The Abrahamic Faiths

Judaism
Christianity
Islam

More In Common Than You

Think
I n th e N a m e o f A
Understanding

Islam
&
Muslims
So, what is Islam ?
Islam is a Monotheistic Religion

Inviting all people to :

 Recognize, Believe & Worship

God
 Believe in Heaven and Hell
 Believe in the Day of Judgment
 Enjoin what is Right
 Forbid what is Wrong
 Follow Divine Guidance
 Islam Considers Itself
A Universal Religion &
Message
Islam is a universal religion and a
comprehensive way of life for all peoples, all
times, and all regions of the world.
Islam “A Faith of Human Unity”
• It calls all mankind
regardless of their race and
gender to unite in the
worship of the One True God
• Islam considers all people as
brothers and sisters, and
rejects discrimination on the
basis of gender, color, race
or ethnic background
• Mankind is one family
Equality in Islam
So, “Who are the Muslims” ?
 The Muslims Are :
• 1.7 billion Muslims worldwide
(almost ¼ of the world’s population)

• 57 countries with Muslims as a

majority of the population,
including 22 Arab countries.

• Only 18-25% of Muslims are Arabs

• Country with the largest Muslim
population is Indonesia.
 Jakarta
INDONESIA
Masjid Istiqlal

The Largest Mosque in

the Southeastern Asia

Capacity of 100,000+
people.
 Muslims of
America
• 2nd most common religion in America
• One of the fastest growing religions in the USA
• Estimated 7 to 8 million Muslims
• Diverse ethnic backgrounds & national origins
 Muslims have a Beautiful, Prosperous, Proud
History, full of Rich Diversity, Global Presence &
 For 700 to 1000 Years

Muslims Were The World

Science
Leaders
Mathematics Social Education
Services
Chemistr Algebra Universities
y Hospitals
Geometry Learning
Physics Medicine
Engineering Knowledge
Biology Law &
Technology Exploration
Justice
Astrono
Architecture Hygiene
my Human
Arts & Crafts Rights Ethics
Anatomy
Calligraphy Civil Rights Etiquettes
Botany
Taj Mahal,
India
Medina, Mosque ( the Prophet’s mosque )
Dome of The Rock,
Palestine
Istanbul,
Turkey
Cairo,
Egypt
Damascu
s,
Syria
Islamaba
d,
Pakistan
Bombay, India
Jakarta,
Indonesia
Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia
Rome, Italy
Dublin, Ireland
Guyana-Mosque
A window at Alhambra Palace, Granada
What does Islam mean ?
Islam = Peace ( thru Submission )
SLM = Salaam = Peace
Islam = Willful Surrender
Islam = Peaceful Submission
Islam = Voluntary Obedience
_________________________

Free Will vs. Divine Guidance

__________________________________________

Peacefully, willfully, knowingly, submitting your

“Free Will”
to voluntarily obey God’s Divine Guidance
Islam means peace
Continue What does Islam mean ?
• To attain peace thru submission
• To attain mental, spiritual, and physical peace
• To attain peace with our creator, ourselves, and others
Islam is an action
People who accept and practice the act of Islam are called Muslims.
A Muslim is one who follows God’s will over their own personal will.
Now Who is this “Creator”

&

What is the “Divine

Guidance” ?
 GOD
Yahweh Elohim
Allah
Jehovah DIOS
 Muslims Believe

The “Creator” is “Allah”

“Allah” is the proper name for God in Arabic

Allah = the “God”

= the “Creator”
= the “Unique”
= the “One and Only”
= the “Cherisher &
Sustainer”
= the “Sovereign”
= the “Almighty”
= the “Real”
= the “Eternal” &
“Everlasting”
 GOD

Eloh Elahh Ilah Allah

Hebrew Aramaic Arabic His Name
 Continue Who is “Allah” ?
• Allah has no gender.
• Allah is not masculine or
feminine.
• Allah has no mother or father
• Allah has no children or
relatives
• Allah is not part of the
Creation
If you•can touch
Allah it, taste
is the it, see it, smell it, it is
Creator.
not Allah.
Continue Who is “Allah” ?
The Qur’an says:

“Say he is Allah, the One and Only !

