Muslim women - True or false

1. Muslim women are oppressed by their religion. False
2. The Qur'an explicitly states that men and women are equal in the eyes of god True
3. When muslim women marry, their property is given to their husbands. False
4. The Qur'an instruscts muslims to educate daughters as well as sons True
5. Muslim women have has rights over 1400 year that were on granted to american women in the 19th and 20th centuriers. True
6. The restrictions placed in women in some islamic countries are cultural, not religious True
7. The Qur'an directs both men and women to dress modestly True
8. Use of the hijab, or head scarf, varies according to the society in which a muslim woman lives True
9. Women of many cultures and religions cover their heads in different ways. True

Ramadam

In pairs, research the celebration of Ramadan. Use either Powerpoint/Publisher/Prezi/Gloster (or presentation software of your choice)

Include;

1. Why is Ramadan celebrated?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim lunar year which is celebrated from beginning to end as holy in fact, many regard it as the holiest time of the Muslim year. The principle outward characteristic of Ramadan is that Muslims are expected to fast all day, every day. Traditionally the times of fast are marked as whenever a white thread can be distinguished from a black thread. Once those threads can no longer told apart, eating is permitted.  Fasting during Ramadan is considered one of the Five Pillars, meaning it is one of the five most basic beliefs/acts which a Muslim has to do. However, it's not accurate to say that everyone simply goes without food or water

2. When and how Ramadan is celebrated

Ramadan is the holiest of months in the Islamic calendar, and fasting in this month is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The month is spent by Muslims fasting during the daylight hours from dawn to sunset. Fasting during this month is often thought figuratively to burn away all sins. Muslims believe that the Qur'an was sent down to the lowest heaven during this month, thus being prepared for gradual revelation by the Angel Jibraeel (Gabriel) to the Islamic prophet Muhammad. Furthermore, Muhammad told his followers that the gates of Heaven would be open all the month and the gates of Hell (Jahannum) would be closed. The first day of the next month, Shawwal, is spent in celebrations and is observed as the "Festival of Breaking Fast" or `Eid ul-Fitr.

3. What special meals are served during Ramadan?

Nothing

4.    If you had to give something up for Ramadan (i.e. for a whole month) what could it be?

I would give up Face book

5.    What steps or procedures could you put in place to do this?

I would deactivate my Face book and delete applications of my phone, I would block from viewing Face book. Another procedure i would put it forward is having my parents change my password

Quran questions

Quran

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ic47gdwA5bM

Watch the Video “Holy Quran very briefly explained” and answer the questions on your Blog site

1.      What does the word Quran translate to in English? Recitation

2.      What is the purpose of the message sent to Mohammad why was it sent again? Gods own message to the world to remind people of the message already received by the Jews and Christians –Gods guidance for human kind

3.      How is the message sent to Mohammad different to the messages already sent to the Christians and the Jews? It is in arabic

4.      Is the message in the Quran the same message as in the Bible? Yes

5.    Name two other prophets mentioned in the Quran. Nuh (Noah) and  Musa (Moses)

6.      How was the message passed on to others in the beginning? It was an oral / aural transmission

7.      Why was the original message not written down by Mohammad? He was not literate in Arabic

8.      What language is used for the Quran? Arabic

9.      Which city did Islam originate? Mecca

10.  What dose ‘Muslim’ mean? Those who submit to God

11. How does the Quran differ from the Bible in the story of the death of Jesus?

Belief Jesus was not crucified but lifted to God another man who looked like him was crucified.

12.What does the Quran say about warfare?

Muslims may defend themselves only when there is a threat. They should be merciful to those they capture – as Muhammad was when he took over Mecca.

The five pillars of islam summary

Shahada (The Testimony of Faith)- The testimony of faith is saying with conviction, “La ilaha illa Allah, Muhammadur rasoolu Allah.”  This saying means “There is no true god (deity) but God (Allah), and Muhammad is the Messenger (Prophet) of God.”  The first part, “There is no true god but God,” means that none has the right to be worshipped but God alone, and that God has neither partner nor son.

