...Material Islam Worksheet When studying Islam, it is important to understand the essential elements of the faith, how they are practiced, and the distinctions among the three branches: Shiite Islam, Sunni Islam, and Sufism. Write a 1- to 2-paragraph response for each of the following directives and note where there are differences among the three branches of Islam. 1. Explain the meaning of the name, Islam. The word “Islam” is derived from the Arabic root “asalama” it means peace, purity and submission. Islam means “surrender to the Almighty” and Muslim means “one who is in a state of submission”. It is understood that this submission is to the will of God, as is stated in the Quran. 2. Explain the basic concepts of Islam. The most basic concept of Islam is that there is only one God (also known as Allah in Arabic). It emphasis the existence of one God, his prophet Muhammad who is the Last Prophet in a long line of prophets sent throughout time and to every civilization, and the Quran as the word of God revealed to Muhammad through the angel Jibrael. Muslims believe that God is one and incomparable and the purpose of life is to worship him and to adhere to his word, as laid down in the Quran and in Sunnah, as closely as possible. 3. Describe the practices of Islam. Muslims accept as true that all requirements that God asks them to do or avoid doing are for their own good. Muslims believe that following the teaching of Islam, and with...
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...The Middle East had numerous religions that persisted and changed during the time period of 600 C.E. to 1450. Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are some of the main religions that continued during that time period. Many of the Middle Eastern people’s beliefs in religion have not changed since 600 C.E. to 1450. The religion that is still continued and the majority of people practice is Islam. In early 600 C.E. the religion of Islam originated in the city of Mecca. Mecca was chosen as the holy city because of the Ka’ba, which is a holy shrine dedicated to Allah and Muhammad. Islam follows the teachings out of the holy book, called the Qur’an. The followers of Islam include the believed that there was a prophet and he was named was Muhammad. They believed in an afterlife and that angels are real. Islam was and continues to be a monotheistic religion, that worships one god, Allah. There are the Five Pillars of Islam which are rules that the practicing people must follow. The religion is based on the Five Pillars are testimony of faith, praying five times a day, giving a zakat, fasting during the month of Ramadan, and making a pilgrimage to Mecca. The beliefs of the Islamic society did not change drastically between 600 C.E. to 1450. The Islamic world has changed over time as it has expanded beyond its cultural territories. The expanded Islamic world also improved their trade system and education system. The changes and continuities are largely due to its religion, trade system...
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...Abstract A basic knowledge of Islam is becoming essential for Americans today. Presently there are nearly five million Muslims living in America. These Muslims face persecution by Americans as a result of the country’s present state of affairs. In their own communities Muslims are forced to defend themselves against their enemies. To be a Muslim is not just an individual activity it is a community identity and responsibility. Islam is considered a total way of life for the religious community. For many in America who are raised with the idea of the separation of church and state and the sense that religion is a private affair, Islam can seem confusing, especially since Islam does not have a “church” to preserve and promote its beliefs. There is a great diversity among Muslims as there is among other religious communities in America. Because America is predominantly Judeo-Christian it is sometimes easier for Christians and Jews to practice their faith. American schools do not recognize Muslim holidays. Even such a simple task as attending Friday congregational prayer and taking a break to perform the salat during working hours are often difficult. Muslim culture has become prominent in coutries other than Islam. Countries that have a large Muslim following include Australia, Canada, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand, United Kingdom and United States. Accepting Cultural Differences in Muslims Since the tragedy of 9-11 a...
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...Five Pillars of Islam Islamic religion is described as a derivative of the Christian and Jewish faith. In that light the “Five Pillars” of the Islam religion can be seen as closely related to or similar to the basics of both of them. The first belief of Islam religion as indicated by the first of the Five Pillars is that there is only one God and that Muhammad is the Messenger of God. In this principle of the religion, followers of Islam must worship only one God and pass on their beliefs in an unforceful way to allow non-followers the right to make a choice to follow on their own. The second of the Five Pillars is the belief that daily prayers and worship to God are essential in keeping the follower faith strong. Followers participate in synchronized prayer sessions each day and separate the men from the women in order to allow each follower their own space with God devoid of any distractions. A common theme in the belief system of Islam is the knowledge that you are not above any other follower in any way. The third pillar, known as the Zakat, is the belief and instruction that the prayers of the people are only accepted if the followers also share their wealth with others. This prevents any separation of the people based on wealth as well as any kind of selfishness. (Fisher, 2014) Islam religion states that your relationship with the one and only God is always of the utmost importance. Based on that the fourth pillar, which is fasting, is incorporated in the religion to...
