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. Response: Islam means surrender or submission, signifying whole hearted surrender to God. The word Islam also signals the community of all believers, suggesting inclusion in a large family. The word Islam and Muslim are related to several words of peace. The Islamic religion suggests inner peace that is gained by surrendering to the divine.

2. Explain the basic concepts of Islam. Response: Islam is a precisely monotheistic religion. It directs the existence of one God, his prophet Muhammad who is the Last Prophet in a long line of prophets sent throughout time to cultivation. The Quran as the Word of God revealed to Muhammad through the angel Jibrael. Muslims believe that God is one and unequaled 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. They believe that Islam is the final, completed and universal version of a faith revealed too many prophets before; most notably Abraham, Moses and Jesus, but whose message has now been distorted.

3. Describe the practices of Islam. Response: The practices of Islam are based on the pervasive “Five Pillars”. These are the five pillars that are supposed to support one’s faith. Shahadah believes there is no God but Allah and Muhammad is his messenger. This single sentence, when recited with belief, makes a person a Muslim. Salat is much like the Jewish traditional practice of prayer at dawn, noon, and dusk, devout Muslims are called