Salah (Prayer) -Muslims perform five prayers a day.  Each prayer does not take more than a few minutes to perform.  Prayer in Islam is a direct link between the worshipper and God.  There are no intermediaries between God and the worshipper. 

Zakat (Support of the Needy) -All things belong to God, and wealth is therefore held by human beings in trust.  The original meaning of the word zakat is both ‘purification’ and ‘growth.’  Giving zakat means ‘giving a specified percentage on certain properties to certain classes of needy people.’ 

Sawm (Fasting the Month of Ramadan) -Every year in the month of Ramadan,all Muslims fast from dawn until sundown, abstaining from food, drink, and sexual relations.

Hajj (The Pilgrimage to Makkah) -The annual pilgrimage (Hajj) to Makkah is an obligation once in a lifetime for those who are physically and financially able to perform it.  About two million people go to Makkah each year from every corner of the globe.

The five pillars of islam questions

The Five Pillars of Islam

Watch each of the Videos and provide answers to the questions;

Use this website to answer question one; (Name each Pillar)

Pillar #1: Shahada (Profession of Faith) “ there is no god but Allah and Muhammad is the messenger of God”

• What is the meaning of the declaration of faith? 

Belief in one god

• Why do you think that this statement is a significant part of being a Muslim?

In order to be Muslim you have to believe in  one god.

Video – Islam_vid_muslimpray.mov

Pillar #2: Salah (Prayer) Are 5 prayers recited daily.

·         Describe the process that Muslims go through to prepare to pray.

They wash themselves and dress appropriately. They wash their hands, face, wet your hair and then your feet.

• Describe the process of praying in Islam. How many times each day, and when, do Muslims pray?

They pray five times a day at dawn, morning, middle of the day, afternoon and evening. They pray shoulder to shoulder, women are behind men, different sex I  different rooms.

• What do the prayers sound like?  What do the movements look like? 

They sing their prayer and it is supposed to be recited. They pray in a prostraite position which is when you go on your knees then back to standing and this is repeated.

• In which direction do Muslims pray? Why do they face this way?

They face towards Mecca which is north west in Australia and they face this way because it is a sacred place and it is the place towards their god.

• What are some of the things Muslims say during prayer? 

God is great, God is merciful.

• Why do Muslims pray?

To connect with God and to show they are less than God.

Video – Islam_vid_zakat.mov

Pillar #3: Zakat (Giving of alms, charity) This is usually done in the month of Ramadan. It is designed to help alleviate hardship.

·         What is Zakaat?  What is emphasized in Zakaat?

Giving to the poor and looking after people like god looks after you.

• Why do Muslims make donations?  How much money is a person expected to give to charitable causes?

The minimum is 2.5% of any spare money they have and the more you give the more you have faith with god. 

• What is the relationship between prayer and money?

You cannot claim to be a true believer if you don’t give.

• How is zakaat different from ordinary charity that Muslims might give?

Muslims are encouraged to give every time they got to the mosque but Zakat is the big donation.

Video - Islam_vid_islam_celeb.mov

Pillar #4: Sawm (Fasting during the month of Ramadan)

• As part of the Muslim religion, what does it mean to fast? 

To purify yourself and your soul and it’s a special communion with their god.

• Why do Muslims fast? 

To remind themselves how lucky they are to have food and experience what it is like and it is one of the five pillars.

• What and when is Ramadan?   What is Eid al-Fitr? 

It is the month of fasting and is during September. Eid al-Fitr is the party after fasting to celebrate the end of Ramadan.

Videos – Islam_vid_hajj (part 1 & 3)

Pillar #5: Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca) To be done at least once, and both men and women are encouraged to visit.

·         How often must Muslims participate in Hajj? 

Once in your lifetime is the minimum.

• Where do Muslims go during Hajj? 

To Mecca

• What and where is the Kaaba?  Describe this place. 

The middle of the mosque and is a big black box which is a house for god.

• How many Muslims participate in Hajj?

Approximately 2 million

• What is the goal of Hajj? 

To show your commitment to Allah

• What does it mean to enter spiritual purity? What is the purpose of the special garments?

