More In Common Than You Think

The Abrahamic Faiths

Judaism
Christianity
Islam
In the Name of Allâh, The Most Beneficent, The Most Merciful

Understanding
Islam
&
Muslims
 Islam : A Monotheistic Religion

• Calling all people to recognize, believe & worship God

• Calling all people to believe in Heaven and Hell
• Calling all people to believe in the Day of Judgment
• Calling all people to enjoin what is Right
• Calling all people to forbid what is Wrong
• Calling all people to follow Divine Guidance
 Islam Considers Itself
A Universal Religion & Message

Islam is a universal religion and a comprehensive

way of life for all peoples, all times, and all
regions of the world.
So, who are the Muslims ?
 The Muslims Are :

• 1.7 billion Muslims worldwide (almost ¼ of the

world’s population)

• 57 countries with Muslims as a majority of the

population, including 22 Arab countries.

• Country with the largest Muslim population is

Indonesia.

• Only 18-25% of Muslims are Arabs

 Muslims in America

• 2nd most common religion in America

• One of the fastest growing religions in the USA
• Estimated 7 to 8 million Muslims
• Wide variety of ethnic backgrounds and
national origins
Islam “A Faith of Human Unity”

• It calls all mankind regardless of their race

and gender to unite in the worship of the One
and Unique creator.
• Islam considers all believers as brothers and
sisters, and rejects discrimination on the basis
of gender, color, race or ethnic background.
• Mankind is one family, if one person suffers
everyone should help alleviate that suffering
Equality in Islam
 For 500 to 1000 Years

Muslims Were The World Leaders

in

Science Mathematics Social Services Education

Chemistry Algebra Hospitals Universities
Physics Arabic Numbers Medicine Learning
Biology Geometry Law & Justice Knowledge
Astronomy Engineering Human Rights Exploration
Anatomy Architecture Civil Rights Hygiene
Botany Arts & Crafts Commerce Ethics
Poetry Calligraphy Industry Etiquettes
Taj Mahal,
India
Medina, Mosque ( the Prophet’s mosque )
Dome of The Rock,
Palestine
Istanbul,
Turkey
Cairo,
Egypt
Damascus,
Syria
Islamabad,
Pakistan
Bombay, India
Jakarta, Indonesia
Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia
Rome, Italy
Dublin, Ireland
Guyana-Mosque
 Cedar
Rapids,
IA. USA
ISLAMIC ARTS
Now : “What Is Islam”
 What does Islam mean ?
• Arabic root word is SLM
• No vowels in classical Arabic
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_

SLM = Salaam = Peace

ISLAM = Willful Surrender = Willful Submission
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_

• Peaceful surrendering of your ‘free will’ :

– to God’s will and divine guidance
– to willfully, knowingly, accept and worship the one
true creator of everything
 Continue What does Islam mean?

• To attain peace thru submission

• To attain mental, spiritual, and physical peace
• To attain peace with our creator, ourselves, and others

Islam is an action
People who accept and practice the act of Islam are called Muslims.
 Therefore, Muslims Believe
“No Compulsion” in Religion
The Quran Says:

“There is no compulsion in religion. The right

direction is distinct from error. & he who rejects
false deities & believes in Allah (God) has grasped
a firm handhold which will never break. Allah
(God) is Hearer, Knower.”
Qur’an (2:256)

Compulsion in religion is worthless (meaningless)

 Who is “Allah” ?
Allah is the proper name for God in Arabic
Allah = the “God”
= the “Creator”
= the “Unique”
= the “One and Only”
= the “Cherisher & Sustainer”
= the “Sovereign”
= the “Almighty”
= the “Real”
= the “Eternal” & “Everlasting”
 Continue Who is “Allah” ?

Allah has no gender.

Allah is not masculine or feminine.
Allah has no mother, no father,
no children, no relatives.
Allah is not part of the Creation
Allah is the Creator.