Allah the Eternal, the Absolute;
He begets not, nor is He begotten;
and there is nothing comparable to
Him.”
Qur’an (112)
 The Essence of Islamic Belief
There is no God but Allah = “Taw heed”
• Complete oneness in reference to Allah (God)
• Absolute, pure Monotheism.
• Allah has no equals, no partners
• Nothing else is worthy of worship, but Allah
• Nothing else is worthy of praise, but Allah
• Allah has power over all things
• Everything is dependent on Allah
• Allah is NOT dependent on anything
• Allah is perfect, supreme, sovereign
• Allah deserves all reverence, worship, praise,
respect and devotion
 “Taw heed” in the Qur’an

“Allah ! There is no God but He, the Living, the Self-

Subsisting, Eternal, no slumber can seize Him, nor sleep.
His are all things in the heavens and on earth. Who is
there who can intercede in His presence expect as he
permits ? He knows what lies before them and what is
after them and they comprehend not anything of His
knowledge except such as He wills. His throne comprises
the heavens and the earth, the preserving of them tires
Him not. He is All-High, All-Glorious.”
Qur’an (2:255)
Muslims know Allah (God)
through His Attributes
• To Allah belongs the most beautiful
names
• The Qur’an mentions 99 different
Names (Attributes) of Allah
• Each Attribute is descriptive of a
perfect and supreme quality which
precludes any kind of defect or
weakness
• Each Attribute is expressed in a way
that can be understood by an
average person
• Each Attribute fortifies, confirms the
idea of TAWHEED
• Each Attribute belongs ONLY to Allah
Attributes from the Qur’an :
“He is Allah, besides Whom there is no other
god, the Knower of the invisible and the visible. He, the
Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.”
“Allah is He, besides Whom there is no other
god, the Sovereign, the Holy One, the Source of Peace,
the Protector, the Guardian, the Majestic, the
Compeller, Superb. Glorified be Allah ! (High is He)
above the partners they ascribe to Him. He is Allah, the
Creator, the Evolver, the Bestower of Forms. To Him
belongs the Most Beautiful Names. Whatever is in the
heavens and on earth does declare His Praise and Glory
and He is the Mighty, the Wise.”
Qur’an (59:22-24)
 The Attributes (Names) of
Allah 16. The Provider
1. The Most
Compassionate 17. The Opener
2. The Merciful 18. The The One Who Bestows
3. The King 19. All-Knowing
4. Most Holy 20. The Withholder
5. All Peaceful 21. The Expander
6. The Granter of security 22. The One Who Abases
7. The Protector 23. The Exalter
8. The Mighty 24. The One Who Bestows
9. The Compeller Honor
10. The Majestic 25. The Humbler
11. The Creator 26. The All Hearing
12. The Maker 27. The All seeing
13. The Shaper 28. The Judge
14. The Forgiver 29. The Equitable
15. The One Who Subdues 30. The Gentle
31. The All-Aware 49. The One Who
32. The Forbearing Resurrects
33. The Incomparably Great 50. The Witness
34. The Forgiving 51. The Truth
35. The Appreciative 52. The Ultimate Trustee
36. The Most High 53. The Most Strong
37. The Most Great 54. The Authoritative
38. The Preserver 55. The Protector
39. The Sustainer 56. The Praiseworthy
40. The One Who Reckons 57. The Appraiser
41. The Majestic 58. The Originator
42. The Generous 59. The Restorer of life
60. The Giver of life
43. The Watchful
61. The Causer of death
44. The Responsive
62. The Ever Living
45. The All Embracing
63. The Self Existing
46. The Wise
64. The Self Sufficient
47. The Loving One
65. The Glorified
48. The Most Glorious
66. The Unique
67. The One 84. The Owner of Sovereignty
68. The Eternal 85. The Lord of Majesty/Honor
69. The Able 86. The Just
70. The Powerful 87. The Gatherer
71. The Expediter 88. The All Sufficient
72. The Delayer 89. The One Who Enriches
73. The First 90. The One Who Prevents
74. The Last 91. The Afflicter
75. The Manifest 92. The One Who Benefits
76. The Hidden 93. The Light
94. The Guide
77. The Governor
95. The Originator
78. The Most Exalted
96. The Ever Lasting
79. The Source of Goodness
97. The Ultimate Inheritor
80. The Acceptance of
Repentance 98. The Guide
81. The Avenger 99. The Patient
82. The Pardoner
83. The Most Kind
 Reverting Back To Islam

