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Introduction to Islam
Basic Beliefs-
Definition- Monotheism (Tawhid):
Monotheistic Abrahamic religion Belief in the oneness of Allah
Founded by Prophet Muhammad in 7th Creator and sustainer of the universe
century CE Five Pillars:
Submission to the will of Allah Shahada: Declaration of faith
Salah: Five daily prayers
Meaning of the word “Islam”- Zakat: Almsgiving and charity
Arabic root "S-L-M", meaning to be at Sawm: Fasting during Ramadan
whole and peace Hajj: Pilgrimage to Mecca
Means peace, purity, submission, Quran:
obedience Holy book of Islam
Signifies surrender to Allah Literal word of Allah revealed to Muhammad
Guidance for all aspects of life
Prophet Muhammad:
Last and final prophet
His life and teachings are a model for Muslims
Completes and perfects earlier revelations
The Five Pillars of Islam
Shahada (Declaration of Faith)-
Central belief: "There is no god but God, and Muhammad is the Messenger of God"
Written in Arabic, featured in architecture and objects
Recited with conviction to become a Muslim
Salah (Prayer)-
Five daily prayers facing Mecca
Includes recitation of the opening chapter of the Quran
Can be individual or congregational (mosque)
Friday noonday prayer, sermon, and discussion
Zakat (Charity)-
Donate a fixed portion of income to the needy
Supports community members, builds mosques, schools, hospitals
Sawm (Fasting during Ramadan)-
Fast during daylight hours in Ramadan
Abstain from food and drink
Renew awareness and gratitude for God's provisions
Share hunger and thirst with the needy
Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca)-
Once in a lifetime if able
Visit the Ka'ba in Mecca
Perform rituals including walking around the Ka'ba, running between Safa and Marwa, stoning the devil.
The Quran
Definition and Revelation- Themes and Guidance-
Holy book of Islam, revealed in Arabic Oneness of God
Words of God revealed to Prophet Worship and obedience to God
Muhammad (PBUH) Afterlife and Day of Judgment
Names and Descriptions- Righteous and moral life
Quran and Kitab: Recital & Writ Creation of the universe
Kalam Allah: Divine Speech Role of prophets
Dhikr and Huda: Remembrance & Guidance Consequences of actions
Authenticity- Social justice and fairness
Historical evidence and transmission Translations and Interpretation-
Positive change and practical teachings Available in over 100 languages
Literary and miraculous nature Each translation an interpretation of the
Arabic text
Sacred and unchangeable word of God
The Prophet Muhammad, A
Mercy To The World
Birth and Ancestry-
Challenges and Migration:
Born in Mecca, 570 CE
Faced persecution in Mecca
Son of Abdullah and Aminah
Migration to Medina in 622 CE
Descendant of Prophet Abraham through
Established first Muslim
Ismael
community
Early Life-
Return to Mecca:
Father died before birth
Conquered Mecca peacefully in
Raised by grandfather Abdul-Muttalib and uncle
630 CE
Abu Talib
Cleansed the Kaaba of idols
Known for honesty and trustworthiness
Legacy:
Prophethood-
Known for compassion and justice
First revelation in 610 CE, Cave of Hira
Teachings continue to inspire
Quran revealed over 23 years
millions
Mission: A mercy to all worlds
Emphasized importance of Quran
and Ahl al-Bayt
Worship in Islam
Daily Integration:
Zakah (Charity):
Worship interwoven into daily life
Annual giving of 2.5% of savings
Not confined to specific places
Supports poor, needy, and oppressed
Five Pillars of Islam:
Promotes social welfare and justice
Shahadah (Testimony of Faith):
Sawm (Fasting):
Declaration:"There is no god but God, and Muhammad is His Messenger."
