LESSON 6: ISLAM camel driver.

From his travels in the Arabian Peninsula to the different Byzantine cities, he may
have met and conversed with Christians, Jews, and Zoroastrians alike. Muhammad soon learned the
SYMBOLS various ways and means of their belief system that may have led him to question the faith of his own
STAR AND CRESCENT people, especially with regard their animistic practices and reverence given to numerous gods and
idols. He used to retreat to Mount Hira near Mecca in search of truth about God.
- Has become the acknowledged representation of the Islamic faith. The symbol
Muhammad later married an older wealthy widow named Khadija, fifteen years his senior.
can be seen in the national flags of states that came about following the collapse of
Muhammad was twenty-five years old when he married Khadija who was about forty years old at the
the Ottoman Empire in the 20th century. Around the 1970s, it was adopted by
time. Khadija managed her own caravan and Muhammad was working for her. He was married only
movements that advocated Arab nationalism. Traditionally, the crescent moon or the hilal has early
to Khadija as long as she lived even though it was acceptable for men to have multiple wives then.
connections with royalty. It is also closely linked to the lunar calendar that orders the religious life of
Khadija became his staunch supporter and one of his first converts to the new religion he founded.
the Muslims.
Around the year 610 C.E., Muhammad began hearing the voice of God in a cave on the summit
ALLAH of Mount Hira, just outside Mecca in the Arabian Hijaz. God was speaking to Muhammad in the
- The words "Allah" in Arabic script or characters can be regarded as visually Arabic language. Mostly auditory but occasionally in visual form, he began to experience divine
representing Islam as a symbol. revelations delivered by the angel Gabriel. Muhammad first disclosed these revelations only to his
wife since revealing these messages to his tribe could disturb the social order that was primarily
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND anchored on clan and kinship. He was preaching a new order built upon God’s will and human
 Established around seventh century C.E., Islam is the youngest among the world’s major submission to this belief.
religions. The term “Islam” originated from an Arabic word meaning “submit.” In other words, Islam
 With more than 1.5 billion adherents comprising almost one-fourth of the entire world population, means to “surrender or submit oneself for obedience to God” or to “enter into a condition of
Islam is the second largest group and one of the fasting growing religions in the world. peace and security with God through allegiance and surrender to him”. On the other hand, the
 Majority of Muslims, the followers of Islam, live in Asia and Africa. There are 49 countries in the word “Muslim” is the Arabic word for a person who submits. A Muslim, therefore, is a “person who
world that are Muslim-majority or comprise 50% of the population. The 1.2 billion Muslims in surrenders or submits himself to obey God” In Arabic, the word “Allah” is a compound of al (the
these countries equivalent to 74% of the entire Muslim population worldwide. definite article, the) and ilah (god or deity). Joined together, the words signify “god Henceforth, he is
 More than 60% of the world’s Muslims can be found in Asia, including Indonesia, Pakistan, India, called Allah or “the one who is God.” Muhammad was preaching that there can only be one God.
Bangladesh, Turkey, and Iran. Indonesia is the world’s most populous Muslim-majority country Beginning 613 C.E., Muhammad began to impart these sacred messages to his closest relatives
with almost 87% of the population practicing the Islam religion. and friends. However, the polytheistic people of Mecca gave him a tepid response. As the revelations
 Pre-Islamic people worshipped a variety of gods. While they recognize the existence of one supreme became known to members of his clan, the Qurasyh tribe began to consider Muhammad and his
god, local and tribal gods were mostly venerated by the people. radical view of submission to one god as one major threat to the long-established tradition and
 Carved images were done to represent these gods that were often revered and given blood absoluteness of tribal authority. While god and deities (known as jinn) were revered, tribes and clan
sacrifices. reigned supreme on all societal issues. Quite evidently, Muhammad was challenging the supremacy
 Apart from the presence of these gods, there were also angels, fairies, demonic creatures, and evil of the Qurasyh system.
