Page 6 - World Religions I - Islam

in Saudi Arabia.
 The prayers are accompanied by ritual ablutions with water.
 Prayers consist of a series of recitations accompanied by bowing, kneeling, and
prostrations.
 Prayers can be performed anywhere but are most effective in a communal worship hall known
as a mosque.
o Prayer is thought to strengthen one's belief in Allah's existence and goodness, and to integrate this belief
into every aspect of life.
• Charitable giving.
o All Muslims are required to donate a percentage of accumulated wealth to needy Muslims.
 This provision is designed to help decrease inequalities in
o wealth and prevent personal greed.
• Fasting.
o Frequent fasts are recommended for Muslims, but one is obligatory during the Islamic holy month of
Ramadan.
 The month of Ramadan commemorates the first revelations of the Qur'an received by
Muhammad.
o Fasting consists of abstaining from food, drink, sexual activity, and vices during daylight hours.
o Fasting is designed to remove distractions between man and Allah, and to remove impurities from the
body and soul.
• Pilgrimage.
o All Muslims who are physically and financially able are expected to make a pilgrimage - known as
Hajj - to the Islamic holy city of Mecca at least once in their lifetime.
 The pilgrimage involves a series of symbolic rituals designed to bring the faithful as close to
Allah as possible.
 The pilgrimage is designed to be an international gathering of Muslims. Differences are
stripped away, and unity is encouraged.

Denominations

Every Muslim, regardless of nationality, language, or political persuasion, believes the tenants and practices of the pillars
of the faith, believes in what is written in the Qur'an, and honors the life and character of their prophet. Following the
death of Muhammad, however, differences in opinion began to arise concerning political, legal, and theological
positions, which has resulted in sectarian variations.

• Sunni Islam is the largest denomination, comprised of over 75-90% of all Muslims.
o The term "Sunni" comes from Sunnah, and means literally "tradition," "custom," or "path." The term
"Sunnah" can also mean "wont," or "usage." It's a general term that can be applied to the usages and
customs of a nation or people.
 The Sunnah is the normative example of Muhammad's life, so therefore Sunni Muslims are
characterized as "people of the tradition [or custom of Muhammad]."
 Sunni Muslims emphasize the importance of the Sunnah in Islamic law, and its adherents are
encouraged to emulate Muhammad's actions in their daily lives.
o Sunnis believe that the first four caliphs ("successor" or "representative") were the rightful
successors to Muhammad. Since Allah did not specify any particular leaders to succeed
Muhammad, those leaders had to be elected by the community.
 Abu Bakr
• Ruled AD 632-34.
• The father-in-law to Muhammad. His daughter, Aisha was the favorite wife of

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