Followers observe an extremely strict interpretation of Islam that was taught by Muhammad bin Abd al-Wahhab. Wahhabi: This Sunni sect, made up of members of the Tameem tribe in Saudi Arabia, was founded in the 18th century.Other, smaller Muslim denominations within the Sunni and Shiite groups exist. Today, Shiite Muslims have a considerable presence in Iran, Iraq and Syria. They deny the legitimacy of the first three caliphs. Shiite Muslims believe that only the caliph Ali and his descendants are the real successors to Muhammad. They accept that the first four caliphs were the true successors to Muhammad. Sunnis make up nearly 90 percent of Muslims worldwide. This led to a schism in Islam, and two major sects emerged: the Sunnis and the Shiites. When Muhammad died, there was debate over who should replace him as leader. The caliphate system lasted for centuries and eventually evolved into the Ottoman Empire, which controlled large regions in the Middle East from about 1517 until 1917, when World War I ended the Ottoman reign. Islam also spread throughout areas in Europe, Africa, and Asia. Uthman was also killed, and Ali, Muhammad’s cousin and son-in-law, was selected as the next caliph.ĭuring the reign of the first four caliphs, Arab Muslims conquered large regions in the Middle East, including Syria, Palestine, Iran and Iraq. When Umar was assassinated six years after being named caliph, Uthman, Muhammad’s son-in-law, took the role. The first caliph was Abu Bakr, Muhammad’s father-in-law and close friend.Ību Bakr died about two years after he was elected and was succeeded in 634 by Caliph Umar, another father-in-law of Muhammad. This system of leadership, which was run by a Muslim ruler, became known as a caliphate. A series of leaders, known as caliphs, became successors to Muhammad. He continued to preach until his death in 632.Īfter Muhammad’s passing, Islam began to spread rapidly. Some seven years later, Muhammad and his many followers returned to Mecca and conquered the region. This journey became known as the Hijra (also spelled Hegira or Hijrah), and marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar. ![]() In 622, Muhammad traveled from Mecca to Medina with his supporters. He taught that there was no other God but Allah and that Muslims should devote their lives to this God. ![]() Starting in about 613, Muhammad began preaching throughout Mecca the messages he received. Muslims believe that Muhammad continued to receive revelations from Allah throughout the rest of his life. The angel ordered Muhammad to recite the words of Allah. Muslims believe he was the final prophet sent by God to reveal their faith to mankind.Īccording to Islamic texts and tradition, an angel named Gabriel visited Muhammad in 610 while he was meditating in a cave. The prophet Muhammad, sometimes spelled Mohammed or Mohammad, was born in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, in A.D. Although rare, this can include military jihad if a “just war” is needed. A central idea in Islam is “jihad,” which means “struggle.” While the term has been used negatively in mainstream culture, Muslims believe it refers to internal and external efforts to defend their faith.They believe there will be a day of judgment, and life after death. Followers worship Allah by praying and reciting the Quran.Muslims also revere some material found in the Judeo-Christian Bible. The Quran (or Koran) is the major holy text of Islam.Some important Islamic holy places include the Kaaba shrine in Mecca, the Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem, and the Prophet Muhammad’s mosque in Medina.Mosques are places where Muslims worship.Muslims contend that Muhammad was the final prophet. They respect some of the same prophets as Jews and Christians, including Abraham, Moses, Noah and Jesus. Muslims believe several prophets were sent to teach Allah’s law.Islam teaches that Allah’s word was revealed to the prophet Muhammad through the angel Gabriel.They believe that nothing can happen without Allah’s permission, but humans have free will. Followers of Islam aim to live a life of complete submission to Allah.Muslims are monotheistic and worship one, all-knowing God, who in Arabic is known as Allah. ![]() The word “Islam” means “submission to the will of God.”.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |