muhammad.

E. Napp

At one point, Muhammad and his followershad to flee Mecca and go to Medina. This

is called the Hegira or Hijra.

E. Napp

The Five Pillars of the Faith• The Five Pillars of the Faith are five critical

beliefs or actions for Muslims or followers of Muhammad.

• The Five Pillars are:To believe in One God

To Pray Five Times a Day Facing MeccaTo Give Alms or Charity to the Poor

To Fast During the Month of Ramadan from Sunrise to Sunset

To Make a Pilgrimage to Mecca if Able

E. Napp

Muslimsare notallowedto drinkalcohol.

E. Napp

Muslims are not allowed to eat pork.

E. Napp

The religion of Islam allows a manto marry four wives. It allows polygamy.

E. Napp

Questions for Reflection:

• Who was Muhammad?• What is the Koran?• List the Five Pillars of the Faith.• Who is a Muslim and what are Muslims

forbidden to do?• What was the Hegira?• What do Jews, Christians, and Muslims

have in common?