spirits in pre-Islam religion. Apart from worshipping a pantheon of gods, pre-Islamic religion was The Muslims consider Muhammad as a messenger and the last prophet sent by God to
also animistic in character. Spirits found in rocks, trees, and wells had to be revered at their humankind who was visited by the angel Gabriel. While he gained the loyalty of several followers who
sanctuaries and placated for assistance. were convinced by his religious ideals, the Meccan tribes eventually grew hostile to Muhammad’s
 In time, the city of Mecca became a sacred shrine because of these animistic associations. A emerging faction. The radical teachings of Muhammad angered local tribes so they began
meteoric stone that had fallen in Mecca centuries before became an object of veneration to the persecuting him and his loyal followers.
animistic people. In 622 C.E., Muhammad and his group moved to Medina to escape persecution from the
 Pilgrims then built an enclosure around the stone and called it Kaaba. Various images and relics Meccans. The flight of Muhammad from Mecca to Medina is known as hijra which marked the
gradually filled the Kaaba, including a painting of Jesus and Mary. Pilgrims travelled to Mecca to beginning of the Islamic calendar. Mired in frequent gridlock, Medinian tribes wanted Muhammad
worship at the shrine. The “Black Stone,” which according to Muslim tradition dates back to the to become their leader. The Muslims who follow Muhammad in his journey are known as Muhajirun
time of Adam and Eve, eventually became a very important object for the Meccans at the time (“those who made the hijra”) while those who supported him in Medina are known as Ansar (“the
when various clans struggled to control the Kaaba. Mecca, situated on the central western coast of helpers”). Their descendants are honored in the Islam religion. With local tribes involved in frequent
Arabia is positioned on the major north-south caravan route. internal strife, Muhammad restored peace and order in Medina. Shortly after his arrival in 622 C.E,
LIFE OF MUHAMMAD he united the Medinian tribes under one constitution.
Around the year 570 C.E., Muhammad ibn Abdullah was born in the oasis town of Mecca. Muhammad and his followers waged a constant battle against Meccan tribes until 630 C.E.
Muhammad’s father died before he was born while his mother died before he was six years old. He Finally, after almost eight years of struggle, Muhammad and his troops of around ten thousand
belonged to the clan of Hashim of the Quraysh Tribe that controlled the Kaaba. Following the converts marched to Mecca and took over the city almost unopposed. In Kaaba, he tore down the
tradition, he was sent to be reared among the Bedouins. When his mother died, Muhammad was three hundred sixty pagan idols displayed at the holy shrine.
raised by his grandfather Abd al-Muttalib. In 632 C.E., Muhammad died at the age of 62 but his newly founded religion had spread across
Later on, Muhammad was taken into custody by his paternal uncle, Abu Talib, who was chief of the entire Arabian Peninsula and the Muslims had been united as one religious community. He was a
the Quraysh tribe. Life must have been very difficult for the young Muhammad. With no formal classic example of a just, compassionate, honest, and brave human being far removed from all evil
schooling, Muhammad worked as a caravan worker travelling across the Arabian Peninsula as a deeds. Muhammad’s actions were solely for the sake of Allah as he is ever mindful and fearful of his

1| LESSON 6: ISLAM
one true god. God has made all revelations to Muhammad, the last of the prophets and the seal of the Kutub al-Sittah or the Six Sahih (“Authentic”) Books.
prophecy. - great systematic collections of hadiths that are known
1. SACRED SCRIPTURES - 2 most authentic collection
THE Q’URAN The collections of Persian scholars Muhammad al-Bukhari (810-870) and Muslim ibn al-Hajjaj
 Sacred writing of Muslims. Koran in English. Literally means “recitation” or “reading.” (c.815-875) are the most respected and most often cited among the said collections.
 Revelation from God of his speech (kalam) and is the foundation of the Islam religion. Imam Bukhari - authored the Sahih al-Bukhari
 The supreme authority in all matters of faith, theology, and law. Imam Muslim - compiled the Sahih Muslim.
 A copy of the eternal scripture written in heaven but made known to Muhammad chapter by The word sahih in these titles indicates that the authors of these books sifted the authentic
chapter. reports about Muhammad from other unsubstantiated narratives. The various rituals and obligations
 Word of God that is binding, continuous, and supreme. embedded in the so-called “Five Pillars of Islam” as well as majority of criminal laws originate from
 Any translation of the Quran, either in English or in any other language, is neither a Quran nor a the hadiths.
version of the Quran; rather, it is only a translation of the meaning of the Quran.
