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Islam

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1.

A Muslim’s Relationship with Allah:

o Allah is the Arabic word for God. Muslims believe in the oneness of God (Tawhid) and consider

Allah as the one and only deity. * Muslims believe in Tawhid and consider Allah as the one and

only god.

o Submission and Surrender: Islam means “surrender, submission, commitment, and peace.” It

involves voluntarily submitting to the divine will of Allah. * As the term “Islam” suggests the

commitment or submission or even surrender to the will of Allah.

o Closeness to Allah: Muslims are encouraged to feel connected to Allah and experience His

closeness. They pray five times a day, seeking a direct connection with their Creator. * Muslims

are known to pray 5 times a day to have a feeling of the experience of being in the presence of

Allah.

o Prophet Muhammad: The last prophet, Muhammad, received revelations from Allah through

the angel Gabriel. His teachings guide Muslims in building a strong relationship with Allah.

2. Places of Worship in Islam:

o Mosque (Masjid): A mosque is a place of worship for Muslims. It serves as a center for

community prayers, Friday congregational prayers, and religious gatherings. Mosques can be

large state-controlled ones (masjid jāmiʿ) or smaller private ones.

o Features of a Mosque: A mosque typically includes a miḥrāb (niche indicating the qiblah

direction), a minbar (pulpit), a minaret (for the call to prayer), and a prayer hall with mats or

carpets.

o Minaret: The minaret is used by the muezzin to announce the call to worship (adhān).

3. Major Locations Where Islam Is Practiced:


o Middle East and North Africa: Islam is dominant in this region, including countries like Saudi

Arabia, Egypt, and Iran.

o South Asia: India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh have significant Muslim populations.

o Southeast Asia: Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines have large Muslim communities.

o Central Asia: Countries like Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan have substantial Muslim

populations.

o knowledge of all things and controls destiny.

4. Purpose of Selected Festivals and Observances in Islam:

o Eid al-Fitr: Celebrates the end of Ramadan (month of fasting).

o Eid al-Adha: Commemorates Prophet ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his rama.

o Hajj: The pilgrimage to Mecca, obligatory for financially and physically able Muslims.

5. Comparisons with Other Religions:

o Similarities: Islam shares monotheistic beliefs with Judaism and Christianity. All three trace

their roots to Prophet Abraham.

o Differences: Sunni and Shi’ite Muslims differ on leadership after Muhammad’s death. Islam

also differs from Hinduism, Judaism, and Christianity in various practices and beliefs. *Like

praying

6. Islam in the Caribbean:

o History: Islam came to the Caribbean through African slaves, Indian indentured laborers, and

later immigrants.

o Influence: It has left its mark on culture, language, and religious practices in countries like

Trinidad, Guyana, and Suriname.

Feel free to ask if you’d like more details on any specific aspect! 😊
Test

1. What is the Arabic word for God in Islam?

2. Name a place of worship for Muslims. Masjid, Dome

3. Which holy book is considered the direct and unaltered word of God in Islam? Quran

4. What does the term “Tawhid” refer to? The oneness of Allah or God.

5. Which prophet received revelations from Allah through the angel Gabriel? Muhammed

6. What is the purpose of Eid al-Fitr? To celebrate the ending of the festival Ramadan.

Religious rites performed to exorcise evil spirits – cult

1. Belief in Prophets:

o Muslims hold a strong belief in the prophets sent by God (Allah). These prophets include figures

like Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and the final prophet, Muhammad (peace be upon

them all).

o The prophetic messages emphasize monotheism, moral conduct, and guidance for humanity.

2. Belief in the Revealed Books:

o Muslims acknowledge the divine scriptures sent to various prophets. These include:

 The Torah, revealed to Prophet Moses (Musa).

 The Bible, revealed to Prophet Jesus (Isa).


 The Qur’an (Koran), revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as the final and

complete revelation.

3. Belief in Al Akhirah (Life after Death):

o Islam teaches that life on Earth is temporary, and there will be a Day of Judgment.

o Individuals will be held accountable for their deeds, and their eternal fate will be determined

based on their faith and actions.

4. Belief in Al Qadr (Predestination):

o Muslims believe in divine predestination (Qadr). God’s knowledge encompasses everything,

including what will happen in the future.

o While humans have free will, God’s plan ultimately prevails.

Now, let’s explore some significant Islamic observances:

1. Eid Ul Fitr:

o Celebrated on the 1st day of Shawwal, the 10th Islamic month, marking the end of Ramadan

(the month of fasting).

o Key features:

 Salatul Eid Ul Fitr: A special congregational prayer offered in the morning.

 A day of feasting, joy, and communal gatherings.

 Almsgiving (Zakat al-Fitr): Muslims give charity to the needy to ensure everyone can partake

in the festivities.

2. Eid Ul Adha:

o Occurs on the 10th of Dhulhajj, the last Islamic month.

o Significance:
 Commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son, Ismail

(Ishmael), as an act of obedience to God.

 Salatul Eid Ul Adha: A special prayer offered in the morning.

 Sacrificial animals (such as sheep, goats, or cows) are slaughtered, and the meat is distributed to

the poor, family, and friends.

 Coincides with the Hajj pilgrimage in Makkah.

3. Additional Observations:

o Ashura (10th of Muharram):

 Shia Muslims sanctify the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (the grandson of Prophet Muhammad).

 Sunni Muslims fast on the 9th and 10th or 10th and 11th of Muharram.

 Hosay celebrations occur in Trinidad and Jamaica.

o Miladunnabi (Birthday of the Prophet):

 Celebrates the birth of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) on the 12th of Rabiul Awal.

 Not universally observed by all Muslims.

o Lailatul Miraj/Isra:

 Commemorates the Prophet Muhammad’s miraculous ascension to the heavens and the Night

Journey.

 Not observed by all Muslims.

o Lailatul Qadr (Night of Power):

 Occurs during Ramadan.

 A night of great spiritual significance, believed to be when the Qur’an was first revealed.

o Lailatul Bara’at:

 Takes place in the middle of Shaabaan (8th month of the Islamic calendar).
 Not universally observed by all Muslims.

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