If you can touch it, taste it, see it, smell it, it is not Allah.
The Essence of Islamic Belief = “Tawheed”
Tawheed means:

• Complete oneness in reference to Allah (God)

• Absolute, pure Monotheism.
• Allah has no equals, no partners
• Nothing else is worthy of worship, but Allah
• Nothing else is worthy of praise, but Allah
• Allah has power over all things
• Everything is dependent on Allah
• Allah is NOT dependent on anything
• Allah is perfect, supreme, sovereign
• Allah deserves all reverence, worship, praise, respect
and devotion
 Tawheed in the Qur’an

“Allah ! There is no God but He, the Living, the Self-Subsisting,

Eternal, no slumber can seize Him, nor sleep. His are all things in
the heavens and on earth. Who is there who can intercede in His
presence expect as he permits ? He knows what lies before them
and what is after them and they comprehend not anything of His
knowledge except such as He wills. His throne comprises the
heavens and the earth, the preserving of them tires Him not. He is
All-High, All-Glorious.”
Qur’an (2:255)
Continued: Tawheed in the Qur’an

The Qur’an says:

“Say he is Allah, the One and Only !

Allah the Eternal, the Absolute;
He begets not, nor is He begotten;
and there is nothing comparable to Him.”
Qur’an (112)
 Muslims know Allah (God)
through His Attributes

• To Allah belongs the most beautiful names

• The Qur’an mentions 99 different Names (Attributes) of Allah
• Each Attribute is descriptive of a perfect and supreme quality
which precludes any kind of defect or weakness
• Each Attribute is expressed in a way that can be understood
by an average person
• Each Attribute fortifies, confirms the idea of TAWHEED
• Each Attribute belongs ONLY to Allah
 Attributes from the Qur’an :
“ He is Allah, besides Whom there is no other god, the Knower of the
invisible and the visible. He, the Most Beneficent, the Most
Merciful.”
“ Allah is He, besides Whom there is no other god, the Sovereign, the
Holy One, the Source of Peace, the Protector, the Guardian, the
Majestic, the Compeller, Superb. Glorified be Allah ! (High is He)
above the partners they ascribe to Him. He is Allah, the Creator,
the Evolver, the Bestower of Forms. To Him belongs the Most
Beautiful Names. Whatever is in the heavens and on earth does
declare His Praise and Glory and He is the Mighty, the Wise.”

Qur’an (59:22-24)
The Attributes (Names) of Allah
1. The Most Compassionate 16. The Provider
2. The Merciful 17. The Opener
3. The King 18. The The One Who Bestows
4. Most Holy 19. All-Knowing
5. All Peaceful 20. The Withholder
6. The Granter of security 21. The Expander
7. The Protector 22. The One Who Abases
8. The Mighty 23. The Exalter
9. The Compeller 24. The One Who Bestows Honor
10. The Majestic 25. The Humbler
11. The Creator 26. The All Hearing
12. The Maker 27. The All seeing
13. The Shaper 28. The Judge
14. The Forgiver 29. The Equitable
15. The One Who Subdues 30. The Gentle
31. The All-Aware 49. The One Who Resurrects
32. The Forbearing 50. The Witness
33. The Incomparably Great 51. The Truth
34. The Forgiving 52. The Ultimate Trustee
35. The Appreciative 53. The Most Strong
36. The Most High 54. The Authoritative
37. The Most Great 55. The Protector
38. The Preserver 56. The Praiseworthy
39. The Sustainer 57. The Appraiser
40. The One Who Reckons 58. The Originator
41. The Majestic 59. The Restorer of life
42. The Generous 60. The Giver of life
43. The Watchful 61. The Causer of death
44. The Responsive 62. The Ever Living
45. The All Embracing 63. The Self Existing
46. The Wise 64. The Self Sufficient
47. The Loving One 65. The Glorified
48. The Most Glorious 66. The Unique
67. The One 84. The Owner of Sovereignty
68. The Eternal 85. The Lord of Majesty/Honor
69. The Able 86. The Just
70. The Powerful 87. The Gatherer
71. The Expediter 88. The All Sufficient
72. The Delayer 89. The One Who Enriches
73. The First 90. The One Who Prevents
74. The Last 91. The Afflicter
75. The Manifest 92. The One Who Benefits
76. The Hidden 93. The Light
77. The Governor 94. The Guide
78. The Most Exalted 95. The Originator
79. The Source of Goodness 96. The Ever Lasting
80. The Acceptance of Repentance 97. The Ultimate Inheritor
81. The Avenger 98. The Guide
82. The Pardoner 99. The Patient
83. The Most Kind
 Muslims believe Islam is Natural
‘Everyone’ is born Muslim

• Islam is a natural religion : Spiritually, Mentally, Physically

• We are all born Muslim, pure without sin
• Our free will peacefully surrendered to God’s will
• We are innately attracted (programmed) to accept our creator
• Our soul constantly reminds us of our creator
• We are always being called by God from within
 Muslims believe
All of creation proves God’s existence