 The same message became known to earlier prophets like Moses and Jesus but people gradually 2. BELIEFS AND DOCTRINES
altered the revelation entrusted to them by God. Islam began as a way of life (din) for its followers which God intended for his creation from the
 Quran in Arabic, the only language in which it was revealed, is considered the perfect word of very beginning. In time, God had to send several prophets, including Musa (Moses) and ‘Isa (Jesus),
God. Commanded by angel Gabriel to “iqra” or “recite.” by Muhammad. to summon people back to the din as a result of human rebellion and transgression. Ultimately, all
 Initially memorized by Muhammad. Revelation expands from 609 to 632 C.E. prophets were rejected, persecuted, or killed except for Muhammad.
 Written down by Zayd ibn Thabit (c.610-c.660 C.E.) On leather scraps, stone pieces, ribs of palm While some religions may have room for subjective or personal discernment regarding matters of
leaves, shoulder blades of animals, and parchments. conduct, Islamic beliefs are more dominantly social in character. Islamic religious laws cover the daily
Surah – Chapters life of all Muslims—from education, dress, marriage, sexual relations, justice, punishments,
Ayahs – Verses, “evidence” or “sign” economics, diet, and even rules of hospitality. While Islam’s approach to life and death, origins of the
114 Chapters in the Quran universe, and the nature of mankind is simple, it is also rigid and uncompromising
86 as Meccan - generally pertain to religious ideals For all Muslims, there is only one compassionate, everlasting, and omnipotent God, being the
28 as Medinian - deal with the organization of the Muslim community. lord of everything in existence, including humans. Around eight thousand years ago, God created the
Hijra - or the journey of Muhammad from Mecca to Medina. universe and may terminate it when he wills it so.
Juz – Q’uran divided into 30 equal parts.  A “Day of Judgment” shall ensue wherein all humankind will be resurrected and individually
Neither thematic nor chronological. Q’uran arranged based on the length of the surah in accounted for.
descending order.  Everyone will be fully awakened and raised to a higher spiritual life
No two copies of the Quran anywhere in the world differ in any way.  Based on their own deeds and fully aware of the effects of these deeds in this life, everyone will
The longest surah has about 286 ayahs, Al-Baqarah (“The Heifer”). then be sent to either paradise or hell for
The shortest surah has only three ayahs, Al-Kawthar (“Abundance”).  All these knowledges had been revealed by God to Muhammad and written down in the Quran.
The first of all the surah is called Fatihah (“The Opening”) Since all people originate from God and return to him after death, there can never be contending
religions that may divide people from one another. As such, Islam advocates for the establishment of
Fatihah one single community or ummah
- In the form of a prayer to God for guidance. *most frequently recited segment of the Koran
 During Muhammad’s time, the ummah was a community bigger than the tribe, demanding a
“In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful loyalty which came before loyalty to kinsfolk
Praise be to Allah, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the Worlds;  In the end, a Muslim must not fight a fellow Muslim.
Most Gracious, Most Merciful;
Master of the Day of Judgement. THE FIVE PILLARS OF ISLAM
You do, we worship and Your aid, we seek. The basic obligations of Muslims are called the Five Pillars of Islam or arkan al-din.
Show us the straight way, 1. The Creed (Shahada)
The way of those on whom You have bestowed Your Grace,  “there is no God but Allah; Muhammad is the messenger of Allah”
those whose (portion) is not wrath, and who go not astray.”  “La ilaha illa Allah; Muhammadon rasul Allah.”
Hafiz (male), Hafiza (female)  Shahada in Arabic
- “Guardian”  These are the very first words uttered into an infant’s ear and perhaps the last
- A person who is able to memorize the Quran in its entirety words given to a dying Muslim.
 The shahada asserts that Allah is the only divinity and that he has relayed his will
THE HADITH through Muhammad. To be accepted into the Islam fold, one must recite the
 Collection of the deeds and sayings of Muhammad and his followers (“traditional reports or kalima or phrase with two witnesses.
sayings”) Second source of shari’a law. Collected generations after the death of Muhammad.  Tawheed (“the unity”)
 Recognized today as second in authority after the Koran. - Which is the most important statement of Muslim faith.

