Islam-+Group+3

=Period 5= =[]= [] []

= = = **RESEARCH GUIDE: ISLAM** = **1. What are the religion's followers called? Muslims. 2. Religious Text:** (What is it made up of? Give a short explanation.) a. The Koran/Quran They are the sacred text of Islam. It is said to be the literal word of god as revealed to Muhammad. The two texts are the basis for Sharia(Islam Law).

a. Ramadan-a holy month simalar to the jewish holiday Yom Kippur during that time you must keep away from evil thoughts and actions
 * 2. Special Days:** (What are they celebrating? Are there any special activities?)

b. Aid al-Adha- festival of sacrifice, celabrates gods gift of the ram

c. Aid al-Fitr- marks the end of ramadan, ditinguished by the preformence of communal prayer on day break

Muhammed- creator of the religion, profit
 * 3. Person:** (What was this person's role?)

Jerusalem- According to the Muslim tradition, Mohammad ascended from Jerusalem into heaven. some of the sacred spots are the Dome of the Rock and the Al Aqsa Mosque.
 * 4. Sacred Sites:** (Where is this site and why is this site special?)

Mecca- is known as the "The Holiest city in Islam." Ka'ba is the most sacred spot in Mecca. It is built around a sacred black stone. According to Islam tradition, it is said to be the first place created on earth by god

Medina- Known as the second holiest city in Islam. This is where Mohammad fled after being driven out of Mecca. The Mosque of the Phophet is located in Madina

a. Sunni- is the largest sect in Islam. they follow the costums and traditions of the prophet. 940million out of 1.1 billion of Muslims belong to the sect.
 * 5. Major Branches:** (what are the differences in beliefs and actions between these sects?)

b. Shia- 120 million Shi'ite Muslims in the world. Shia and Sunni split because they couldnt agree on someone to lead the nation of Islam after Mohammad died.

c. Wahabi- The members of this sect are referred to as the"Unifiers of Islamic Practice." Most of the followers live in Saudi Arabia and almost all people in Medina and Mecca belong to the school. This sect began as a reform movement. its purpose was to get rid of Islamic societys of cultural practices interpretation that had formed over time.

Indonesia 213,469,356 Iran 67,337,681 Turkey 68,963,953 Afghanistan 29,629,697
 * 6. Primarily Located in the following countries:** (give numbers/percentages if available)

There are 5 pillars of Islam 1: To believe in one god and that Muhammad is his prophet. 2: Pray 5 times every day. 3: Take care of poor and needy. 4: Take part in ritual fasts. 5: Make the pilgrimage to Mecca.
 * 7. Core Beliefs:** (What are the central ideas to the religion?