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...can be found in all countries where the religion is present. The early Christian missions, located primarily in Florida and California, are an example of important sites for the religion in the United States. This paper provides an overview of the religion, information regarding St. Augustine Mission in Florida, an interview with a Christian, and a comparison between Christianity and Islam in order to provide a deeper understanding of the Christian faith. Christianity is currently one of the world’s largest religions. Approximately 33% of the world’s population or around 2.1 billion people profess the Christian faith (Major Religions…, 2007). Who are these people? What do they believe in? Where do they come from? Where are they going? These are some of the basic questions many people, unfamiliar with Christianity, could have about the religion. Many Christian symbols, such as the cross, are well known, but the meaning behind the main symbols is less frequently known. A glance at the history of Christianity, one of its important sites, the experience of a Christian, and a comparison with Islam, another common religion, can give great insight into the nature and identity of the Christian faith. A Brief History of Christianity Christianity first developed as an offshoot of Judaism. For...
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...with patients of many different religious beliefs and back rounds. When treating a patient with a holistic approach it is important to have an understanding of their spiritual perspective of healing. This paper will include critical components of the Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam cultures to better meet their spiritual needs when under the care of a health care professional. To compare and contrast the philosophies of, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam as a health care professional providing care, one must be aware of the diversity and the different perspectives associated with culture to help meet their spiritual needs. Every culture is so different in many ways. It would be very difficult to know all aspects of every culture. However, having a basic understanding of their spiritual needs and willing to ask questions you will be better prepared to help meet the patient’s needs. In order to know what their needs are it is important to know what ethnic background they are and what religion they practice. Hinduism is a culture that people from southern Asia (India, Pakisthan, Srilanka) follow. Hinduism is the third largest world religion with Christianity being first and Islam being the second (Islamreligion.com). It is not considered a religion, but more or less a way of life. Hinduism unlike Islam is a collection of practices and beliefs with no one founder, no one scripture, and no single set of beliefs. According to angelfire.com, there are four...
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...Five Pillars of Islam Hum 130 October 5, 2014 Five Pillars of Islam The central beliefs of Islam are to worship the one and only Allah, to do the ritual worships per Quran, which is their Prophet, Muhammad teachings, to do good actions, and to maintain good morals. These factor into Islam five main obligations of life which is called the five pillars of Islam. The five pillars of Islam are Shahadah, Salah, Zakat, Sawm, and Hajj. The five pillars of Islam define the basic uniqueness of Muslims, their faith, beliefs and practices. I would say Zakat would be the hardest one for me for me to fulfill. I’m not against giving to people in need. But to have to give a certain of my percentage net worth would be hard. If I’m making a decent living it’s because I work hard for it and my family should benefit from not. I wouldn’t like just giving away my hard earnings because some people are too lazy to do it themselves. Don’t get me wrong there are people out there that cannot help the living condition they are in but some can and I would hate to take away from people who really need it just to give to someone that is lazy. The easiest one for me to full fill would be Sawm. I think the purpose behind this one is to know how it feels to be less fortunate. To be put in someone else’s shoes is educational for some people. To not be able to eat or drink anything for 24 hours is an eye opener. It really makes you understand what it’s like to be hungry or thirsty...
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...Teachings of Islam Devry University Abstract Even though Islam is the third largest religion practiced in the U.S., many see Islam through a distorted view that focuses on terrorists and extremists. Even though this religion teaches peace and love, because of highly publicized Islamic fundamentalists who have abused and defamed the name of Islam there are stereotypes and distrust geared towards the group. The purpose of this paper is to give a brief insight into the teachings of Islam and how those teaching promote love and peace, not war and bloodshed, in spite of the misconceptions. Understanding the Teachings of Islam Right now, Islam is a highly controversial and sensitive issue in today’s world and there are many misconceptions about its beliefs, values, and goals. The condition of Islam right now is in chaos because of the acts of terrorists and extremists. There needs to be an understanding that the religion of Islam does not portray violence and hate that most see in the media today. The religion of Islam is not very different from other highly practiced religions in the world. Many see Islam through a fallacious view that focuses on terrorists and extremists. Even though this religion teaches mercy and compassion, it has been abused by these people to change focus of the true meaning. The purpose of this paper is to give a brief insight into the teachings of Islam and how this religion is not about the violence and hate. By discussing its basic principles...
