Islam: The Religion of Peace

World Religion Class

 Moving Together in Faith
Instructions:
Circle Activity: Have the students form a circle in the
classroom.
Reflection Movement: Think about how faith can connect
individuals in a community.
Action: One by one, each student will take a step toward
the center of the circle while saying a word they associate
with faith (e.g., peace, hope, community, prayer).
Group Movement: After all have spoken, everyone moves
back to their original position together and have a short
prayer.
"How did it feel to step forward and share a
word? How do you think this relates to the
concept of community in Islam and other
religions?"
What is Islam?
Islam is one of the world's major monotheistic religions, founded in the
7th century CE in Arabia. It centers on the belief in one God, Allah, and
follows the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, who is considered the
last prophet in a long line of messengers that includes figures like
Abraham, Moses, and Jesus. The core beliefs of Islam are expressed in the
Five Pillars: faith (Shahada), prayer (Salat), charity (Zakat), fasting during
Ramadan (Sawm), and pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj).
What is Islam?
Islam’s sacred text, the Qur'an, is believed to be the literal word of God as
revealed to Muhammad. The religion emphasizes submission to God's will
and encourages compassion, social justice, and the importance of
community. Islam spread rapidly after its founding, influencing cultures
and societies in the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and beyond. Today, it has
over 1.9 billion followers, known as Muslims.
Meaning of Islam
The word "Islam" is derived from the Arabic root "S-L-M," which means
peace, submission, or surrender. In a religious context, Islam means
submission to the will of Allah (God). It emphasizes living a life in
accordance with God's guidance, leading to inner peace and harmony.
Thus, Islam signifies both peace and the act of submitting oneself to
God.
The Prophet Muhammad
Prophet Muhammad (570–632 CE) is the central
figure and final prophet in Islam. Born in Mecca,
Arabia, he is believed by Muslims to have received
divine revelations from Allah, which were later
compiled into the Qur'an, Islam’s holy book. At
age 40, Muhammad began receiving these
revelations through the angel Gabriel. His
teachings centered on monotheism, justice, and
compassion.
The Prophet Muhammad
He faced resistance in Mecca but gained followers
and established a community in Medina, where
Islam grew. Muhammad united the Arabian
Peninsula under Islam before his death. He is
revered by Muslims as the "Seal of the Prophets,"
meaning the last prophet in a line that includes
figures like Abraham, Moses, and Jesus.
The Qur’an
The Qur'an is the holy book of Islam, believed to
be the literal word of Allah as revealed to the
Prophet Muhammad through the angel Gabriel
over a period of 23 years. Written in Arabic, it is
divided into 114 chapters (called surahs) and
addresses various aspects of life, faith, morality,
law, and guidance for personal conduct. The
Qur'an is considered the ultimate source of
authority in Islam and is recited in prayers,
memorized, and studied by Muslims worldwide.
Core Beliefs of Islam
Shahada
Declaration of faith, affirming that there is no god but Allah, and
Muhammad is His prophet.

Salat
Performing the five daily prayers.
Zakat
Giving charity to those in need, usually 2.5% of one's wealth.

