Islam Flashcards
Explain the 5 pillars of Islam
- Shahadah: Statement of faith
- There is no god but Allah, Muhammad is the messenger of God.
- Salat: Prayer
- Muslims pray 5 times a day and always facing Makah. This shows commitment!
- Dawn, afternoon, late afteroon, after sunset, and nighttime.
- Zakat: Giving to charity
- Money is seen a something that should be used for good purposes. Muslims must give a percentage to charity (2.5%).
- Sawm: Fasting
- Muslims choose to not eat during daylight hours for the month of Ramadan. This shows sacrifice and commitment, and enables Muslims to feel closer to Allah.
- Hajj: Pillgrimage
- Must do once in your life if you are wealthy/healthy enough
The term Islam means:
The word “Islam” means “submission to the will of God.”
Who was Mohammad?
- Muhammad was the founder of Islam and Muslims believe he received teachings from Allah.
- He preached monotheism, justice, and compassion, uniting followers in Medina.
- His teachings are found in the Quran and guide Muslims in faith and daily life.
Retell Mohammads life story.
- Birth and Early Life: Muhammad was born in Mecca around 570 AD and grew up as an orphan, cared for by his family.
- First Revelation: At the age of 40, while meditating in a cave, Muhammad received his first message from Allah through the angel Gabriel.
- Preaching in Mecca: Muhammad began teaching people about one God and social justice, facing opposition from local leaders who worshipped idols.
- Migration to Medina: Due to persecution, Muhammad and his followers moved to the city of Medina in 622 AD, which became a turning point in Islamic history known as the Hijra.
- Leadership in Medina: In Medina, Muhammad became a respected leader and united the community under the principles of Islam.
- Return to Mecca: Muhammad returned to Mecca in 630 AD with his followers, peacefully conquering the city and cleansing the Kaaba of idols.
- Final Years: Muhammad continued spreading his teachings until his passing in 632 AD, leaving behind a strong Muslim community guided by the Quran and his example.
Explain how and why Islam shares common origins with Christianity and Judaism. Make sure you include important people (prophets), places and beliefs.
- Prophets: They all honor Abraham (Ibrahim), Moses (Musa), and other prophets as messengers of God.
- Places: Jerusalem is sacred to all three religions, each with its own significance. It’s where important events in their histories took place.
- Beliefs: They all believe in one God (Allah, Yahweh, or God) and emphasize moral values like kindness and justice.
- Scriptures: While they have different holy books (Quran, Bible), they share stories and teachings about God’s guidance.
- Jesus: Muslims respect Jesus (Isa) as a prophet, but do not see him as divine or crucified for sins like Christians do.
Caliph
A leader in Islam who succeeds Prophet Muhammad, guiding the community both politically and religiously.
chador/hijab
Clothing worn by Muslim women for modesty; chador refers to a full-body cloak, while hijab generally includes a headscarf.
Hejira
The migration of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina in 622 AD, marking the start of the Islamic calendar
Mecca
The holiest city in Islam, where the Kaaba is located, a place of pilgrimage
Kaaba
A cube-shaped building in Mecca, believed to be built by Prophet Abraham and his son Ishmael, central to Islamic worship
Ishmael
Son of Prophet Abraham, considered a prophet in Islam, associated with the building of the Kaaba
Hajj
The annual pilgrimage to Mecca, a religious duty for Muslims who are physically and financially able
Quran
The holy book of Islam, believed to be the word of God as revealed to Prophet Muhammad.
Ramadan
The ninth month of the Islamic calendar, during which Muslims fast from dawn to sunset
Zakat
Obligatory charity or almsgiving in Islam, intended to help those in need
Shahada
The Islamic declaration of faith, affirming belief in one God (Allah) and Muhammad as his messenger
Imam
In Sunni Islam, an Imam leads prayers in a mosque; in Shia Islam, an Imam is a spiritual leader with authority
Sawm
Fasting during Ramadan, one of the Five Pillars of Islam
Medina
A city in Saudi Arabia where Prophet Muhammad migrated to from Mecca, establishing a Muslim community
Jihad
Often misunderstood as holy war, Jihad means striving or exerting effort in the way of Allah, including personal spiritual struggle
Salat
The ritual prayers performed five times a day facing the Kaaba in Mecca
Dome of the Rock
shrine in Jerusalem significant in Islam, believed to mark the spot where Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven
Hagar
Mother of Ishmael and a respected figure in Islamic tradition for her faith
Sunni
The largest branch of Islam, following the traditions of Prophet Muhammad and the consensus of the community
Shiite
A branch of Islam believing in leadership by Imams who are descendants of Prophet Muhammad through his daughter Fatimah and son-in-law Ali
Sufi
mystical branch of Islam focusing on spiritual experiences and closeness to God.
Masjid (Mosque)
A place of worship for Muslims
Halal
Permissible according to Islamic law, especially regarding food and behavior
wudu
Ritual washing before prayer, involving washing the hands, face, arms, and feet
