Islam

​The Rise of Islam

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​MaIn Ideas

1. Muhammad became a prophet and introduced a religion called Islam in Arabia.

2. Muhammad’s teachings had similarities to Judaism and Christianity, but they also presented new ideas.

3. Islam spread in Arabia after being rejected at first.

4. The Qur’an is the holy book of Islam.

5. Along with the Qur’an, the Sunnah guide Muslims’ lives.

6. Islamic law is based on the Qur’an and the Sunnah.

Multiple Choice

Muhammad became a prophet and introduced a religion called Islam in ____________.

• Africa

• Arabia

• Antarctica

• Amsterdam

​Muhammad Becomes a Prophet

​

Muhammad brought a new religion to Arabia. What is known about him is from religious writings. He was born in the city of Mecca around 570.

Multiple Choice

______________ is Islam’s founder.

• Adam

• Abraham

• Jesus

• Muhammad

​Muhammad became upset that Mecca’s rich people did not help the poor. According to Islamic teachings, when he was 40, an angel revealed God’s messages to him. These form the basis of Islam. A follower of Islam is a Muslim. Islam’s messages were written in the Qur’an, the holy book of Islam.

Multiple Choice

A follower of Islam is a __________.

• Jew

• Muslim

• Christian

• Hindu

​Muhammad’s Teachings

Some of Muhammad’s ideas came from Judaism and Christianity, including monotheism, or belief in one god. This was a new idea for many Arabs who prayed to gods at a shrine. A shrine a place where people worship a saint or god. The most important shrine was in Mecca. People traveled there on a pilgrimage (journey to a sacred place).

Open Ended

Why did people travel to Mecca on a pilgrimage?

​Islam Spreads In Arabia

Mecca’s rulers felt threatened by Muhammad. So he left and went to Medina. His house became the first mosque, or Muslim prayer building. Many Arab tribes accepted Islam. After years of fighting, Meccans welcomed back Muhammad and accepted Islam.

Multiple Choice

_________________ a building for Muslim prayer

• church

• temple

• mosque

• Synagogue

​The QUR’AN

Muslims believe that the Qur’an is the word of God as told to Muhammad. The Qur’an is the holy book of Islam. Muslims believe that God wishes them to follow rules. These rules affect Muslims’ everyday life.

Open Ended

Why is the Qur’an so important?

​Jihad is an important Islamic concept, which means “to make an effort” or “to struggle.” It refers to the internal struggle of a Muslim trying to follow Islamic beliefs. It can also mean the struggle to defend the Muslim community or convert people. The word has also been translated as “holy war.”

​THE SUNNAH

Another important Islamic holy book is the Sunnah, a written record of Muhammad’s words and actions. It spells out the five acts of worship required of Muslims—the Five Pillars of Islam.

​ISLAMIC LAW

The Qur’an and the Sunnah form the basis of Islamic law, or Shariah. This sets punishments or rewards. It makes no distinction between religious and secular life. Most Islamic countries today blend Islamic law with a legal system like that in the United States.