• Allah (God) created everything

• We should study the creation, because it proves God’s
existence
• No matter where we turn, God’s intelligent design will be
undeniable, overwhelmingly and totally convincing
• Science, physics, chemistry, botany, biology, astronomy,
geology, etc… all prove that God exists … that God is one …
that God deserves our worship … that God is all powerful …
and worthy of all praise
 Muslims believe
God sent Prophets & Messengers

• Allah (God) sent us messengers and prophets

• They explained to us God’s existence, God’s oneness,
and God’s plan for us
• They taught us morals, ethics, and how to worship
• They were role models of how to implement what they
preached
• They delivered ‘Divine Guidance’ for our benefit
 Becoming A Muslim
Simply by saying with conviction,

“La ilaha illa Allah,

Mohammedan Rasoolullah,”
one becomes a Muslim.

This saying means :

“There is no true deity to be worshipped but Allah (God),

and Mohammad is the Messenger (Prophet) of Allah.”
 Who Is Mohammad ?

Muslims believe that Mohammad

is the Last and Final Messenger (Prophet).

And, that Mohammad

is the SEAL of the Prophets.

However,
Mohammad is NOT the founder of ISLAM …
 Islam Is Not A New Religion

The Quran Says:

"Say: We believe in Allah (God) and that which was

revealed to us, and that which was revealed to Abraham,
Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob and the tribes and that which was
given to Moses, Jesus and to the Prophets from their Lord;
We make NO distinction between any of them, and to Him
(God) we submit". Quran (3:83)
 Who Is Mohammad ?

• Born in Mecca, Arabia, in the year 570 AD.

• Descendant of Ishmael, the first son of Abraham.
• Received first revelation (the Qur’an)
at the age 40 through the angel Gabriel.
• Died in the year 632 AD
Muslims Believe Mohammad Is:

• The Last Messenger & Last Prophet

• The Seal Of The Prophets
• The Truthful One, The Honest
• A Mercy To Mankind
• The Universal Prophet
 Who Is Mohammad ?

• A man, a human being, a servant and

messenger of God Almighty
• Mohammed had the Noble mission, which
was to Unite humanity in the worship of the
One and only Creator ( God ).
• To teach the way to honest & upright living
based on the commandments of God.
Mohammad was:

1) A religious teacher
2) A social reformer
3) A ruler, governor
4) A legislator
5) A moral guide
6) A faithful friend
7) A devoted husband
8) A loving father
 What Others Say About Mohammad

• “… a mass of detail in the early sources show

that he (Mohammad) was an honest and upright
man …” Encyclopedia Britannica

• “He (Mohammad) must be called the Savior of

Humanity. I believe that if a man like him were
to assume the dictatorship of the modern world,
he would succeed in solving its problems in a
way that would bring it much needed peace and
happiness.” George Bernard Shaw
 What Others Say About Mohammad
• “I wanted to know the best of one who holds today’s
undisputed sway over the hearts of millions of mankind ….
I became convinced that it was not the sword that won a place
for Islam in those days in the scheme of life. It was the rigid
simplicity, the utter self-effacement of the Prophet, the
scrupulous regard for his pledges, his intense devotion to his
friends and his followers, his intrepidity, his fearlessness, his
absolute trust in God and in his own mission. These and not
the sword carried everything before them and surmounted
every obstacle. When I closed the 2nd volume (of the
Prophet’s biography), I was sorry there was not more for me to
read of his great life.” Mahatma Gandhi
 What Others Say About Mohammad
Michael H. Hart in his recently published book :

The 100:
A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History
…on ratings of men who contributed towards the benefit and
upliftment of mankind writes:

“My choice of Muhammad to lead the list of the world’s most

influential persons may surprise some readers and may be
questioned by others, but he was the only man in history who was
supremely successful on both the religious and secular levels.”
Sayings Of Prophet Mohammad
• “God has no mercy on one who has no mercy for others.”
• “None of you truly believes until he wishes for his brother
what he wishes for himself.”
• “He who eats his fill while his neighbor goes without food is
not a believer.”
• “Powerful is not he who knocks the other down, indeed
powerful is he who controls himself in a fit of anger.”
• “Allah does not judge according to your bodies and
appearances but He scans your hearts & looks into your
deeds.”
Sayings Of Prophet Mohammad

• The life & property of all people are considered

sacred whether a person is Muslim or not.