2| LESSON 6: ISLAM
  Risallah (“acceptance of prophethood”)  By fulfilling to pay zakat, well-off Muslims cleanse their material possessions and can liberally
- Which implies acceptance of prophets as messengers of god enjoy their fortunes with Allah’s approval. Hence, zakat is viewed as purification of one’s
 For a Muslim to deny any part of the shahada is tantamount to the crime of reversion to Islam resources.
that is punishable under Quranic law.
4. Fasting (Sawm)
2. Obligatory Prayer (Salat)  Fasting or sawm during the entire 30 days of Ramadan,
 Facing in the direction of Mecca or qiblah, Muslims must offer prayers or salat  the ninth month of the Islamic calendar must be performed by all Muslims every year.
five times each and every day  The Ramadan is believed to be the month when Muhammad received the first surah of the Quran.
1. before sunrise (as-subh), 4. immediately after sunset (al-maghreb), The sawm is done by all Muslims to express obedience to Allah and the readiness to relinquish
2. noon (az-zuhr), 5. before midnight (al-isha) pleasures in their lives.
3. mid-afternoon (al-asr),  During this time, a Muslim must refrain from eating, drinking, smoking, and
 In a mosque or masjid (“place of prostration”) where Muslims offer prayers in engaging in any sexual intimacy from dusk until dawn. By resisting the demands of
congregation, men and women pray separately. the body during sawm, the Muslims strengthen their will. Muslims are reminded
 A structure of masjid can range from a simple desert prayer ground (musalla) that they have the capacity to ignore the longing of the body or material
or just any space whereby rules of ritual purity are properly observed. gratification
 Each prayer session begins when the strong-voiced muezzin or caller recites the  The sawm culminates with the “Feast of Breaking the Fast” (‘Id al-Fitr) wherein
call to prayer (adhan) from the tallest point of a mosque, often a minaret. Muslims may celebrate and partake in festivities.
 A minaret is a tall structure or thin tower that is used to call the people to  They hold congregational prayers and exchange presents.
prayer.  Any Muslim who has reached puberty and is healthy must undertake sawm.
 The adhan, composed of rhythmic Arabic phrases devised by Muhammad himself, is often  Muslims who are exempted from performing sawm include small children, those
recorded and broadcast through speakers. who are on a journey, sick persons, and mothers nursing infants.
 Before any prayer commences, an elaborate ritual washing (wudu) must be performed to remove  For those who are temporarily unable to observe sawm, they must perform the
any impurities and unclean substances from the body or clothes of the faithful. missed fast after Ramadan.
 Most mosques are frequently equipped with facilities for washing hands, feet, and face before  For those who are permanently unable to fast, such as the very old or persons
prayer those with long-term illness, they can give charity to poor Muslims instead
 Clean and potable water must be given to any person who comes to a mosque
 Muslim men often pray in mosques while women pray at their homes. 5. Pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj)
 To pray, a Muslim stands on clean ground without shoes or wearing clean ones  All Muslims must attempt to undertake a pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca or hajj
 A special carpet may be provided to provide the person a clean surface. (“visitation of Holy Places”) at least once in their lifetime during the twelfth
 Aside from salat, a Muslim can address a prayer to Allah at any given time in any circumstance Islamic month. The “Grand Mosque” (Al-Masjid al-Haram) in Mecca houses the
using any words one chooses most sacred site of Islam, the Kaaba (“House of Allah”).