Becoming A Muslim
Simply by saying with conviction,
“La ilaha illa Allah,
Mohammedan Rasoolullah,”
one becomes a Muslim. 

“There is no true deity to be worshipped but

Allah (God),
 By Definition – And the Qur’an,
Muslims Believe
“No Compulsion” in Religion
The Quran Says:

“There is no compulsion in religion. The right

direction is distinct from error. & he who rejects false
deities & believes in Allah (God) has grasped a firm
handhold which will never break. Allah (God) is
Hearer, Knower.”
Qur’an (2:256)
Compulsion in religion is worthless & meaningless
 Muslims believe Islam is Natural
‘Everyone’ is born Muslim

• Islam is a natural religion : Spiritually, Mentally, Physically

• We are all born Muslim, pure without sin
• Our free will peacefully surrendered to God’s will
• We are innately attracted (programmed) to accept our creator
• Our soul constantly reminds us of our creator
• We are always being called by God from within
 Muslims believe
All of creation proves God’s
existence
• Allah (God) created everything

• We should study the creation,

because it proves God’s existence

• No matter where we turn, God’s

intelligent design will be undeniable,
overwhelmingly and totally
convincing

• Science, physics, chemistry, botany,

biology, astronomy, geology, etc… all
prove that God exists … that God is
one … that God deserves our worship
… that God is all powerful … and
worthy of all praise
 Muslims believe
God sent Prophets &
Messengers
•Allah (God) sent us messengers and prophets
•They explained to us God’s existence, God’s
oneness, and God’s plan for us
•To recognize, accept and obey God’s guidance
•They taught us morals, ethics, and how to worship
•They were role models of how to implement what
they preached

•They delivered the ‘Divine Guidance’ for our benefit

 Muslims believe

Islam Is Not A New

Religion The Quran Says:

"Say: We believe in Allah (God) and that which was revealed

to us, and that which was revealed to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac,
Jacob and the tribes and that which was given to Moses, Jesus
and to the Prophets from their Lord; We make no distinction
between any of them, and to Him (God) we submit".
Quran (3:83)
 Muslims Accept & Believe in
the following
Divine Guidance :

 The Torah given to Moses

 The Psalms given to David
 The Gospel given to Jesus
 The Qur’an given to
Mohammad
What Muslims believe about
Jesus
• Muslims respect , love, honor, and revere
Jesus
• Jesus is considered a great messenger /
prophet
• Jesus was born from the ‘virgin’ Mary
• Jesus is a ‘word’ from God
• However, Muslims do not consider Jesus to
be of divine nature
Titles of Jesus in the Qur’an
Son of Mary
Messiah / Christ
Servant of God
Messenger of God
The Word of God
Spirit of God
Sign of God
Jesus is mentioned in 25 places in the Holy Qur’an
with names of respect and honor:
Birth of Jesus = Creation of
Adam
The Qur’an Says :

Truly, the likeness of Jesus with God

is as the likeness of Adam. He
created him of dust and then said
to him, “Be!” and he was.
(Qur’an, 3:59)
 What is this “Divine Guidance”?

Muslim Character & Ethics

• Faith requires action • Be pure, clean, and sober

• Excel in goodness • Be just, noble, and steadfast
• Enjoin what is right • Show forgiveness, be kind and
• Forbid what is wrong generous
• Be educated, seek • Be optimistic, thankful, and
knowledge happy
• Have integrity, be • Obey the 10 commandments
honest and sincere • Trust God with all your heart,
• Be modest, humble mind and soul
and pious
 Continue Muslim Character & Ethics

• Mankind is One family • Love for others what

• If one person suffers, you love for yourself
everyone suffers • Take care of orphans,
• All life is sacred widows & the needy
• All human rights • Defend the weak
should be protected • Free the oppressed
• Love one another • Fulfill your trusts,
• Show moderation in commitments &
everything promises
• Be just
 Now, who is Mohammad ?