• No Supremacy: All people are equal. ( Piety not Racism )

• Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) said:
“No Arab has any superiority over a non Arab, nor does a
non-Arab have any superiority over an Arab. Nor does a
white man have any superiority over a black man, or the
black man any superiority over the white man. You are all
the children of Adam, & Adam was created from clay”
 The “6” Articles of Faith
• Belief in the Oneness of Allah (God)
• Belief in the Angels created by Allah (God)
• Belief in the Revealed Books of Allah (God)
• Belief in the Messengers and Prophets of Allah (God)
• Belief in the Day of Judgment
• Belief in Allah’s (God’s) Sovereignty (control)
over Human Destiny & over all Affairs
 What is this “Divine Guidance”?
Muslim Character & Ethics
• Faith requires action • Be pure, clean, and sober
• Excel in goodness • Be just, noble, and steadfast
• Enjoin what is right • Show forgiveness, be kind
• Forbid what is wrong and generous
• Be educated, seek • Be optimistic, thankful, and
knowledge happy
• Have integrity, be • Obey the 10 commandments
honest and sincere
• Be modest, humble and • Trust God with all your heart,
pious mind and soul
 Continue Muslim Character & Ethics

• Mankind is One family • Love for others what you

• If one person suffers, love for yourself
everyone suffers • Take care of orphans,
• All life is sacred widows & the needy
• All human rights should • Defend the weak
be protected • Free the oppressed
• Love one another • Fulfill your trusts,
• Show moderation in commitments & promises
everything • Be just
The Five Pillars of Islam
The Five Pillars Of Islam ( Forms Of Worship )

1) Declaration of Faith (Shahadah)

2) Prayers (Salah)

3) Charity (Zakat)

4) Fasting ( Ramadan)

5) Pilgrimage (Hajj)
1. The Declaration of Faith, Shahadah

Simply by saying with conviction :

“La ilaha illa Allah,

Mohammedan Rasoolullah,”
one becomes a Muslim.

This saying means :

“There is no true deity to be worshipped but Allah (God),

and Mohammad is the Messenger (Prophet) of Allah.”
The Five Pillars Of Islam ( Forms Of Worship )

1) Declaration of Faith (Shahadah)

2) Prayers (Salah)

3) Charity (Zakat)

4) Fasting ( Ramadan)

5) Pilgrimage (Hajj)
 2. Prayer, Salah

Prayer in Islam is a direct link

between the worshipper and God.

Muslims face Mecca in their prayers.

The Five daily prayers regulate a Muslim’s day.

Prayers involve ablution (wudu), calling to prayer
(athan), standing, bowing, prostrating, sitting
postures.

Prayers are performed at dawn, noon, after-noon,
sunset and night.
 Ablution (washing) before Prayer

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10
 The Call to Prayer (Al-adhan)
God is great. (x4)
I bear witness that there is none worthy of
worship except God. (x2)
I bear witness that Mohammed is
the Messenger of God. (x2)
Come to prayer. (x2)
Come to success. (x2)
God is great. (x2)
There is none worthy of worship except God.
 In the name of Allah (God),
Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
Praise be to Allah (God), the Cherisher
and Sustainer of all the worlds.
The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
The Master of the Day of Judgment.
You alone do we worship, & You alone
do we ask for help.
Guide us on the straight path,
God is the path of those whom you have
great bestowed your grace;
not the path of those who have earned
(1) your wrath, and not the ones gone astray.
Amen.
(2)
 Allah listens to him
who praises Him.
Our Lord, to You
is due all praise.
(4)

God is great. God is great.

Holy is my Glory to my Lord, the
Lord, the Most High.
(5)
Magnificent.
(3)
 God is great.
Glory to my Lord,
the Most High.
God is great.
(7)
(6)
 God is great; All greetings, blessings and
good acts are from Allah.
Greetings to you, O Prophet, and
the mercy and blessings of Allah.
Peace be unto us, and unto
the righteous servants of Allah.
I bear witness that there is none
worthy of worship except Allah.
and I bear witness that Mohammed
is His servant and messenger.
O Allah, bless our Mohammed and
the followers of Mohammed;
As you have blessed Abraham and
the followers of Abraham.
O Allah, be gracious unto Mohammed and
the followers of Mohammed;
As you were gracious unto Abraham and
the followers of Abraham.
(8) Surely you are the Praiseworthy, the Glorious.
Peace and blessings of God be upon you.