 The Kaaba is a cube-shaped ancient stone building that dates back to the time of
3. Poor Tax (Zakat) Adam and Eve according to Muslim tradition. Muslims believe that the Kaaba was
 Muslims who live above the subsistence level must pay zakat or the poor tax to aid originally built for the worship of God by Abraham and his son Ishmael. The Kaaba
the underprivileged Muslims. represents the end of a journey because it is the symbolic point of origin of all
 Affluent Muslims must share their wealth to the unfortunate ones. creation wherein all things turn around it and from it all things radiate
 Originally, almsgiving was for the benefit of the poor, widows, and orphans through  Inside the Kaaba is the “Black Stone,” twelve inches in diameter, located on the
an act of charity. eastern cornerstone of the building that was set intact into the wall by Muhammad
 Later on, it became mandatory amounting to a certain percentage of a Muslim’s himself in 605 C.E.
total resources.  A fragmented dark rock often described as meteorite, the “Black Stone” has been
 Islam has never viewed begging as dishonorable polished smooth by the pilgrims through time.
 Zakat is not charity but an annual wealth tax that serves as just and lawful claim  Broken into a number of fragments, it is now cemented into a silver frame on the eastern
of the poor against the affluent ones. It is payable the moment a Muslim has corner of the Kaaba.
accumulated sufficient resources starting with a basic rate which is fortieth (2.5  For Muslim men to participate in hajj
percent) of a person’s entire asset, including savings, jewels, and land.  they must be sound, physically able, and able to provide for their dependents while they are on
 It is a religious duty done out of obedience to Allah and compassion to poor pilgrimage to Mecca.
Muslims. The spirit of self-sacrifice is developed by paying zakat that somehow curtails the feeling  For Muslim women may also take part in hajj subject to a number of restrictions.
of greed  For example, women must be accompanied by a male chaperon (mahram) who must be a man
 The Quran states that all worldly wealth is unclean unless utilized in the service of Allah and they are legally unable to marry, such as their father or brother
Islam. A horrible fortune awaits those people who became wealthy as a result of usurious activities  Before travelling to Mecca, pilgrims (hajji) pray incessantly and perform extended washing
and those who neglect the welfare of poor Muslims. rituals. Pilgrims also shave and cut their hair and nails.
 For men, they wear a special ihram outfit that consists of two large pieces of white, unhemmed
clothes. One-piece wraps around the waist and the other goes over the right shoulder. For

3| LESSON 6: ISLAM
 women, they wear simple white dresses. They also wear additional garments to completely cover Id al-Adha or the Feast of Sacrifice
their face and legs. Men and women pilgrims wear sandals instead of shoes.  is the most important festival in the Muslim calendar marking the end of the pilgrimage season.
 Clad in simple pilgrim’s garment with no head covering, one cannot distinguish a rich Muslim  On the tenth day of the hajj, Muslims are required to slaughter a live animal (a sheep or goat) to
from a poor one simply by looking at their apparel. Once pilgrims are wearing their ihram, they are commemorate Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael and his obedience to God. In the
prohibited from removing this ritual dress, even when sleeping. They are also forbidden from process, a ram was substituted in place of Ishmael, thus, allowing him and his offspring to live, including
clipping their nails, hunting, arguing, or engaging in any sexual activity. In ihram, Muslims cannot his descendant Muhammad.
shave, wash themselves, shampoo their hair, scratch themselves, kill anything (even a fly or  After their arduous journey in Mecca, pilgrims may now visit other holy cities, such as Medina or
mosquito), walk on grass, or injure any living thing. Jerusalem. Returning home, the title hajj can now be affixed to their names to indicate completion of this
 Central to the pilgrimage is a full day spent in the desert on the Mount Arafat plain considered religious responsibility.
sacred by the Muslims. The mountain of Arafat was the site of Muhammad’s last sermon. For Friday is the special day of worship for the Muslims as commanded by Muhammad. In mosques,
many people located in regions distant from the Arabian Peninsula, the hajj serves as the pinnacle Muslims are required to pray with his fellows and prayers are led by an imam. An imam is a member of the
of years of yearning to be with God. community selected to lead the congregation due to the devoutness and religiosity he manifests to the
people.