Muslims Believe Mohammad Is:

• The Last Messenger & Last

Prophet
• The Seal Of The Prophets
• The Truthful One, The Honest

• A Mercy To Mankind
• Mohammad
Remember, The Universal Prophet
is NOT the founder of ISLAM …
 Who Is Mohammad ?

• Born in Mecca, Arabia, in the year 570

AD.
• Descendant of Ishmael, the first son of
Abraham.
• Received first revelation (the Qur’an)
at the age 40 through the angel
Gabriel.
• Died in the year 632 AD
 Who Is Mohammad ?

• A man, a human being, a servant and

messenger of God Almighty

• Mohammad had the Noble mission, which was

to unite humanity in the worship of the One and
only Creator ( God ).
• Mohammad was a clear Warner to mankind of
the Day of Judgment and our accountability
before God

• Mohammad taught mankind the way to honest

& upright living based on the commandments
of God.
Mohammad was:

1) A religious teacher
2) A social reformer
3) A ruler, governor
4) A legislator
5) A moral guide
6) A faithful friend
7) A devoted husband
8) A loving father
 What Others Say About
Mohammad

• “… a mass of detail in the early sources show that he

(Mohammad) was an honest and upright man …”
Encyclopedia Britannica

• “He (Mohammad) must be called the Savior of Humanity.

I believe that if a man like him were to assume the
dictatorship of the modern world, he would succeed in
solving its problems in a way that would bring it much
needed peace and happiness.”
George Bernard
Shaw
 What Others Say About
Mohammad
• “I wanted to know the best of one who holds today’s
undisputed sway over the hearts of millions of mankind ….
I became convinced that it was not the sword that won a place
for Islam in those days in the scheme of life. It was the rigid
simplicity, the utter self-effacement of the Prophet, the
scrupulous regard for his pledges, his intense devotion to his
friends and his followers, his intrepidity, his fearlessness, his
absolute trust in God and in his own mission. These and not
the sword carried everything before them and surmounted
every obstacle. When I closed the 2nd volume (of the Prophet’s
biography), I was sorry there was not more for me to read of
his great life.”
Mahatma Gandhi
What Others Say About
Mohammad

Michael H. Hart in his recently published book :

The 100:
A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History
…on ratings of men who contributed towards the benefit
and upliftment of mankind writes:

• “My choice of Muhammad to lead the list

of the world’s most influential persons may
surprise some readers and may be
questioned by others, but he was the only
man in history who was supremely
successful on both the religious and secular
levels.”
 Sayings Of Prophet Mohammad

• “God has no mercy on one who has no mercy for

others.”
• “None of you truly believes until he wishes for his
brother what he wishes for himself.”
• “He who eats his fill while his neighbor goes
without food is not a believer.”
• “Powerful is not he who knocks the other down,
indeed powerful is he who controls himself in a fit
of anger.”
• “Allah does not judge according to your bodies
and appearances but He scans your hearts & looks
into your deeds.”
 More Sayings Of Prophet
Mohammad
• The life & property of all people are considered
sacred whether a person is Muslim or not.

• No Supremacy: All people are equal. ( Piety not

Racism )

• Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) said:

“No Arab has any superiority over a non Arab, nor
does a non-Arab have any superiority over an Arab.
Nor does a white man have any superiority over a
black man, or the black man any superiority over
the white man. You are all the children of Adam, &
Adam was created from clay”
The “6” Articles of Faith in
Islam
• Belief in the Oneness of Allah (God)
• Belief in the Angels created by Allah (God)
• Belief in the Revealed Books of Allah (God)
• Belief in the Messengers and Prophets of
Allah (God)

• Belief in the Day of Judgment

• Belief in Allah’s (God’s) Sovereignty
(control) over Human Destiny & over all
Affairs
The Five Pillars of Islam
The Five Pillars Of Islam ( Forms Of
Worship )

I. Declaration of Faith
(Shahadah)

II. Prayers (Salah)

III. Charity (Zakat)

IV. Fasting ( Ramadan)

V. Pilgrimage (Hajj)
I. The Declaration of Faith

Simply by saying with conviction :

“La ilaha illa Allah,
Mohammedan Rasoolullah,”
one becomes a Muslim. 