(9)
right left
The Five Pillars Of Islam ( Forms Of Worship )

1) Declaration of Faith

2) Prayers (Salah)

3) Charity (Zakat)

4) Fasting ( Ramadan)

5) Pilgrimage (Hajj)
 3. Charity, Zakah

• All things belong to God and are held in trust by

humans
• Charity is prescribe by God, to purify our wealth
• 2.5% of a Muslim’s wealth is thus set aside to
help the poor & the needy every year
• Redistribution of wealth helps societies &
people
• Muslims are usually motivated to donate even
more as optional charity
• God rewards charity givers very generously in
this life and in the hereafter.
• Trust in God ( not possessions ) for everything
 The Five Pillars Of Islam ( Forms Of Worship )

1) Declaration of Faith (Shahadah)

2) Prayers (Salah)

3) Charity (Zakat)

4) Fasting ( Ramadan)

5) Pilgrimage (Hajj)
 4. Fasting, Siyam

• Every year, during the month of Ramadan (the ninth

month in the Muslim lunar calendar).
• Muslims fast from dawn to sunset.
• This abstention includes food, drink and sexual
relations.
• Muslims believe the fasting person develops a greater
understanding of the plight of those who go hungry
every day.
• This sympathy is expressed by giving the mandatory
Zakat-ul-Fitr, the “charity of breaking the fast,” in
which every Muslim family gives aid to the poor before
the end of Ramadan.
• Fasting also teaches Muslims self-purification and
discipline, training them to become perseverant and
capable of resisting worldly temptations.
Eid Prayer – Islamic Holiday
Muslims Greeting On Eid Day
 The Five Pillars Of Islam ( Forms Of Worship )

1) Declaration of Faith (Shahadah)

2) Prayers (Salah)

3) Charity (Zakat)

4) Fasting ( Ramadan)

5) Pilgrimage (Hajj)
 5. Pilgrimage, Hajj
• Pilgrimage, or “Hajj” – All Muslims who are physically
fit and financially able are expected to make a
pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lives.
• More than two million pilgrims visit the holy city in the
last lunar month of each Islamic year.
• Many of the Hajj rites commemorate the remarkable
obedience, submission, and sacrificial practices of the
Prophet Abraham and his older son Ishmael.
• Muslim pilgrims usually return to their homelands
spiritually charged and more attached to the Muslim
nation.
• To meet millions of Muslims from all different
countries, races, colors and in one place, performing
the same rites and wearing the same dress, leaves an
unforgettable impression of human brotherhood and
unity.
The Social Systems Of Islam

• Muslim Character & Ethics

• Dietary Requirements
• Societal Responsibilities
• Gender Relations
• Marriage Relations
• Family Relations
• Justice & Governance
• Economic Practices
 Muslim Character & Ethics
(What Is This “Divine Guidance”)

• Faith requires action • Be pure, clean, and sober

• Excel in goodness • Be just, noble, and steadfast
• Enjoin what is right • Show forgiveness, be kind
• Forbid what is wrong and generous
• Be educated, seek • Be optimistic, thankful, and
knowledge happy
• Have integrity, be • Obey the 10 commandments
honest and sincere
• Be modest, humble and • Trust God with all your heart,
pious mind and soul
The Social Systems Of Islam

• Muslim Character & Ethics

• Dietary Requirements
• Societal Responsibilities
• Gender Relations
• Marriage Relations
• Family Relations
• Justice & Governance
• Economic Practices
Muslim Dietary Requirements
Concept is to be Pure, Clean & Sober
Mentally, Physically, and Spiritually
Prayer, Fasting, Charity

– No Pork ( or pork by-products )

– No Alcohol ( liquor )
– No Drugs ( illegal, intoxicants )
– No Blood or Carrion (died from natural causes)
– No Meat Slaughtered To Other Gods
( should be slaughtered in the name of Allah )
The Social Systems Of Islam

• Muslim Character & Ethics

• Dietary Requirements
• Societal Responsibilities
• Gender Relations
• Marriage Relations
• Family Relations
• Justice & Governance
• Economic Practices
 Societal Responsibilities
Muslim Character & Ethics

• Mankind is One family • Love for others what you

• If one person suffers, love for yourself
everyone suffers • Take care of orphans,
• All life is sacred widows & the needy
• All human rights should • Defend the weak
be protected • Free the oppressed
• Love one another • Fulfill your trusts,
• Show moderation in commitments & promises
everything • Be just
The Social Systems Of Islam

• Muslim Character & Ethics

• Dietary Requirements
• Societal Responsibilities
• Gender Relations
• Marriage Relations
• Family Relations
• Justice & Governance
• Economic Practices
 Gender Relations
• Status Of Women In Islam
– Pre-Islamic Status
– Post-Islamic Status

• Expressions Of Personal Modesty In Islam

– Hijab
– Segregation
– Social interactions
 570 A.D.

