ISLAM

ORIGIN OF ISLAM According to secular

History The origin of Islam can be

traced back to 7th century Saudi Arabia. Islam is thus the youngest of the great world religions. The prophet Muhammad (circa 570-632 A.D.) introduced Islam in 610 A.D. after experiencing what he claimed to be an angelic visitation. Muhammad dictated the Qur'an, the holy book of Islam, which Muslims believe to be the preexistent, perfect words of Allah.

According to Islam

The origin of Islam is generally accredited to the prophet Muhammad but to the devout Muslim, Islam began long before Muhammad ever walked the earth. The Qur'an was dictated by Muhammad but, according to the Qur'an, it did not originate with Muhammad.

The Qur'an testifies of itself that it was given by God through the angel Gabriel to the prophet muhammed. "This is a revelation from the Lord of the universe" The Honest Spirit (Gabriel) came down with it, to reveal it into your heart

that you may be one of the warners, in a perfect Arabic tongue" (Sura 26:192-195). "Say 'Anyone who opposes Gabriel should know that he has brought down this (the Qur'an) into your heart, in accordance with God's

will, confirming previous scriptures, and providing guidance and good news for the believers'" (Sura 2:97).

IMPORTANT PEOPLE

The Angel Gabriel visited the

Muhammad many times over a period of twenty-three years. Gabriel taught Muhammad the verses and he instructed his scribes to record them. All the revealed verses are compiled in the Qur'ran.

 Muhammad was the last prophet of the religion of Islam. Muhammad shared his new revelations with only his family and close friends. Muhammad is believed to have received. instructions from Allah to go public with his message

and openly condemn the paganism and idolatry of Mekkah. This open condemnation of idolatry became an economic threat to the prosperity of, and as a consequence, organized opposition to Muhammad and Islam began.

The Prophet Ibrahim

was born in 2100 BC. By this time, people go back to worshipping idols. He knows that these idols can't be god, so he breaks them. The people try to burn him for breaking their idols but he is saved by Allah. This restores the peoples faith.

The Prophet Ya'qub was born in 1700 BC, in Egypt. He calls people to Allah. The believers become known as the Banu Isra'il.

The Prophet Isa is born in the year 0. The people have gone back to worshipping idols. His birth is a miracle, since his mother, Maryam, is still a virgin. He can talk while still a baby. Isa is commissioned as a prophet in 30 AD. He commanded by Allah to bring the people onto the right path. He asks the people to obey Allah.

IMPORTANT YEARS

The Islamic calendar, Muslim calendar or Hijri calendar (AH) is a lunar calendar consisting of 12 months in a year of 354 days.

It is used to date events in many Muslim countries (concurrently with the Gregorian calendar), and used by Muslims everywhere to determine the proper days on which to observe the annual fasting, to attend Hajj, and to celebrate other Islamic holidays and festivals.

The first year was the Islamic year beginning in AD 622 during which the emigration of Muhammad from Mecca  to Medina, known as the Hijra, occurred. Each numbered year is designated either "H" for Hijra or "AH" for the Latinanno Hegirae ("in the year of the Hijra");

hence, Muslims typically call their calendar the Hijri calendar

The current Islamic year is 1436 AH. In the Gregorian calendar, 1436 AH runs from approximately 24 October 2014 (evening) to 13 October 2015 (evening).

QURAN [HOLY BOOK]

The Quran, the holy book of Islam, was given to Muhammad, the final prophet of Islam. The Quran contains many references to other books that God sent to prophets at different times in history –

namely, the Book of Abraham, the Torah (Taurat) to Moses, the Psalms (Zabur) to David and the Gospel (Injeel) to Jesus.

‘ALLAH’ IN ARABIC CALLIGRAPHY

TEACHINGS

1. He should always proclaim oneness of god i.e. Allah & Mohammed as his prophet Mohammed on this earth.

2. Every Muslim should offer prayers five times daily, & on Friday afternoon in a mosque with others.

3. One should give alms to the poor.

4. Every Muslim should keep fast [roza] during the holy month of Ramzan from dawn to dusk.

5. One should, if possible, go on ‘haj’ to Mecca at least once in his lifetime.

MADE BY-

ABHIMANYU GUPTA (9c)