3. WORSHIPS AND OBSERVANCES ISLAMIC LAW
ISLAMIC CALENDAR Shari’a (“the road to the watering place”),
The Islamic calendar is composed of 12 lunar months of between 29 and 30 days. A year in the Islamic Based upon the Quranic verses as revealed by God to Muhammad. The universal laws passed down by
calendar constitutes a total of 354 days. The difference between the solar and lunar calendar is adjusted by God govern both the affairs of human and laws of nature Apart from the Quran, the teachings of
adding one day to the last month of the year 11 times each 30 years. Nonetheless, 103 Islamic years are the Muhammad or the hadiths form the basis of Islamic legal system. A path of conduct that must be followed
equivalent of 100 solar years despite the periodic modifications done on the calendar. by all Muslims. It concerns almost the totality of a Muslim’s life – from home life, business interests,
The Festival Calendar marital relations, inheritance, and various duties to the state and community.
Month Festivities/Significance ISLAMIC JURISPRUDENCE
• The Islamic year starts in the day of the hijra, Muhammad’s journey from Mecca to Fiqh - Science of Islamic law. All aspects of Muslim way of life and actions are covered through figh.
Month 1: Muharram
Medina in 622 C.E. Human behavior may be classified into five categories:
(“The Sacred
• Ashura: The assassination of the Imam Husayn at Karbala’ in 680 C.E. is 1. Forbidden (Haram) - Forbidden actions are both sinful and criminal under pain of punishment.
Month”)
commemorated on the 10th by Shi’ite Muslims Accordingly, it is forbidden for all Muslims to eat animals that have died from natural causes or those
Month 3: Rabi al-Awai animals that were not ritually slaughtered.
• Birth of the Prophet: Muhammad’s birthday is celebrated on the 12th.
(“The Spring”) Pork is considered as the most unclean of all meats and must not be eaten no matter how the pig
Month 9: Ramadan • Muslims do not eat, drink, or have sex during daylight hours throughout the month. meat was produced. Other behaviors include drinking blood, eating dried blood, and taking liquors.
(“The Month of • Laylat al-Qadr: The commemoration of the first revelation to the prophet is often 2. Discourage (Makruh) - Reprehended actions but not subject to punishments
Great Heat”) celebrated on the 27th. 3. Neutral (Mubah) - Permitted behaviors that are neither good nor bad but neutral
Month 10: Shawwal
• ‘Id al-Fitr: The Festival of Breaking the Fast at the beginning of Shawwal 4. Recommended (Mandub) - Meritorious or recommended deeds fall under.
(“The Month of 5. Obligatory (Fard) - The Five Pillars is an example of an obligatory category. These practices, such as
concludes the fasting season.
Hunting”) almsgiving, daily prayers, and ritual fasting, are compulsory to all Muslims. Failure to observe these
• Month of pilgrimage (Hajj) to Mecca. obligations is sinful and punishable as crime.
Month 12: Dhu al-
• Yawn Arafat: On the 9th, fasting pilgrims perform the wuquf, standing before God The three categories (makruh, mandub, and mubah) concern chiefly on things, such as etiquette,
Hijja
on Mount Arafat. donations, personal habits, and social life.
(“The Month of
• ‘Id al-Adha: The Festival of Sacrifice on the 10th recalls the sacrificial ram God
Hajj”)
gave to Abraham in place of his son and coincides with the end of Hajj. 4. SUBDIVISIONS
Ramadan SUNNI MUSLIMS (THE SUNNIS)
 The last 10 days of the month may be spent by continuous prayers of the most devoted Muslims.  Majority of Muslims around 87% to 90% “Followers of the Smooth Path”
‘Id al-Fitr or the Festival of Breaking the Fast  Are traditionalists and are considered the orthodox of Islam as they endeavor to follow the original
 Finally, the sawm ends with ‘Id al-Fitr or the Festival of Breaking the Fast marked by popular rejoicing religion established by Muhammad and guided by the first four righteous caliphs
and festal prayer  These Muslims follow the sunnah (“customary practice”) of Muhammad from which their name
Hajj or Pilgrimage to Mecca originated. Sunnah pertains to the orally transmitted record of wisdom, conduct, and sayings attributed
 Poor Muslims sometimes use their entire savings just to fulfill this obligation. The sick and the elderly to Muhammad and his earliest companions as recorded in hadith.