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...worldwide. Islam is the major religion of much of Asia, and Indonesia as well with the world's most abundant Muslim population. Today Islam is a very sensitive and controversial topic; there are a lot of misconceptions and conceptions about its belief, values and goals. In this research paper l will examine the teachings of Islam and how they are interpreted and or practiced in different countries and cultures, including the United States, Great Britain, the Middle East, India and Pakistan, and other country of Asia. How Islam is understood in each country's culture and how is it contrasted with Christianity and Judaism? How do these understandings impact the ways that Muslims and non-Muslims interact and communicate with one another. Religion is one of the moving forces behind many of the event and attitude that have shaped our world. During the centuries, countries and cities have been developed and destroyed; and battle have been fought, all to protect or make known one religion or another. Islam is the second largest religion in the world; without doubt Muslims differ in their personal engagement and practice between doctrinal and cultural attitude, and have different apprehension about the correct practice of Islam. It had remained fairly invisible to most Americans prior to the Arab oil embargo of 1973 and the Iranian Revolution of 1978–1979 with its taking and holding of US hostages (Simmons, Gwendolyn, Zoharah 2008). Of course, American interest in Islam has been further...
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...A Look Into Islam | In recent years I feel that with the reports from media sources along with many tragic events such as 9/11, has led to a negative portrayal of people of the Islam faith. Since acts of terrorism have been associated and linked with members of the Islam it is the topic of much speculation and accusation. America has a whole especially in the Southern regions in which we live known has the Bible belt has a high volume of Christians. In smaller towns like the one I grew up in typically there wasn’t a lot of diversity in the religious sector. Personally the diversity I experienced amongst religious groups growing up was mainly only amongst differing denominations of the Christian faith. I never had friends growing up that said they were going to the Mosque on Sunday the majority of my peers attended Church services similar to one's that I was accustomed to. I was taught as child any other religion that goes against our beliefs of Christianity were wrong and not to be associated with. For the most part since I never had the opportunity to learn aspects of other religious practices from peers the idea has always simply been foreign to me. Other religious groups’ views in their entirety were completely based on assumptions. With no true basic knowledge or insight from any followers of other religions it can cause the viewpoint to be skewed. This is for the most part the main reason for a lot of Americans having a negative disposition on Muslims. It has been studied...
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...Islam 101 A SHORT PRESENTATION TO INFORM AND EDUCATE ON ISLAM What is Islam? Submission i.e. submit to the One Creator Peace Way of life Surrender Who are the Muslims? A Muslim, literally is someone who submits to God. A Muslim is someone who practices Islam. No such thing as Islamics, Muslamics, Mozlems, Muhammadins, etc. All believers and followers of Islam are Muslim. All Prophets (peace be upon them all) embodied this concept of submitting to One God Muslims believe that the universe (sun, planets, earth, trees, stars, protons, electrons, everything) has submitted itself to God. Who are the Muslims? Islam is not a new religion established by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) It is a continuation of the same message sent to Adam, Moses, Jesus, Abraham and all the other biblical and judaic prophets (peace be upon them all) Islam is to recognize and worship the one and only God, do good actions, and one will be held accountable in the hereafter Who are the Muslims? Muslims come from a wide variety backgrounds, races, ethnicities, colors, and peoples. Population Distribution Largest population: • Indonesia Arabs: • ~300 million • ~20% of Muslim population Total World: • ~1.5 billion • ~20% (1 in 5 people) American Population • 3 million + at least! Some estimates upto 10 Beliefs and Practices “Six Pillars of Belief” Allah :: God Mala'ikah :: Angels Rusul :: Prophets Kutub...