Pre-Islamic Status Of Women

• Very Male Chauvinistic
Society
• No Rights - No Status
• No Inheritance
• No Say In Marriage
• Considered Property Of
Husbands
• Lost Her Name
• Burden On Society
• Baby Girls Buried Alive
• Her Money, Property,
Belonged To The Husband
• Not Equal To Men
• Given Away By Husband
• Exchanged For Goods
And Services
• Traded, Bought, & Sold
Meanwhile
• Other Nations Doing The
Same
• Christian Councils Still
Arguing Whether Women
Had Souls
 623 A.D.
Post-Islamic Status Of Women
• Women = Men
• Equal In The Sight Of God
• Belief, Prayer, Fasting, Charity,
Pilgrimage, etc. = to men
• All Rewards & All Punishments
Equal
• Equal Rights
• Equal Status
• Right To Inheritance
• Right To Initiate Marriage
• Right To Initiate Divorce
• Right To Choose In Marriage
• Right To Keep Her Name
• Right To Refuse Marriage
Proposals
• Right To Own Property
• Right To Work
• Right To Be Educated
• Can NOT Be Traded, Bought, Sold
• All Her Money Is Hers
• All Her Property Is Hers
• Men Required To Give Dowry In
Marriage
• Asset To Society
• Honored In Society
• To Be Protected By Men
• To Be Respected, Loved, Admired
• Integral Part Of All Societal Affairs
 Islamic Teaching (Mohammad’s)
About Women

• The keys to heaven lay at the feet of the Mother.

• Your Mother deserves “3” times the respect, honor,
devotion, admiration over the Father
• The Prophet said: He who is best to his wife is best in
the sight of Allah (God).
• The Prophet taught us to be Kind, Gentle, Loving With
Women
Islamic Dress Pics
Islamic Dress Pics
The Social Systems Of Islam

• Muslim Character & Ethics

• Dietary Requirements
• Societal Responsibilities
• Gender Relations
• Marriage Relations
• Family Relations
• Justice & Governance
• Economic Practices
 Marriage Relations

• The Sanctity Of Marriage

• Encouragement In Islam
• Purpose Of Marriage
• Role Of Men In Marriage
• Role Of Women In Marriage
The Social Systems Of Islam

• Muslim Character & Ethics

• Dietary Requirements
• Societal Responsibilities
• Gender Relations
• Marriage Relations
• Family Relations
• Justice & Governance
• Economic Practices
Muslim Family & Children
Family Relations

• Parents
• Children
• Spouse
• Brothers & Sisters
• Extended Family
• Neighbors
The Social Systems Of Islam

• Muslim Character & Ethics

• Dietary Requirements
• Societal Responsibilities
• Gender Relations
• Marriage Relations
• Family Relations
• Justice & Governance
• Economic Practices
Justice & Governance

• Justice In Islam
• No Compulsion In Religion
• Suicide Is Forbidden
• Terrorism Is Forbidden
• Islamic Jihad
 Justice in Islam
• O you who believe! Stand out firmly for JUSTICE,
bearers of witness of Allah's sake, though it may be
against your own selves or (your) parents or near
relatives; if he be rich or poor, Allah is nearer to them
both in compassion; therefore do not follow (your)
low desires, lest you deviate; and if you swerve or
turn aside, then surely Allah is aware of what you do.
( Qu’ran 4.135 )
 Again: Muslims Believe
“No Compulsion” in Religion
The Quran Says:

“There is no compulsion in religion.