They wear white robes, no deodorant and no underwear. They wear this to show purity and simplicity. Shows that everyone is equal

• How does Mubarek describe his experiences as a pilgrim?

He says it broadens your scope to other people’s lives.

• What is the significance of Abraham to pilgrims?

Abraham was also a pilgrim and he made the first pilgrimage to Mecca.

Consumption of alcohol for Muslim’s

In Islam, alcoholic beverages or any intoxicants including drugs are strictly forbidden. Intoxicants were forbidden in the Qur'an through several separate verses revealed at different times over a period of years. At first, it was forbidden for Muslims to attend to prayers while intoxicated. Then a later verse was revealed which said that alcohol contains some good and some evil, but the evil is greater than the good, therefore portraying the idea to Muslims that alcohol is forbidden.  

The Qur’an says Wine and gambling, is great sin, yet some profit, for men; but the sin is greater than the profit. This was the next step in turning people away from consumption of alcohol and drugs and gambling. Finally, "intoxicants and games of chance" were called "abominations of Satan's handiwork," intended to turn people away from God and forget about prayer, and Muslims were ordered to stay away from drugs, alcohol and gambling as a result of Violence, family tragedies, suicides, disease and mainly sin and sexual harassment.

 In addition to this, some Muslims don’t consume food products that contain pure vanilla extract or soy sauce if these food products contain alcohol. Orthodox Muslims do not eat foods in which the alcohol would be cooked off or even if it would be practically impossible to consume enough of the food to become intoxicated.

 The Zaidi and Mutazili sects believe that the use of alcohol has always been forbidden and refer to this Qur'an as a feeling of sleepiness and not to be awake.

The five pillars of islam

1.List the five pillars of Islam

Shahada (The Testimony of Faith)- The testimony of faith is saying with conviction, “La ilaha illa Allah, Muhammadur rasoolu Allah.”  This saying means “There is no true god (deity) but God (Allah), and Muhammad is the Messenger (Prophet) of God.”  The first part, “There is no true god but God,” means that none has the right to be worshipped but God alone, and that God has neither partner nor son.

Salah (Prayer) -Muslims perform five prayers a day.  Each prayer does not take more than a few minutes to perform.  Prayer in Islam is a direct link between the worshipper and God.  There are no intermediaries between God and the worshipper. 
Zakat (Support of the Needy) -All things belong to God, and wealth is therefore held by human beings in trust.  The original meaning of the word zakat is both ‘purification’ and ‘growth.’  Giving zakat means ‘giving a specified percentage on certain properties to certain classes of needy people.’ 

Sawm (Fasting the Month of Ramadan) -Every year in the month of Ramadan,all Muslims fast from dawn until sundown, abstaining from food, drink, and sexual relations.

Hajj (The Pilgrimage to Makkah) -The annual pilgrimage (Hajj) to Makkah is an obligation once in a lifetime for those who are physically and financially able to perform it.  About two million people go to Makkah each year from every corner of the globe.

2. From where did the pillars originate?

Muhammad was instructed by Allah, in 620 A.D., to follow the Five Pillars of Islam in the Seventh Paradise.

3. Describe one of the pillars in detail.

Sha'hadah - ( Declaration Of Faith ) - There is no god worthy of worship except God and Muhammad is His messenger. This declaration of faith is called the Shahada, a simple formula which all the faithful pronounce. In Arabic, the first part is la ilaha illa Llah - 'there is no god except God'; ilaha (god) can refer to anything which we may be tempted to put in place of God - wealth, power, and the like. Then comes illa Llah: 'except God', the source of all Creation. The second part of the Shahada is Muhammadun rasulu'Llah: 'Muhammad is the messenger of God.' 

4. Compare the five pillars with similar activities in other religions.

Faith - other religions have this belief requirement
Fasting - Christianity has Lent and Judaism has Yom kippur fasting
Alms (charity) - I dont know if other religions put a rate but it is encouraged
Prayer - Christians and Jews have prayers to God but only Islam makes it obligatory to pray 5 times a day
Hajj (pilgrimage): Christianity had huge pilgrimage in the 4th century. While pilgrimage is not required for them, it is in Islam

5. How does American culture cause difficulties in fulfilling the pillars?

The five pillars of Islam could be practiced every where irrelevant to any culture or country conditions and whether the country majority people are Muslims or non Muslims

6.Are there peculiar ways different cultures or nationalities practice their faith?