“There is no true deity to be worshipped but

Allah (God),
and Mohammad is the Messenger (Prophet) of
Allah.”
The Five Pillars Of Islam ( Forms Of
Worship )

I. Declaration of Faith
(Shahadah)

II. Prayers (Salah)

III. Charity (Zakat)

IV. Fasting ( Ramadan)

V. Pilgrimage (Hajj)
II. Prayer

• Prayer in Islam is a direct link between

the worshipper and God.
• Muslims face Mecca in their prayers.
• The Five daily prayers regulate a Muslim’s day.
• Prayers involve ablution (wudu), calling to prayer
(athan), standing, bowing, prostrating, sitting
postures.
• Prayers are performed at dawn, noon, after-
noon, sunset and night.
 Prayer Times
Mid-Afternoon
Morning Noon Evening Night

Sunrise Noon Sunset Midnight

II. Prayer (continued)

• Ritual washing before the

prayer (Wudu)
– Wash hands, face, feet
– Need running water, may
use restroom sink
– Takes about two minutes
Ablution (washing) before Prayer

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10
 The Call to Prayer (Al-
adhan)
God is great. (x4)
I bear witness that there is none worthy of
worship except God. (x2)
I bear witness that Mohammed is
the Messenger of God. (x2)
Come to prayer. (x2)
Come to success. (x2)
God is great. (x2)
There is none worthy of worship except God.
 Praise be to Allah (God), the
Cherisher and Sustainer of all the
worlds.
The Most Gracious, the Most
Merciful.
The Master of the Day of
Judgment.
You alone do we worship, & You
alone do we ask for help.
Guide us on the straight path,
the path of those whom you have

bestowed your grace;

not the path of those who have
God is earned your wrath, and not the
great ones gone astray.
Amen.
(1) (2)
 Allah listens to
him who
praises Him.
  Our Lord, to
You is due all
praise.
(4) 

God is
great. God is great.
Glory to my Lord,
Holy is my the Most High. 
Lord, the (5)
Magnificent.
 God is great.
Glory to my
Lord, the Most
God is  High.
great.
(7)
(6)
 God is great; All greetings, blessings and
good acts are from Allah.
Greetings to you, O Prophet, and
the mercy and blessings of Allah.
Peace be unto us, and unto
the righteous servants of Allah.
I bear witness that there is none
worthy of worship except Allah.
and I bear witness that Mohammed
is His servant and messenger.
O Allah, bless Mohammed and
the followers of Mohammed;
As you have blessed Abraham and
the followers of Abraham.
O Allah, be gracious unto Mohammed
and
the followers of Mohammed;
As you were gracious unto Abraham and
the followers of Abraham.
(8) Surely you are the Praiseworthy, the
Glorious.
Peace and blessings of God be upon
you.

(9
right ) left
 Prayers

• 5 times a day:
– (Noon and mid-afternoon prayers
may fall within school time)
– Need a quiet, clean room. Total
privacy not required
– Worshipper will face direction of
Mecca (northeast in US)
– Has physical movements (bowing)
in addition to mental praying
– takes about 5 minutes
 Prayers

• During the prayer:

– Worshippers are fully
engaged and focused and
won’t respond if talked to
– Will interrupt prayer if there
is an emergency
• Inappropriate to walk in front of
worshippers
– Muslims only bow before God
 Friday Congregational Prayer
(Jummah)

• Required for males over age of understanding

• Friday afternoon usually between 1:30-2:30
• Usually lasts about an hour, includes sermon
- Students wishing to attend may request
a temporary release from class
• Held in a mosque or other community space
• Friday not a sabbath, can return to school/work afterwards
The Five Pillars Of Islam ( Forms Of
Worship )

I. Declaration of Faith

II. Prayers (Salah)

III. Charity (Zakat)

IV. Fasting ( Ramadan)

V. Pilgrimage (Hajj)
III. Charity, Zakat

Charity towards man, in the widest sense of the word, is the

cornerstone of the Islamic society and a constant theme in the
Quranic teachings.

