What is Islam?

A life style

A monotheistic religion
One of the 3 religions of Abraham (Islam, Judaism, Christianity) 2nd largest religion in the world Message of Islam was sent down by Prophet Muhammad

Heaven and hell a person receives good deeds and bad deeds

Who is Muslim?
A Muslim is someone who believes in Islam and the 5 pillars Anyone can be Muslim (you dont have to be Arab)

Relation to Judaism and Christianity

One of the religions of Abraham They are all monotheistic religion (believe in one God) All have a holy book Believe in the same prophets
Ex. Noah, Jesus, Moses, Zachariah, Abraham, Solomon, Jonah

5 Pillars of Islam
1. Shahadah 2. Salah 3. Zakah 4. Sawm 5. Hajj

Shahadah
Shahadah is the act of saying There is no god but God, and Muhammad is the messenger of God. This sentence is a Muslims entry into Islam

Salah
Muslims are required to pray 5 prayers per day with a designated time
Fajr 2 prostrations Dhur- 4 prostrations Asr- 4 prostrations Maghrib- 3 prostrations Isha 4 prostrations

Zakah
Every Muslim is required to give a certain amount of their wealth to charity every year
This to ensure that poor people can receive money

It is required to be given by the 10th lunar month

Sawm
Muslims are required to fast the month of Ramadan During Ramadan Muslims fast from dawn to dusk It is not permissible to eat, drink, swear, lie, or commit bad acts (this will terminate your fast) The purpose of Ramadan is so Muslims can feel empathetic towards those less fortunate and to get used to becoming a better person

Hajj
Each Muslims who is able to, is required to go on a pilgrimage to the city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia and do Hajj at least once in their lifetime In Hajj you visit the Holy Kaaba It is a cleansing process for Muslims

Holidays
We have two major holidays per year:
Eid Al-fitr and Eid Al-adha

Eid Al-fitr is the first day of the 10th lunar month Eid Al-adha is the 10th day of the 12th lunar month The time Muslim holidays happen varies each year because we follow the lunar calendar

What is Jihad?
Misconceptions
Muslims are terrorists Jihad: Muslims are told to fight in the name of God Muslims are violent

Reality
Jihad is fighting a spiritual struggle within oneself
Ex. Waking up early to pray fajr, getting your prayers on time, going to school everyday to get an education, etc.

Many people think that jihad is fighting over all and interpret it in a violent matter Every religion has extremists including Islam These people do not represent Islam in the right way

Islam is a religion of peace

It is against the religion of Islam to launch war unless you are attacked first Killing is highly forbidden

Misconceptions about Women in Islam

They are oppressed No rights No say in who they are married to Are forced to cover themselves and wear hijab Not allowed to have an education Cannot work

The Reality of Woman in Islam

Woman are very highly respected They have the same rights as men and are equal Have the right to choose who they marry (arranged marriages are not allowed) It is a duty to be an educated women The prophet himself said:
The most perfect believers are the best in conduct and best of you are those who are best to their wives

Hijab
Women in Islam are asked to wear hijab:
To cover themselves Maintain their modesty People get to know them for who they are: not how they look To protect them because women are treated like queens in Islam

Hijab is a personal choice: no one can force you to wear it Men are also asked to maintain their modesty