Every culture has its own ways of doing things, yes. But all do the commandments in the Quran.

Overview of islam

1.  What does 'Islam' mean?

The Arabic word 'Islam' simply means 'submission', and derives from a word meaning 'peace'. In a religious context it means complete submission to the will of God. 'Allah' is the Arabic name for God, which is used by Arab Muslims and Christians alike.

2.  What were the origins of the Muslim religion?

The origin of Islam is generally accredited to the prophet Muhammad but to the devout Muslim, Islam began long before Muhammad ever walked the earth. The Qur'an was dictated by Muhammad but, according to the Qur'an, it did not originate with Muhammad. The Qur'an testifies of itself that it was given by God through the angel Gabriel to the prophet Muhammad. "This is a revelation from the Lord of the universe. The Honest Spirit (Gabriel) came down with it, to reveal it into your heart that you may be one of the warners, in a perfect Arabic tongue" (Sura 26:192-195). "Say, 'Anyone who opposes Gabriel should know that he has brought down this (the Qur'an) into your heart, in accordance with God's will, confirming previous scriptures, and providing guidance and good news for the believers'" (Sura 2:97).

3. How was it different from religious beliefs in Arabia pre-Mohammed?

The majority of Arabia was Pagan before the coming of Islam. They believed in many gods (represented by idols made of stone), it's thought that there were at least 365. The gods & goddeses had names like Aglibol, Atargatis, Hubal, Ishtar, Al-Uzza, Al-Manat, Al-Lat, Wadd, Bes (same as Egyptian Bast), Bel Shamen, Abgal, Astarte, Nergal etc. As you can see one difference is that Islam is purely monotheistic whilst Arabian paganism is polytheistic. Another difference is that using pictures to depict God is totally forbidden in Islam whilst it was common place in pagan Arabia. The pagan Arabs also had many traditions & customs which are contrary to Islam.

4.  How does someone become a Muslim?

To convert to Islam and become a Muslim a person needs to pronounce the below testimony with conviction and understanding its meaning (This article talks about joining Islam in more detail)

I testify “La ilah illa Allah, Muhammad rasoolu Allah.”

The translation of which is:
“I testify that there is no true god (deity) but God (Allah), and that Muhammad is a Messenger (Prophet) of God.”

5.  How do Muslims practice their religion?

         They worship God (Allah) the one and only one God, with no partner, no ssociate, no son, no resemblance. They pray 5 times day

         They do good deeds for the benefit of themselves, family, community, environment, and mankind.

         They follow good conducts and morals

         They follow Quran guides and prophet Muhammad (PBUH) teachings

         They observe God in their doings and hence they strive in their doings to satisfy God

         They follow Islam principles as give in the question listed below.

6. What is the Ka'ba?

The Ka`ba is the place of worship which GOD commanded Abraham and Ishmael(peace upon him) to build over four thousand years ago.

7. What were the highlights of the life of Mohammed? How did he become  a prophet?

Mohammed was the first prophet of Islam. He was visited by the angel Gabrielle and was told his role in the Islamic faith. Mohammed was given the Koran and was told the five pillars of the Islamic faith which was: Prayer, fasting, pilgrimage, the hajj and giving to the poor. Mohammed is very important to Muslims just like Jesus is very important to Christians.

8. What is the Quran?

The sacred text of Islam, considered by Muslims to contain the revelations of God to Muhammad, also called Alco ran.

9. Are there any other sacred sources?

The term "sacred" applies only to the edges of each religion, beyond that boundary the religious texts of other faith groups are referred to as "other religious or historical texts". The as examples Christians would view the Bible, Jews the Torah, Muslims the Quran, and Mormons the Book of Mormon as the sacred text with all others excluded from that title.

10. What is jihad?

Jihas is an individual's striving for spiritual self-perfection. Or its a Muslims holy war or spiritual struggle against infidels.