There are TWO kinds of charities in Islam:

the obligatory and the voluntary.

The obligatory charity is called ZAKAT

while the voluntary charity is called SADAQAH.
III. Charity, Zakat

• All things belong to God and are held in trust by humans

• Charity is prescribe by God, to purify our wealth
• 2.5% of a Muslim’s wealth is thus set aside to help the
poor & the needy every year
• Redistribution of wealth helps societies & people
• Muslims are usually motivated to donate even more as
optional charity
• God rewards charity givers very generously in this life and
in the hereafter.
• Trust in God ( not possessions ) for everything
The Five Pillars Of Islam ( Forms Of
Worship )

I. Declaration of Faith
(Shahadah)

II. Prayers (Salah)

III. Charity (Zakat)

IV. Fasting ( Ramadan)

V. Pilgrimage (Hajj)
IV. What is
Ramadan ?
• Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic calendar
• The Islamic calendar is lunar so the dates
depend on the sighting of the new moon
• This year, Ramadan started on Sept 22rd and is
predicted to end on Oct 22nd
• A month of prayer, fasting, charity and good
deeds
• A month to read the Qur’an and follow God’s
guidance
IV. What is Fasting for
Muslims ?

• No food, drink, or sexual intercourse from dawn till sunset

• Get up early, eat and drink, stopping before dawn
• At sunset, we break the fast with small amounts of food
• Pray the sunset prayer, then eat dinner
• Then try to go the mosque to pray congregational prayers
Why Do Muslims Fast
?
• Muslims are ordered to fast by the Qur’an :
“Oh ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you
as it was prescribed to those before you, that you
may (learn) self restraint”
(Quran 2:185)
• Jewish Fasting: Yom Kippur
– (24 hour fast as a sign of penitence to God)

• Christian Fasting: Lent

– (40 day fast)
 Why Do Muslims
Continue

Fast ?
“Ramadan is the month during which the Qur’an was
revealed, providing guidance for the people, clear
teachings, and the statute book. Those of you who
witness this month shall fast therein. Those who are
ill or traveling may substitute the same number of
other days. GOD wishes for you convenience, not
hardship, that you may fulfill your obligations, and to
glorify GOD for guiding you, and to express your
appreciation.
(Qur’an 2:185)
Who Performs the Fast
?
• Adult men and women (over the age of
puberty)
• Younger children encouraged to try to fast,
as practice (around age 7-10)
• Sick, traveling, pregnant, mentally ill, and
women while on their monthly menses are
exempt from fasting during Ramadan.
IV. Purpose of Fasting

• Fasting is not just about learning to be hungry & thirsty

• Fasting is an opportunity to discover a spiritual reformation
• Fasting provides a way to seek nearness to God
– To seek God’s pleasure, blessings and favors
– To ask for God’s mercy, forgiveness, and compassion

• Muslims seek Ramadan every year with enthusiasm

– Anticipating the real joy, peace, happiness, and tranquility
– Focusing their intentions to be grateful for the invitation to
celebrate the bounties (favors) of their lord
IV. Spiritual Benefits of
Fasting
Opportunity For Spiritual Growth :
• Opportunity to increase God consciousness
• Opportunity to refresh our hearts & purify our soul
• Opportunity to increase our love, devotion and gratitude to our
Creator
• Opportunity to heighten our awareness & reflect on our actions
• Opportunity to increase our reliance, trust, and confidence in God
• Opportunity to attain peace & tranquility ... body, mind and soul
IV. Personal Benefits of
Fasting
Opportunity For Building Character :
• Developing self-discipline, self-control, self-restraint, and self-evaluation
• Learning patience, endurance, fortitude, will-power, courage and stamina
• Increasing our loyalty, honor, self-respect, sincerity, and integrity
• Sharpens our intellect, insights, concentration and efficiencies
• Teaches us to be humble, pious, trustworthy and responsible