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...bear in answering, but if you copy or paraphrase information from any source other than our textbook, you will receive a grade of zero for the entire exam. Section I: Definitions (5 points each, 30 points total) Define these pairs of words immanent and transcendent - Immanent is believing that a sacred being(s) exist within the world and are present among us. Transcendent is the belief that a sacred being(s) exist outside of our world. sacred and profane - Sacred is a connection with God or a religious purpose that deserves veneration. Profane refers to the mundane things that exist in the world. cult and sect - A cult represents a distinct break from other traditions. A sect is a splinter group or a subgroup associated with a larger tradition. theistic and nontheistic - Theistic is a religion that is based on a person’s relationship with a sacred being. Nontheistic is belief in a way that does not include a Divine Being. atheism and agnosticism - Atheism believes that there is no existence of a Divine Being. Agnosticism is not denying God exists; rather it is a belief that if it cannot be seen it must not be true. yin and yang - Yin is the self-generating energy force that...
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...University of Phoenix Material Islam Worksheet When studying Islam, it is important to understand the essential elements of the faith, how they are practiced, and the distinctions among the three branches: Shiite Islam, Sunni Islam, and Sufism. Write a 1- to 2-paragraph response for each of the following directives and note where there are differences among the three branches of Islam. 1. Explain the meaning of the name, Islam. In Arabic, the word “Islam” means submission or surrender – however, it was derived from the root word “salam”. From this root word, you can also derive the words peace and safety. Many people feel that Islam implies some sort of enslavement to Allah, but others find it more helpful to define the word “Islam” as surrender. 2. Explain the basic concepts of Islam. There is only one God without limit, called Allah. Muhammad received the Quran as a copy of the eternal Quran which is inscribed in heaven. God created heavenly beings called angels to serve God and they are opposed by evil spirits. God sent his prophets to the earth at their appointed times, and the Prophet Muhammad was the last and greatest messenger of God. There will be a last day of world history called the Day of Judgment. Good and evil will be weighed in the balance. The wicked will be punished and the just will enjoy eternal life in Paradise. Everything in the universe has a predetermined course. Nothing happens without the will or knowledge of God. ...
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...the World Islamic Teachings around the World Islam is a highly misunderstood religion, with regard to Muslim’s beliefs, values, and goals. Many of the Muslim practices are different throughout the world depending on the local culture. Islam is the second largest religion with Christianity being first. In 2000 Islamic followers were 1.2 billion, which was 22 percent of the world population. According to Clark (2003) this percentage makes Islam the fastest growing major religion. This paper will research the teachings of Islam, compare the three major religions of Islam, Christianity, and Judaism, and point out similarities and differences in different countries. The history of Islam including the Qur’an will be discussed. The dissimilarity between radical Islamic extremist groups and Islam will be discussed. History of Islam Muhammad, at age 40, was visited by the angel Gabriel in the year 610 A. D. to be God’s prophet. He was given the mission of convincing others who worshiped many gods that they should submit to one God. Although Muhammad had few followers in the beginning he continued to teach his revelations in Mecca. In 622 A.D. Muhammad and his followers moved to Medina where the first Muslim community began, this is considered the first year in the Muslim calendar. In the years that followed the Muslim armies overtook most of Arabia, India, and Spain. Some communities were converted to the Islam faith peacefully while others were forced into acceptance...
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...Christianity, and Islam: Can One Exist Without the Other? “Human beings must be known to be loved; but Divine beings must be loved to be known. One will find religions have similarities despite individual practices.” Judaism, Christianity, and Islam all relate to each other, yet all have distinct differences. Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are three monotheistic religions that share many beliefs. Jews and Muslims stress the singularity and unity of God, addressing one all-powerful God and through him all things are made. Christians share this belief, however, difficulty arises when identifying Christianity as monotheistic when trying to understand or decipher God as the Holy Trinity and Jesus as the Son of God. According to all three religions, God is the origin of existence and He alone provides basic rules for guidance. Universally, God is merciful and through God one is given strength to be more like what one ought to be (Christ, Muhammad, etc.). All three religions believe humans are superior creatures on Earth and were made in God’s vision, created with mystery, allowing for growth and discovery. Judaism, Christianity, and Islam claim to have received the final revelation; through a scholarly standpoint one can see the three are intertwined; sharing origins, history, beliefs, and future. Judaism and Christianity both acknowledge the Bible, Prophets, and Jesus; despite the conflicting views of Jesus as the Son of God and Jesus being a “false Prophet.” Islam acknowledges...
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