may begin their pilgrimage without the certainty of accomplishing this sacred duty.  Believe that any Muslim can be a ruler and he does not need to prove his lineage to Muhammad as long
 Upon entering the Grand Mosque, the hajji performs the tawaf which involves circling the Kaaba seven as he gets the approval and confidence of the ummah or community. He can be an elected ruler or a
times in a counter-clockwise direction. Most pilgrims attempt to touch or kiss the sacred Black Stone. hereditary monarch that should enjoy the support of the ummah. All Sunnis shall abide by his actions
However, the sheer number of pilgrims inside the mosque prevents them from touching the relic. They unquestioningly regardless of whether he is a fair or cruel ruler
may instead raise their arm and point in its direction. These rites are known as umrah.  Within the Sunni sect of Islam are groups of Muslims that also differ in views and exercise of their faith.
 Once the tawaf is completed, most pilgrims drink from the well of Zamzam that was established by Religious factions are often the result of national or social differences. Every Muslim country has a
Hagar and Ishmael. With its rich mineral water, Ishmael and Muhammad quenched their thirst here as Sunni majority except Iran, Iraq, Azerbaijan, Yemen, and some of the Gulf States
the tradition goes. The stream flows through the basement of the Grand Mosque
4| LESSON 6: ISLAM
SHI’A (THE SHI’ITES)  All Muslims are required to observe the Five Pillars of Islam.
 The Shi’ite Muslims are the largest faction within the Islam religion that separated from the rest of the  However, congregational prayers tend to be dominated by men while this activity remains optional for
community. Historically speaking, three close associates of Muhammad became successive leaders or women.
caliphs of Islam with the death of the founder in 632 C.E.  It is prohibited for any woman to lead prayers.
 The caliphate acted as a central unifying agency in Islamic history. Initially, caliphs were friends of  When a woman is having her usual menstrual period, she must not enter any mosque.
Muhammad that acted as virtuous leaders of the believers. They may be chosen by election or general  In some countries, Muslim women are required to cover their face and bodies when in company with
consent. Later on, the position became hereditary resembling that of a king men other than their immediate kin.
 Believed that Muhammad should have been immediately succeeded by his direct relative, Ali ibn Abi  The Quran assures a women complete, legal identity
Talib,  right to own, dispose, and inherit properties and earnings, to participate in political exercise, and to
 who was Muhammad’s cousin. sue for divorce.
 son-in-law who married Muhammad’s daughter Fatima.  Husbands are also encouraged to treat their wives well.
 Known as rashiduns (“rightly-guided caliphs”), the Sunnis accepted the legitimacy of the first four  Mothers must be treated in the best way possible as stated in Quranic teachings.
successors of Muhammad:  While the West has labeled Islam as anti-woman, the opposite may be true because of the religion’s pro-
1. Abu Bakr (632-634 C.E.) equality stance on many issues.
2. Umar ibn al-Khattab (634-644 C.E.)  For example, traditional Islamic law holds that women cannot be denied of education,
3. Uthman ibn Affan (644-656 C.E.)  cannot be forced into marriage,
4. Ali ibn Abi Talib (656-661 C.E.)  can divorce their husbands,
 Other Muslims, however, believed that Ali’s descendants should become head of the religious  can vote and hold office.
community. These Muslims were called “Alids” that became known as “Shia Ali” or “the party of Ali.”  Unfortunately, there are Muslim societies that do not always measure up to Islamic standards
In time, they came to be called “Shi’ites” For the Shi’ites, Ali was the first imam and the rightful  The Quran views women as spiritually equal to men.
spiritual and political successor of Muhammad.  Nevertheless, despite the elevation in the status of women in Muslim society, they remain seemingly
 Ali’s youngest son, Husayn, challenged the Umayyad caliph Yazid I but was later killed and beheaded inferior to men.
at the battle of Karbala in 680 C.E. This event, called Ashura or the tenth day of Muharram, is  The Quran mentions the following with regard to the position of women:
commemorated each year as a day of mourning for all Shi’ites.  “Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allah has given the one more (strength)
 The main Shi’ite sects are the Seveners, Twelvers¸and ‘Ibadis. than the other, and because they support them from their means. Therefore, the righteous women are
 The Seveners - believe that there were seven imams. They are mostly found in India, Yemen, and devoutly obedient, and guard in (the husband’s) absence what Allah would have them guard. As to
parts of Africa. those women on whose part you fear disloyalty and ill-conduct, admonish them (first), (next), refuse to
 The Twelvers - claim that there are twelve imams with most believers located in Iran. share their beds, (and last) chastise them (lightly); but if they return to obedience, seek not against them
 The ‘Ibadis - believe that the community may elect any appropriate Muslim as imam. They are means (of annoyance): for Allah is Most High, Great (above you all) (Quran 4:34).”