Opportunity For Self Improvement :

• A time for discovering, changing, and breaking bad habits
• A time for overcoming addictions like smoking, gambling, overeating, etc…
• A time for surmounting obstacles, difficulties, and struggles of daily life
• A time to inculcate in us the spirit of abstinence from sins and the cultivation of
virtues
IV. Societal Benefits of
Fasting
Fasting :

• Helps us relate and reflect on the less fortunate and needy

• Increases our compassion and sacrifice towards others
• Shifts our concerns from ourselves to others
• Teaches us to be less wasteful, to conserve and be moderate
• Fosters a spirit of forgiveness, respect and unity among all
• Strengthens family ties, community ties, and social ties
IV. Physical Benefits of
Fasting
• Clears the mind
• Sharpens the senses
• Purifies our bodies
• Improves blood circulation
• Helps the body heal
• Helps the organs rest
• Prepares us for scarcity

Also, many physical benefits of prayer

Muslim Celebration : Eid ul-
Fitr
• Eid ul-Fitr is the Muslim holiday marking the end of
Ramadan
• Eid ul-Fitr means the celebration of the feast and lasts for
3 days
• Eid begins with a congregational prayer followed by
socialization and food
• Make sure everyone in community has food to celebrate,
wear best clothes, give gifts to children
• All Muslims are required to give a mandatory charity to
the poor & needy called Zakat ul-Fitr
Eid Prayer – Islamic Holiday
Muslims Greeting On Eid
Day
USA Postage Stamp :
Celebrating Eid
 The Five Pillars Of Islam ( Forms Of
Worship )

1) Declaration of Faith
(Shahadah)

2) Prayers (Salah)

3) Charity (Zakat)

4) Fasting ( Ramadan)

5) Pilgrimage (Hajj)
 5. Pilgrimage, Hajj
• Pilgrimage, or “Hajj” – All Muslims who are physically fit
and financially able are expected to make a pilgrimage to
Mecca at least once in their lives.

• More than two million pilgrims visit the holy city in the
last lunar month of each Islamic year.

• Many of the Hajj rites commemorate the remarkable

obedience, submission, and sacrificial practices of the
Prophet Abraham and his older son Ishmael.
• Muslim pilgrims usually return to their homelands
spiritually charged and more attached to the Muslim
nation.
• To meet millions of Muslims from all different countries,
races, colors and in one place, performing the same rites
and wearing the same dress, leaves an unforgettable
impression of human brotherhood and unity.
Now, What about Women in Islam ?
 Gender Relations
• Status Of Women In Islam
– Pre-Islamic Status
– Post-Islamic Status

• Expressions Of Personal Modesty In

Islam
– Hijab
– Segregation
– Social interactions
 570 A.D.

Pre-Islamic Status Of
Women
• Very Male Chauvinistic • Not Equal To Men
Society • Given Away By
• No Rights - No Status Husband
• No Inheritance • Exchanged For Goods
And Services
• No Say In Marriage
• Considered Property Of • Traded, Bought, &
Sold
Husbands
• Lost Her Name Meanwhile
• Burden On Society
• Baby Girls Buried Alive • Other Nations Doing
The Same
• Her Money, Property,
• Christian Councils Still
Belonged To The Husband Arguing Whether
Women Had Souls
 623 A.D.
Post-Islamic Status Of
Women
• Women = Men
• Equal In The Sight Of God
• Belief, Prayer, Fasting,
Charity, Pilgrimage, etc. = to •
men
• All Rewards & All
Punishments Equal
• Equal Rights
• Equal Status
• Right To Inheritance
• Right To Initiate Marriage
• Right To Initiate Divorce
• Right To Choose In Marriage •
• Right To Keep Her Name
• Right To Refuse Marriage
Proposals
• Right To Own Property
• Right To Work
Right To Be Educated
• Can NOT Be Traded, Bought, So
• All Her Money Is Hers
• All Her Property Is Hers
• Men Required To Give Dowry
• Asset To Society
• Honored In Society
• To Be Protected By Men
To Be Respected, Loved, Admir
• Integral Part Of All Societal Affa
 Islamic Teaching
(Mohammad’s) About Women