Sawm
Fasting during the holy month of Ramadan.
Hajj
Pilgrimage to Mecca, required at least once for those who are able.
The Concept of God
Allah is the singular, all-powerful God in Islam,
the Creator of everything. Muslims believe He is
unique, without partners or equals, and is merciful,
just, and omniscient. Allah is the same God
worshipped in other Abrahamic religions,
emphasizing strict monotheism (Tawhid) in Islam.
His guidance is revealed through prophets, with
the Qur'an being His final message.
 Islamic Practices
Daily Prayers (Salat): Muslims pray five times a day—at
dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset, and night.
Reciting the Qur'an: Regular reading or recitation of the
Qur'an for guidance.
Charity (Zakat): Acts of kindness and giving to those in
need.
Fasting (Sawm): Observed during Ramadan and other
occasions for spiritual discipline.
Dua (Supplication): Personal prayers and requests for
guidance and blessings from Allah.
The Role of Mosques
Mosques
Mosques serve as places of worship in Islam, where Muslims gather for
communal prayers, especially on Fridays for the Jumu'ah prayer. They
also function as centers for religious education, community events, and
charitable activities. Mosques often provide a space for personal
reflection, study of the Qur'an, and guidance from religious leaders.
Hadith
The Hadith are collections of sayings, actions, and
approvals of the Prophet Muhammad, serving as a key
source of guidance for Muslims alongside the Qur'an.
They provide insight into the Prophet's life and clarify
Islamic teachings, laws, and practices. Hadith are
categorized based on their authenticity and help
interpret the Qur'an and implement Islamic principles in
daily life.
 Sharia Law
Sharia law is the legal and moral framework of Islam,
derived from the Qur'an and Hadith, guiding Muslims on
how to live according to God's will. It covers various
aspects of life, including personal conduct, family
matters, finance, and criminal justice. Sharia emphasizes
justice, ethics, and social responsibility.
Islamic Festivals
Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr is a major Islamic festival
that marks the end of Ramadan,
the month of fasting. It is a day of
celebration, gratitude, and joy,
observed with communal prayers,
festive meals, and giving charity
(Zakat al-Fitr) to those in need.
Muslims also visit family and
friends, exchange gifts, and
express thanks to Allah for the
strength to complete the fast. Eid
al-Fitr emphasizes community,
sharing, and spiritual reflection.
Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha, also known as the "Festival of
Sacrifice," is one of the most important
Islamic holidays. It commemorates the
willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham)
to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah,
though Allah provided a ram to sacrifice
instead. Celebrated during the Hajj
pilgrimage, it involves the ritual sacrifice of
an animal, such as a sheep, goat, or cow,
with the meat shared among family, friends,
and those in need. Eid al-Adha emphasizes
faith, charity, and devotion to Allah.
Common Misconceptions
Violence and Terrorism: Many people associate Islam
with violence, largely due to media coverage of extremist
groups. The vast majority of Muslims are peaceful and
reject violence.
Women’s Rights: There's a belief that Islam oppresses
women. While cultural practices may vary, Islamic
teachings promote women's rights, including education,
property ownership, and participation in society.
Common Misconceptions
The Qur'an as a Violent Text: Some interpret verses from
the Qur'an out of context to suggest that Islam promotes
violence. In reality, many verses emphasize peace,
compassion, and justice.
All Muslims are Arabs: Islam is a global religion with
followers from diverse ethnic backgrounds, including
South Asian, African, Indonesian, and many others.
Common Misconceptions
Jihad Means "Holy War": The term "jihad" means
"struggle" or "striving" and encompasses personal,
spiritual, and communal efforts to improve oneself and
society, not just military conflict.
Islam is a Monolithic Religion: There are various
interpretations and practices within Islam, with significant
differences between Sunni and Shia Muslims, as well as
among different cultures.
Common Misconceptions
Mandatory Sharia Law: Many people think all Muslims
strictly follow Sharia law. In reality, interpretations and
implementations vary widely, and many Muslims do not
apply Sharia in their daily lives.
Muslims Worship Muhammad: Some believe Muslims
worship Muhammad, but he is revered as the final prophet
of Allah, with worship directed solely toward Allah.
 Conclusion
In conclusion, Islam is a rich and diverse religion with deep
historical roots and a comprehensive framework guiding the
lives of its followers. It emphasizes core beliefs centered
around monotheism, compassion, and community, expressed
through practices such as prayer, charity, and fasting. The
Qur'an and Hadith serve as foundational texts, while concepts
like Sharia law provide a moral and legal structure.
Celebrations like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha reflect the values
of gratitude, sacrifice, and community support.
 Conclusion
Despite common misconceptions, understanding Islam's true
teachings and the lived experiences of Muslims is crucial for
promoting tolerance, respect, and interfaith dialogue. By
fostering awareness and correcting misunderstandings, we
can work towards a more harmonious and inclusive world.