mostly found in Oman. THE HOLY WAR (JIHAD)
SUFI  One controversial requirement placed upon Muslims by their faith concerns holy war or jihad. A
 Muslims whose concern mainly dwell for a mystical union with God. frequently mistranslated term, jihad means “effort” or “struggle” to convince unbelievers to pursue
 Their name originates from the word suf that means “woolen” since they wore coarse wool garments or the Muslim way of life.
robes to symbolize poverty and denunciation of worldly pleasures.  Strictly speaking, it could mean a Muslim going to war to wipe out the infidels in the name of Allah.
 A Sufi can be a Sunni or Shi’ite Muslim. However, the method of a jihadist can be a peaceful one, such as living a pious life or observing the
 The Sufi movement may have started around the ninth century C.E. at the time when there came a required obligations to his faith, or through violent means, especially if the infidels are obstinate
clarion call to live a simpler and austere life far from the splendor and grandeur that characterized the  Presently, jihad has remained a vague issue especially now that Arab nations have been less than
Abbasid Dynasty. apprehensive to commit to war as unified Muslims versus non-Muslims
 Around the twelfth century, monastic orders were established within the Sufi movement that focused  Likewise, Islamic law opposes all violent means except in cases of war or legally sanctioned punishment
around a saint. A convert who joins the order were called fakir (“a poor man”) or dervish (“one who of criminals
comes to the door”). The new recruits studied under their master to develop their heightened sense of  The Quran contains the following verse in reference to Islam’s opposition to violence:
spirituality. Most Sufi practitioners practice discipline, poverty, abstinence, and celibacy in some  “Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for Allah loves not
instances. They insist that it is possible to have union with God through mystical experience. transgressors. (Quran 2:190)”

SELECTED ISSUES MILITANCY AND TERRORISM

 Islam is a religion of mercy that prohibits terrorism. During Muhammad’s time, he proscribed his
ISLAM AND WOMEN soldiers to kill women and children, and even listed murder as the second of the major sins
 The role of women in Muslim societies is a complicated subject since their rights vary greatly throughout  Punishment through the use of fire was also forbidden by Muhammad.
Islamic nations. While they may experience harsh restrictions in terms of legal rights and employment  Since Islam is a religion of peace and mercy, terrorism in all its forms are abhorred by Muslims.
opportunities, women rulers have emerged in the twentieth century to lead Asian countries such as  Destruction of human lives, buildings, infrastructures, shrines, and other properties are despicable in
Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Turkey. the light of various Islamic texts
 Women in Islam must accept that their roles in society vary greatly when compared to men. Foremost,  Muslims who promote terrorism and mass slaughter of innocent and helpless civilians do not embody
they must remain obedient to their fathers and husband. Islamic ideals. Their blatant disregard of Quranic teachings distorts the very essence of Islam as a
 A surah in the Quran depicts a woman’s father or husband as master and portrays the superiority of peaceful religion. The presence of violence in Islamic society cannot be attributed to the teachings of
men on women. Islam but to the failings of human adherents of the religion
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MIGRATION
 The late nineteenth century saw a significant migration of Muslims from Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan to
the US. After the Second World War, European countries encouraged emigration from former colonies to
augment manpower shortages. United Kingdom today is home to more than two million Muslims;
France between four to five million Muslims; and Germany four million Muslims
 In 2010, there were about 44 million Muslims in Europe, excluding Turkey.
 The Muslim population in the US and Europe continues to rise in the present century.
 Islam has now become an American religion with around six million Muslims in population.
 Muslim immigrants and their American-born children number about four million in total.
 Meanwhile, almost two million are American converts that are mainly African American

6| LESSON 6: ISLAM