• The keys to heaven lay at the feet of the

Mother.
• Your Mother deserves “3” times the respect,
honor, devotion, admiration over the Father
• The Prophet said: He who is best to his wife is
best in the sight of Allah (God).
• The Prophet taught us to be Kind, Gentle,
Loving With Women
Muslim Students: Maintaining a
Culturally Sensitive Learning
Environment
 Legal rulings concerning the
practice of religion in US public
schools
• First Amendment to the Constitution
protects the free exercise of religion
– Protects Muslim religious practices

• Equal Access Act of 1984 (Upheld by

the Supreme Court in 1990)
– Affirmed the right of student-initiated
religious activities in public schools
Muslim Dietary Requirements
Concept is to be Pure, Clean & Sober
Mentally, Physically, and Spiritually

– No Pork or foods cooked with or in pork

products
– No Alcohol or foods containing it
– Some eat only Halal meat
• (Similar to Kosher slaughtering practices)
• All fish are considered Halal
 Gender Relations
Expressions of Personal Modesty
in Islam
Social interactions
– Important after puberty between non-related males &
females
– Modesty in behavior and dress for both men and women
– Physical contact discouraged
– Being alone together discouraged
Dress code
– Focuses on character of person rather than their physical
attributes
– Encourages men & women to interact with dignity and
respect
 Eye Contact

• Some Muslims avoid eye contact, especially

with a member of the opposite sex

– Because of religious teachings to “lower your gaze”

– Represents modesty and respect
– Should not be perceived as
• disrespectful
• an unwillingness to communicate
• dishonesty, guilt or evasion
 Islamic Dress Code:
Attire of Muslim Boys/Men

• Must be covered from navel to knee

• Most American Muslim males wear typical
western dress
– Some may wear long tunics or robes for
greater modesty
• May wear a small cap (called a kufi),
especially during prayer
• Many Muslim men have beards
 Islamic Dress Code:
Attire for Muslim Girls/Women
• Greater modesty required after
puberty
- Consists of loose-fitting, non-
revealing clothing
- Covers body including arms & legs
• Head-Covering (Hejab)
– May start wearing after puberty
– Not all girls choose to wear it

• Style may vary according to

cultural background
 Suggestions for student
interaction
• Pair girls with girls / boys with boys if possible

• Make allowances for modest dress

• Teachers should not tolerate anyone pulling or

trying to remove a girl’s head covering

• Teachers should not tolerate anyone harassing

another student about clothing/religious/racial
differences
 Curriculum Issues

• Muslims have concerns about bias and

inaccuracies in textbooks
• Ideally, qualified Muslim educators should
participate in textbook selection
• Invite Muslim speakers to World History or
Social Studies classes
• Understand that Muslims do not celebrate
Christmas / allow for alternate activity
Resources for Educators
 Council on Islamic
Education (CIE)

• www.cie.org
• founded in 1990, a national, non-profit research
institute and resource organization
• mission is to support and strengthen American
public education as the foundation for a vibrant
democracy, a healthy civil society, and a
nationally and globally literate citizenry
 Islamic Networks Group

• www.ing.org
• non-profit, educational organization founded in 1993
• provides trained and certified Muslim speakers for all
types of educational and commercial settings
• Informational materials available on website
Other Websites for More
Information:

• www.islamonline.com (general info on Islam)

• www.cair.com (Council on American- Islamic
Relations)
• www.soundvision.com (Islamic info and products)
 For Islamic Books &
Multimedia:
• Astrolabe www.astrolabe.com
Free catalogue 800-392-7876
Customer service 630-242-8030
720 Plainfield Rd., Suite A,
Willowbrook, Illinois 60527

• Soundvision www.soundvision.com
708-430-1255
9058 S. Harlem Ave.
Bridgeview, Illinois 60455
More In Common Than You
Think

Questions & Answers