Observed during Ramadan
Foundation of Islamic belief
Abstain from food, drink, and sexual activity from dawn to sunset
Affirms monotheism and prophethood
Encourages empathy, self-restraint, and willpower
Salah (Prayer):
Hajj (Pilgrimage):
Prayed five times daily
Once-in-a-lifetime journey to Mecca
Maintains spiritual connection with God
For those physically and financially able
Involves bowing and prostration, like prophets before
Symbolizes unity and equality among Muslims
Islamic Festivals
Major Islamic Festival:
One of two major holidays in Islam Significance:
Also known as the "Lesser Eid"
Heightens awareness of the poor's sufferings
Timing:
Marks end of Ramadan Encourages appreciation for what one has
Predicted to begin around April 10, 2024 Eid al-Fitr Traditions:
Coincides with a solar eclipse this year Special Morning Prayers:
Celebration: Community gathers for prayers
Special prayers, family visits, gift-giving, and charity
Greeting:
Takes place over 1 to 3 days
"Eid Mubarak" (Have a blessed Eid)
Begins on the first day of Shawwal (10th month in the Islamic calendar)
Islamic Calendar: Family and Friends:
Lunar calendar Gatherings, meals, and gift-giving
New months begin with the waxing crescent moon Food:
12 lunar months make the year approximately 11 days shorter than the Special dishes like baklava, date-filled pastries, and honey cakes
solar Gregorian calendar
Charity (Zakat):
Two major Eids celebrated by the entire Muslim community:
Eid al-Fitr (end of Ramadan) Essential part of Eid preparations
Eid al-Adha (end of pilgrimage season) Donations to help less fortunate families
Ramadan: Forgiveness and Reflection:
Ninth month of the Islamic calendar Seek and offer forgiveness
Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset
Look forward to next Ramadan
Abstain from food, drink, smoking, and sexual activity during daylight
Commemorates the Prophet Muhammad receiving the Quran
Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam
Islamic Ethics and Morality
Common Morality and Ethics:
Found in all nations
Three main sources: Intuitive Reasoning, Faculty of Reason, Divine Revelation
Intuitive Reasoning (al-fitra):
Innate constitution guiding basic morals
Natural sense of right and wrong
Qur'anic support for unblemished nature
Example Verses:
“Our religion is the religion of Allah. Who is better than Allah in ordaining religion?” (Q. 2:138)
“Direct your face toward the religion, inclining to truth. Adhere to the fitrah of Allah upon which He has created people.” (Q. 30:30)
Tradition:
Everyone is born with an innate nature inclined to submit to God, influenced by upbringing
Faculty of Reason (al-‘Aql):
Ability to use mind to derive decisions
Qur’an praises wisdom and thoughtful reflection
Example Verses:
“If you heed Allah, He will give you criteria to judge right from wrong.” (Q. 8:29)
“If only we had listened and used our reason, we would not be companions of the Blaze.” (Q. 67:10)
Divine Revelation (al-wahy, Tanzil):
Guidance through prophets and apostles
Belief in 124,000 prophets from Adam to Muhammad (PBUH)
Universal messages and Shari’ah to organize the community of believers
Example Verses:
“Say we believe in God, and His revelation given to us, and to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes.” (Q. 2:136)
Islamic Art and Its
Distinctive
Characteristics
Islamic Art Definition:
Not limited to religious art (e.g., mosque architecture)
Encompasses art and architecture from lands under Muslim rule or created by Muslim artists
Cultural Synthesis:
Early Islamic art influenced by pre-existing Byzantine and Sasanian traditions
Gradual emergence of a unique Islamic artistic language under the influence of the Muslim faith
Historical Development:
Umayyad caliphate (661–750) as the formative period of Islamic art
Islamic art categorized by the ruling dynasties: Umayyad, Abbasid, Safavid, Ottoman, Mughal
Geographic Spread and Influence:
Despite regional variations, Islamic art retains a cohesive identity
Unifying characteristics include all-over surface decoration
Four Basic Components of Islamic Ornament:
Calligraphy
Vegetal Patterns
Geometric Patterns
Figural Representation
Common Misconceptions
about Islam
Islam Promotes Violence: Islam advocates for peace, not violence.
All Muslims are Arabs: Most Muslims are from non-Arab countries.
Muslim Women are Oppressed: Islam grants women rights; cultural practices often cause oppression.
Islam is Intolerant of Other Religions: Islam teaches respect for all Abrahamic faiths.
Muslims Worship a Different God: Muslims worship the same God as Christians and Jews.
Sharia Law is Rigid and Inhumane: Sharia varies widely in interpretation and application.
Jihad Means Holy War: Jihad primarily means personal struggle, not warfare.
Islam is Anti-Modern: Islam has a rich history of scientific and cultural contributions.
Muslims Don’t Believe in Jesus: Muslims revere Jesus as a prophet, not as divine.
Islam Encourages Forced Conversions: The Quran explicitly opposes forced conversions.
Islam today
Global Presence: Islam is practiced by diverse populations worldwide, with significant communities in the Middle
East, Africa, Asia, and increasing numbers in Western countries.
Cultural and Theological Diversity: Islamic communities are rich in cultural traditions and include various schools of
thought, reflecting the diversity within the faith.
Modern Contributions and Challenges: Muslims actively contribute to global society across various fields while
navigating issues like discrimination and misrepresentation.
Conclusion
Islam’s Multifaceted Nature: Islam is a rich and diverse religion, influencing spiritual, cultural, ethical,
and political aspects of life.
Key Takeaways: We covered the fundamental beliefs, practices, and modern-day relevance of Islam.
Promoting Respect and Understanding: Understanding and respecting all religions is essential for
fostering global peace and harmony.
Final Thoughts: Thank you for your attention. We hope this presentation has deepened your
understanding of Islam
Bibliography
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Islam/Prayer
https://www.metmuseum.org/learn/educators/curriculum-resources/art-of-the-islamic-world/unit-one/the-
five-pillars-of-islam
https://quran.com/about-the-quran
https://sites.udel.edu/msadelaware/worship-in-islam/
https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/eid-al-fitr
th an k
you
Viraj Lokhande-24060
Shaunak Deshpande-24022
Yashwardhan Gajghate-24029
Satyashil Gowardhan-24032
Deep karwa-24042