The right direction is distinct from
error. & he who rejects false deities &
believes in Allah has grasped a firm
handhold which will never break. Allah
is Hearer, Knower.” Quran (2:256)
 NO Suicide – No Terrorism
(Both are Forbidden in Islam)

• Islamic Rulings (Fatwah’s) Condemning 911

& London bombing
– Worldwide Islamic leaders signed on to these
condemnations
– Worldwide Islamic Organizations Issued
condemnations
• Muslim anxiety over religion being hijacked
– Feel that the Religion and Muslims are being held
responsible unfairly for actions of deviated people
 Islamic Jihad
• Linguistic meaning: Striving - Struggling.
• Islamic meaning:
• Non-violent struggling within oneself for a life of virtue.
• Fighting to establish justice, which is a supreme goal.
• Rules of Engagement (Fighting) In Islam
(as Commanded by Prophet Mohammed)
– Never Kill Innocent People
– Never Injure Prisoners of War
– Never Kill Animals
– Never Destroy Crops or Infrastructures
– Never Mutilate Bodies of Enemies dead or alive
– All Prisoners Should be Given Fair Treatment
– Women & Children Should be Protected From Harm
– Always Bury the Dead With Respect
– Note: 1,400 Years BEFORE Geneva Convention
 Human Rights in Islam
• The life & property of all people in Islam are considered
sacred whether a person is Muslim or not.

• No Supremacy: All people are equal. ( Piety not Racism )

• Prophet Mohamed (PBUH) said:
“No Arab has any superiority over a non Arab, nor does a non-Arab
have any superiority over an Arab. Nor does a white man have any
superiority over a black man, or the black man any superiority over
the white man. You are all the children of Adam, & Adam was
created from clay”
The Social Systems Of Islam

• Muslim Character & Ethics

• Dietary Requirements
• Societal Responsibilities
• Gender Relations
• Marriage Relations
• Family Relations
• Justice & Governance
• Economic Practices
More In Common Than You Think

Questions & Answers

Islamic Dress Pics
Interaction with women
• Muslim women do not
shake hands with
opposite gender
• If possible, have
female officer talk
with Muslim woman
 Dietary Requirements

• Islam prohibits the consumption of all foods

and substances that endanger health.
• Muslims are forbidden to consume alcohol,
drugs, and all forms of intoxicants.
• Muslims are forbidden to consume pork, lard,
and all products containing pork by-products.
• Muslims are forbidden to consume animals that
died from natural causes.
• Muslims require that God’s name be
pronounced before consumption.
Jesus in Islam
What Muslims believe about Jesus

• Muslims respect , love, honor, and revere Jesus

• Jesus is considered a great messenger / prophet
• Jesus was born from the ‘virgin’ Mary
• Jesus is a ‘word’ from God
• However, Muslims do not consider Jesus to be of
divine nature
Titles of Jesus in the Qur’an
Son of Mary
Messiah / Christ
Servant of God
Messenger of God
The Word of God
Spirit of God
Sign of God
Jesus is mentioned in 25 places in the Holy Qur’an
with names of respect and honor:
What the Qur’an says about Jesus

Say: We believe in Allah (God) and that which was

revealed to us, and that which was revealed to
Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob and the tribes
and that which was given to Moses, Jesus and to
the Prophets from their Lord; We make NO
distinction between any of them, and to Him
(God) we submit.
(Quran, 3:83)
 Mission of Jesus

And We (God) caused Jesus, son of Mary, to follow in

their (the previous prophets’) footsteps, confirming
that which was revealed before him and We (God)
bestowed on him the Gospel wherein is guidance and
a light, confirming that which was revealed before it
in the Torah, a guidance and an admonition unto
those who ward off evil.
(Qur’an: 5:46)
 Continue Mission of Jesus

(I have come to you) to attest the Law which was before

me and to make lawful to you part of what was before
forbidden to you; I have come to you with a sign
from your Lord. So fear God and obey me.

(Qur’an: 3:50)
 Continue Mission of Jesus
O’ Children of Israel! Worship God, my Lord and your
Lord.’ (Qur’an, 5:72)

When Jesus came with clear signs, he said: ‘Now have I

come to you with Wisdom and in order to make clear
to you some of the points on which ye dispute;
therefore fear God and obey me.

For God , He is my Lord and your Lord; so worship ye

Him. This is a straight way.
(Qur’an, 43:63-64)
 The Birth of Jesus in the Qur’an

Behold! The angels said, ‘O Mary! God has chosen you

and purified you - chosen you above all women of all
nations. (Qur’an, 3:42)

O Mary, God gives you good news of a word from Him

whose name shall be Christ Jesus, the son of Mary,
honored in this world and the Hereafter and one of
those nearest to God. (Qur’an, 3:45)
Continue Birth of Jesus in the Qur’an

She (Mary) said: ‘Oh my Lord! How shall I have a son

when no man has touched me?’ He said: “Even so;
God creates what He wills: When He decrees a thing,
He says to it, “Be!” and it is.

‘And God will teach him (Jesus) the book and wisdom,
the law and the Gospel,
And (appoint him) a messenger to the Children of Israel
…’
(Qur’an, 3:47-49)
Birth of Jesus = Creation of Adam

The Qur’an Says :

Truly, the likeness of Jesus with God is as the likeness

of Adam. He created him of dust and then said to
him, “Be!” and he was.

(Qur’an, 3:59)
 Miracles performed by Jesus
I (Jesus) have come to you with a sign from your Lord:
I make for you out of clay, as it were, a figure of a
bird and breathe into it and it becomes a bird by
God’s leave. And I heal the blind and the lepers, and
I raise the dead by God’s leave.

(Qur’an: 3:49)
Continue Miracles performed by Jesus
“Jesus spoke from the cradle to explain his birth”
(Qur’an 19:27-33)
------------------------------------------------------------------
At length she (Mary) brought the babe to her people
carrying him in her arms. They said. ‘Oh Mary! Truly
an amazing thing hast thou brought!

O sister of Aaron! Thy father was not a man of evil nor

thy mother a woman unchaste!
Continue Miracles performed by Jesus

But she (Mary) pointed to the babe. They said, ‘How

can we talk to one who is a child in the cradle?’

He (Jesus) said, ‘I am indeed a servant of God: He

hath given me revelation and made me a prophet .’

(Qur’an, 19:27-30)
Continue Miracles performed by Jesus
And He (God) hath made me blessed wheresoever I be,
and hath enjoined on me Prayer and Charity as long
as I live:

(He) hath made me kind to my mother, and not

overbearing or miserable;

So Peace is on me the day I was born, the day that I die,

and the Day that I shall be raised up to life (again) !

(Qur’an, 19:31-33)
 Jesus ‘Son’ of God ?
The Qur’an Says:

They say: God has taken unto Himself a Son. Glory be

to Him! Nay, to Him belongs all that is in the
heavens and earth. All are subservient unto him. The
Originator of the heavens and the earth, When He
decrees a thing, He says to it: “Be” and it is.

(Qur’an, 2:116-117)
 Continue Jesus ‘Son’ of God ?

The Qur’an Says:

“Say, he is God, the One and Only !

God the Eternal, the Absolute;
He begets not, nor is He begotten;
and there is nothing comparable to Him.”
Qur’an (112)
 Continue Jesus ‘Son’ of God ?
The Qur’an Says:

They do blaspheme who say: God is one of three in a

Trinity, for there is no god except the One God.
(Qur’an, 5:73)

Christ, son of Mary, was no more than a Messenger;

many were the Messengers that passed away before
him.
(Qur’an, 5:75)
 Continue Jesus ‘Son’ of God ?
O People of the Book! Commit no excesses in your
religion, nor say of God aught but the truth. Christ
Jesus, the son of Mary, was no more than a
Messenger of God and His Word which He bestowed
on Mary and a spirit proceeding from Him; so believe
in God and His Messengers. Say not Trinity, desist. It
will be better for you. For God is One God. Glory be
to Him. Far Exalted is He above having a son. To
Him belong all things in the Heavens and on earth
and enough is God as a Disposer of affairs.
(Qur’an, 4:171)
 Continue Jesus ‘Son’ of God ?

And behold! God will say, “O Jesus, the son of Mary!

Did you say unto men, worship me and my mother as
gods in derogation of God ? ”
He (Jesus) will say, “Glory to Thee! Never could I say
what I had no right to say. Had I said such a thing,
thou wouldst indeed have known it.”
Thou knowest what is in my heart, though I know not
what is in thine. For Thou knowest in full all that is
hidden.’
(Qur’an, 5:119)
Continue Jesus ‘Son’ of God ? (conclusion)

Such was Jesus the son of Mary: it is a statement of

truth about which they vainly dispute.
It is not befitting to the majesty of God that He should
beget a son. Glory be to Him! When He determines a
matter, He only says to it, “Be” and it is.
Verily God is my Lord and your Lord Him therefore
serve ye. This is a way that is straight.
(Qur’an, 19:34-36)